Item 03 - 401-409 Alberto Wy - Staff Report Exh.14 - Part 1Jennifer Armer
Subject: RE: proposed Alberto Way Project
From: Shirley Ryan [mailto:shirleyrvan2001@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2016 5:49 PM
To: Planning
Subject: proposed Alberto Way Project
This project in one word, DISASTER!! Traffic already is dangerous coming in/out of Alberto, especially
when cars park on both sides of Alberto Way. We have 110 units of 55+ seniors that live in LG
Commons, who enjoy walking, plus all the other families in Buena Vista and apartment complexes.,
Noise, Dirt, pollution to the air will be terrible with such a large undertaking project. The current setting
of buildings nestle into the environment nicely-tell the OWNER he needs to market his empty office
space. Another big word: GREED!!
Best, Shirley Ryan
Resident of Los Gatos Commons
Alberto Way
1 L£,xHHHT 1 4
Jennifer Armer
Subject: RE : planned construction on Alberto way-citizen comment
From: Roman Rufanov [mailto:rrufanov@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2016 11:13 AM
To: Planning
Subject: planned construction on Alberto way -citizen comment
Dear Planner
I see marker flags came up for proposed office building in Alberto way.
I would like to voice my concerns regarding this construction.
a) Children Safety
With new traffic turning left to Alberto and left again into proposed new building -it will become impossible
for children to cross Alberto on the way to school.
• children can not cross Alberto away from stop light since cars are speeding to Alberto Oaks and there
are no speed bumps or lights
• they can not come to stop light since 200+ cars will be trying to tum there in morning
• 200 cars means that car will be turning every 15 seconds
• Large construction trucks means that driver will not see small children in from of them.
• ~·Mh~!i.A'Wi l.Y":s·lfqt liaM an~ o t ·st-op.J!gJ!t O'ct-os; it!
It is not safe and should be addressed by reducing scope of the project.
b) Fire safety concerns
Intersection of Alberto and HW9 is the only way out for community in case of brush fires .
It will be severely constrained by construction equipment and flagman for 2 years .
Access for ambulances will also be constrained when large trucks tum about or make u-tums.
It is not safe and should be addressed by reducing scope of the project.
c) Proposed building should have ample visitor parking.
Otherwise everyone will be parking in nearby steeps and complexes.
Since this is the only street -that means that it will be all taken and no space left for residents.
Also conflicts will erupt as people start parking in residential designated spots.
d) Misfit from style prospective
Nigh concrete and steel and glass building does not fit current low-key low-profile neighborhood.
I bought the property based on what I seen 1 year ago.
Tuning it into business-dominated area is not what most residents wanted when they bought their property. This
will greatly degrade quality oflife.
e) Negative impact on property value
Proximity of the large business complex will have negative impact on property values.
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Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear Joel & Jennifer,
Victor Bell <vbell40@gmail.com >
Thursday, July 21, 2016 4 :02 PM
Joel Paulson; Jennifer Armer
In Support of 401 Alberto Way Project
Having been a Los Gatos homeowner within the Creekside Village complex, I wanted to reach out to you in
support of the office project at 401 Alberto Way. I am familiar with the office buildings being proposed by
Lamb Partners and believe that this would be a great fit within the community. Given the immediate access to
the freeway and downtown, I am confident that the project will be very well received by leading high-tech
companies that will bring much needed business to our restaurants and other downtown service providers. As
Los Gatos offers few opportunities for leading edge companies to locate within the city's borders, I feel that the
town suffers from a lack of diversity and intellectual stimulation. I understand that some may have a hard time
with any form of change, but I truly feel that the subject project will be a great addition to Los Gatos.
I appreciate your taking the time to read my email and will hope good thoughts.
Sincerely,
Victor Bell
( 408)829-4853 cell
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Jennifer Armer
Subject: RE: Alberto Way Development
From: paul jensen [mailto:yorvik6@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2016 10:47 AM
To: Planning
Subject: Alberto Way Development
I wanted to add my strong objection to the proposed office development on Alberto Way. I have lived on
Alberto Way for over two years, and have been a resident of Los Gatos for almost 9 years. I go for extensive
walks daily, and am concerned about the added traffic, parking, and congestion this new project would bring.
Alberto way is home to many seniors who enjoy the neighborhood while walking their dogs , or just going out
for a stroll . The street itself is a blind "S" curve, fairly narrow, and the street parking is always crowded. I have
personally witnessed many close calls between cars and pedestrians on this already crowded street. the proposed
new development will create even more unsafe conditions for those of us that walk and cross the street daily,
and will negatively change the neighborhood.
I am strongly opposed to this project, and request the Planning Commission and Town Council to reject it, or at
the very least significantly downsize it and require much more onsite parking and noise and traffic mitigation.
Thank you .
Paul Jensen
439 Alberto Way
1
Jennifer Armer
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Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dear Mr. Paulson and Ms. Armer,
Mark Nicholson <BusMark@thenicholsonco.com >
Friday, July 22, 2016 4:51 PM
Joel Paulson; Jennifer Armer
401 Alberto Way Proposal
I am a business owner located at 20 S Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos. I wanted to take a moment to voice my support for the
Class A office proposal to be located at 401 Alberto Way. After looking through the literature, I am quite i mpressed . The
location looks perfect for office use . I am further excited about the parking requirement of 4 spaces per 1000 SF . Based on
my experiences trying to drive to my office building and then locate parking, it makes a lot of sense to build more office space
outside of the town center, where traffic is less congested and parking can be provided. I think it is important to support j ob
growth in the city, but it should be done in more strategically located places such as 401 Alberto Way.
Thank you,
Mark Nicholson
President
The Nicholson Company
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To Town of Los Gatos Planning Commission
Application for New Class A Office Development
401/405/409 Alberto Way Los Gatos Village
History:
Constructed early to mid 1960's with a Town and Country Design as a shopping
center, but converted to office space upon the initial leasing and build out process.
Complex was sold in January 1986 to CWA Realty in a private sale. CWACP (the
parent corp) needed a new office space to house its software/hardware
development operation. The failing restaurant that occupied 60% of the 401
building was gutted and redesigned and refurbished to accommodate this need.
CWACP sold off the operation which remained in place for two years, and which
them relocated to their headquarters in Mountain View in 2002, leaving this space
vacant. ( 4500 SF).
Physical:
30,000 SF comprised of 3 buildings each 3 floors, 1st floor of which is below
parking lot grade. 40% of space is on the 1st floor and has 7'ceilings, windowless on
3 sides.
Top floor-18% of total space is ADA inaccessible with no feasible way to make it
so. 1st floor is ADA accessible only with a ramp located in front of 409 buildin~ and
which makes it a long hike to the 401 building.
Lower floor has embedded storage, communication tunnels, old boiler room which
comprising about 12 o/o of the total SF.
Parking lot has approximately 260 spots with access through 3 driveways from
Alberto Way, housing trash enclosure, garden and tool shed. The flow through
design allows for unauthorized use by oversized vehicles (semi trucks, auto carriers,
construction equipment on trailers i.e.) of the parking lot by the general public.
Electric service to the individual offices is undersized for the most part -40 amp to
100 amp for most offices due to original use design.
Heating and cooling efficiency and cost is challenged by single pane windows
direction of window placement and poor insulation ability due to construction age
and methods and sizing of spaces (which range from 270 SF to 3000 SF and all sizes
in between) and the multilevel design and the directional placement of the
buildings.
Safety:
The parking lot is a constant challenge in keeping tenants and their clients safe and
in keeping the surface maintained due to the "uninvited" traffic to the property.
The "uninvited" traffic is not only vehicular, but also pedestrian. The complex has
become the default playground for children who now live on Alberto Way, the dog
park for the residents living on Alberto Way, the ride share parking lot for the
general public, the exercise track for the residential neighbors and the overflow
parking lot for both the neighboring residential units and commercial operations.
During the rainy and cold season, our below grade 1st floor and our covered
walkways as well as landscape areas become the housing for the homeless . Our
parking lots and landscaped areas coupled with our convenient location to the
freeway have made us a frequent site for the drug traffic trade along the highway
#17 corridor, as well as the "mail theft" that has become prevalent now in the area.
Summary:
The buildings which were repurposed after their construction are now 50 years old
and in need of significant repairs and remodeling to bring them up to the
infrastructure, energy efficiency and safety requirements of modern technology and
office space. The repairs and remodeling in some degree have happened over'the
past 30 years under the ownership ofCWA Realty.
However it has now reached a point where this will require demolition and
significant financial infusion to accomplish the task and to make this property a
safe, efficient and attractive addition to the neighborhood, while providing a return
on invesfmenf ti:itneTown Of Los Gatos arid -the-new-Investors·.--------------
Because of the scope of such an undertaking, CW A Realty, as a single property
owner, will not be able to stay in business while this transition happens, and
therefore does not have the financial resources to support the process.
The designs as presented by the applicant for the redevelopment appear to present
the physical and esthetic needs of an office building that can provide the safety,
energy efficiency and financial return that will serve the community of the Town of
Los Gatos for decades to come.
Prepared and submitted by
Pat Lynch
Controller and Leasing Manager for CWA Realty and CWACP since 1985.
401 Alberto Way Suite #2
Los Gatos, CA. 95032
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
paul jensen < yorvik6@g mail.com >
Saturday, July 23, 2016 3:18 PM
Jennifer Armer
Alberto Way project
Hello Jennifer. I was advised that my email objecting to the proposed project on Alberto Way was forwarded to
you, but I just wanted to follow up. I've had a chance to speak with more of my neighbors here at the Commons
condominium complex. Suffice it to say that my neighbors and I are extremely concerned, and everyone I have
spoken to objects to the project. Key concerns are the disruption, noise and pollution during the construction
phase, and the i nterference with emergency vehicles both during and after construction.
Many of my neighbors are quite elderly, disabled, and require the use of wheelchairs, walkers, and
oxygen. Their health and safety will absolutely be jeopardized by the project. The increase in traffic will result
in drivers in search of street parking, or those that miss the entrance to the new office building, to proceed
further on Alberto Way, and use our alleyways or our guest parking driveway to turn around. This is already a
problem for us, and I have been out walking and stopped by drivers who are lost or are in search of parking on
many occasions.
I urge Town staff to reject this inappropriate proposed use, and to help us maintain the residential nature of our
neighborhood.
Thank you for your attention to this matter!
Paul Jensen
439 Alberto Way
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Chris Bajorek <chris@bajorek.us >
Sunday, July 24, 2016 3:24 PM
Jennifer Armer
Planning
401 -405 Alberto Way
Dear Ms. Jennifer Armer and Members of the Los Gatos Planning Commission,
I am a volunteer for the Town of Los Gatos Adopt a Highway group. Our goal is to pick up trash from and
improve the appearance of key roads and intersections in town .
During this past Saturday, July 23, 2016 we concentrated our work at the interchange between CA Highways 9
and 17. We started work at 8:30AM and we had front row seats to observe traffic in both directions on these
two highways as well as interchange traffic in all directions. Traffic was essentially paralyzed in all di rections
but one when we started work and this condition lasted until well after 2 PM.
I have lived in several countries as well as several major cities in the US . I have never seen nor experienced
such level of traffic and gridlock before.
The subject development is proposed to as a minimum, triple vehicular trips within only a few car lengths of
the aforementioned traffic disaster. It will only make it worse.
I strongly recommend The Town adopt a moratorium on this and any other planned development until the
local and state governments.come up with and implement a solution to this unacceptable traffic problem.
Sincerely Yours,
Dr. Christopher Bajorek
120 Clover Way
Los Gatos, CA 95032
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
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To:
Subject:
Marietta Riney <mariettariney@gmail.com>
Monday, July 25, 2016 3:54 PM
Jennifer Armer
Fwd: Alberto Way development
This email is to make you and the planning commission aware of some of the concerns that the residents of Los
Gatos Commons Condo community have about the proposed development401 -404 Alberto Way. Thank you.
Peace , Marietta
Begin forwarded message:
From: Marietta Riney <mariettariney@gmail.com>
Date: June 13,2016 at 8:03:46 AM PDT
To: "planning@losgatosca.gov" <planning@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Alberto Way development
I live at the Los Gatos Commons Condos on Alberto Way and I urge the planning commission to listen and
consider the concerns of all the residents regarding the proposed development at the comer of Alberto Way and
Hgwy 9. This expansion of the use of this property, with the increase in traffic at this location, will negativel y
affect all the property owners ability to access and egress their residence. This is a llane street each way with
parking on both sides of a winding street. The recent development of the Satellite medical facility and the
renovation of the Best Western property, plus the opening of the 57 Grill restaurant have already taxed the
daily flow of traffic onto Alberto Way and the residential areas farther down the street.
The Los Gatos Commons is a senior age restricted condo complex. This means that we have frequent EMS
response teams that require an unimpeded approach to our complex. You are aware that there is this one short
street that is the only way in or out for 2 town home complexes, 2 condo complexes, an office complex at the
end of the street, and the previously mentioned h otel, restaurant, and medical facility. The demolition phase and
construction phase at this intersection will be a nightmare, not to mention the resulting increased traffic if this
development were to be built. Please take this information into consideration .
Marietta Riney
449 Alberto Way #240
Los Gatos CA. 95032
Peace, Marietta
1
Jennif er A rmer
Su bject: RE : Project on Alberto Way
-----Original Message -----
From: Karen Szabo [mailto:szabokaren4 20@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 25, 2016 7:00PM
To: Planning
Subject: Project on Alberto Way .
We as a collective group here at 420 Alberto Way are in strong opposition Of your proposed project there aT 401
Alberto Way The developers have not stayed true to the original plan and now want increases occupancy to mor e than
doubled of what they told at their first community open hou se.
This project can not and should be approved . This town is in constant grid lock no matter what time of day.
This project is not in compliance with they this town.
I have lived here my entire life and seriously, we as a town, as a community do not need this huge complex built at 401
Alberto Way We all Oppose this project all around.
Thank you,
A very upset 420 Alberto Way Resident.
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Peggy Ellett <pellett48@yahoo.com>
Tuesday, July 26, 2016 1:02PM
Jennifer Armer
LP Acquisitions Proposed Construction
I would like to pass on my very real concerns about the development currently being considered at
401-405 Alberto Way in Los Gatos. This proposed project would put an undue strain on the traffic
situation and would frequently contribute to blocking access to those of us living along Alberto Way.
can imagine that emergency vehicles might have difficulties gaining access to the street at certain
times of the day. This intersection is already becoming congested and in the summer it is even
worse. Current efforts to stem the use of this area for "detours" to the coast are not very successful
and adding more congestion to that mess has the potential to become a nightmare.
I urge you to not approve this project. It is not in the best interests of those of us already living here
and I do not believe it contributes to the quality of life in Los Gatos in general. While I understand the
need for economic growth, I think it is in the best interests of Los Gatos to control that growth so it
does not become a detriment to our way of life.
Peggy Ellett
443 Alberto Way, Unit 8219
Los Gatos, CA 95032
360-921-7995
Jennifer Armer
Subject: RE: Concerns for the Construction on Alberto Way
From: Sasha P [mailto:sashaprs@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2016 1:48 PM
To: Planning
Subject: Concerns for the Construction on Alberto Way
Dear Planners,
I believe that the new planned construction would be disruptive to the residents living on Alberto Way.
-Construction would cause a lot of traffic
-big trucks are a safety hazard to small children and/or pets
-there are about 20 kids who walk to school and having trucks driving around would be very dangerous and a
recipe for disaster
-the noise would be very difficult to live with especially if a family has a newborn baby
-the amount of gas in the air would not only make it uncomfortable to live in and will cause a lot of pollution
That's why I believe it would be a good idea to scale down the project idea for the safety and well being of
surrounding neighborhoods.
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
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To:
Subject:
Dear Jennifer
Jim Wagner <jimwag49er@aol.com >
Tuesday, July 26, 2016 2:30 PM
Jennifer Armer
401-405 alberto way project
I am writing to you about my concerns regarding this proposed project that is being considered at the above address . I am
a new resident at the Commons down the street and moved here with a lot of p ride and happiness. The beauty of this
area is priceless and I value everything I now own.
I cannot attend the upcoming meeting but want to voice my feelings , opinions and my say about this big mistake. I am
very, very much against constructing a two story office building and underground parking of any sort in this location. First
of all it is a quite area for seniors, mostly condos on a dead-end street, consider the traffic in and out, the already
resident parking in the street and the only way in and out of Alberto Way for all of us. AND THIS FOR TWO
YEARS? With ongoing construction and trucks in and out every day with noise and dust and possible health issues I
don't think anyone would want to live this way
If this project is approved , it will cause a lot of congestion and daily problems with traffic at the corner and having a two-
story building at that corner will be an eye-sore and block the view of the trees and mountains which we basically pay for
by living here. This is a residential area and not suited for office buildings, businesses or parking garages.
If this project is approved , then what happens to the value of our property and our ta xe s? We are all seniors here at the
Commons and take pride with what we have and DO NOT WANT THIS PROJECT TO TAKE PLACE.
I ask the Planning Department to strongly deny this request to build this project a nd save t he environment as best we can
and not destroy the good that we have left.
Thank You.
Marge Wagner
443 Alberto Way #8222
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
1
Jennifer A rmer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Hi Jennifer,
Samira Hamidi <seslambo@yahoo.com >
Tuesday, July 26, 2016 4:06 PM
Jennifer Armer
401 -405 Alberto
I am writing to you in regards to 401-405 Alberto new developments . My husband and I
live in 443 Alberto way and are completely against this development. We were attac hed to
his community bec ause it is quiet and away from office buildings. We absolutely don't
want to deal with more noise , traffic and construction. Our vote is NO .
I am planning on attending the meeting on August 1Oth.
Thank you,
Samira and Fazi
1
July 24, 2016
Cit y of Los Gatos
RECEIVED
JUL 2 6 2016
TOWN OF LO S GATOS
PLA.NN ING D!ViSiON
I just went to the meeting at 401 Alberto Way regarding the ma~~ive 92
thousand sqft building they would like.
The drwaings looked really nice and the architecture ok. They talked about
traffic and how it would not be impacted . They said their plan with regards
to the buildings met au of the town requirements. They said they wanted to
build townhomes and the city said no.
I mentioned that the two other properties nearby; the los gatos lodge and
the buildings at the end of our street are underutilized and development is
in the future. They said they can not consider the uni verse when ptanning
their site. The person who owns the buildings at the end of our street said
he would like to redevelope his property and the amount of sqft hes
looking for is astounding .
I said to the people that they need to consider these other sites when
planning their site. He said no, they consider whats going on now but not
tn the future. I said you should consider these variabfe because the public
does. We tend to look at the big picture, not just one parcel at a time. He
said the city tends to take each parcel at a time and theirs does meet
exactly what the city is looking for.
The parcel at the end of Alberto is 5.5 acres and has 56 thousand sqft of
office space. Could you imagine what he woutd want if this company gets
92 thousand on half the space. 35 feet high is high especially when its all
the way around two huge buildings.
They will plant trees bordering us. How high, what type. They may drop
stuff on us and their roots may intrude and ruin our driveway. When they
did up their asphalt it could ruin our olive trees bordering our property.
500 people will enter/exit from there daily and often more than once .
Couple this with a build out of LG Lodge and the parcel at the end of
Alberto Way. The city will have a nightmare of a traffic issue on Los Gatos
Sarato9a road.
The he1ght of the buildings bordering our home is to high and will lower
our home vatues. t spoke to two rea1tors and they agreed and atso
mentioned the homes that had a view will now look at the side of a
building whieh will have a significant negative value effeet of those homes.
Sinceryly: , ~ I '--~~ tv{Wl?f-
Bradford Martin
435 Alberto Way #3
Los Gatos
City Of Los Gatos
RE: PROPOSED BUILDING AT 401 ALBERTO WAY
My name i& Brad Martin and i live at 436 Alberto Way it'3 .
I want to mention a few things about this proposed office building and Los Gatos .
OVefafl I am pro development and I ooderstand this property is under utif~ed eonsidering
its size .
Having underground parking is good and also a reason to ask for more sqft of building
space but it does not decrease traffic flow .
The height of the two story buitding should not be any higher 1han a normal two story office
building. The building should not stick out like a sore thumb. The city and residents do not
need a DiS buiiGing staring them in the faee, ShooiEt ee pleasant arehiteet\1re; oot two big
blocks sitting there . Trees and shrubs should soften the area surrounding the structures.
The devetoper sent out a eard to residents asking for input. They seem to indicate that the
city is ok with their overall plan . That the traffic in general and at the intersection will be just
fine. They did a traffic study. Oh, a traffic study, wow I guess they are right, NOT.
Alberto Way is very high density residential. lllefe are several good size office buildings at
the end of Alberto Way and in fact this property is also significantly under utilized. Those
buildings are realty nice but one day some develOPer may want another highrise there
because its at the end of the street and wont affect anyone, right?, NOT.
The hotel renovation at the comer is very nioe for sure and I was surprised to see they were
allowed to have so much square footage built on that lot.
Los Gatos Lodge across the street. Now there is a property just ready to be developed .
One day it will be done and the traffic to and from that property will increase significantly.
This among other items needs to be considered when helping the developer plan the
building at 401 Alberto Way.
I live nere in U3 and like the town, its a great plaee to live fer many reasoRs . Its a large eity
with a significant amount of commerc ial property. I believe the more large buildings the
more congestion and tess desirabte the city wif1 become.
Ask almost anyone who lives here , they will say that traffic is now having a significant
negative impact on Los Gatos residents . We are inundated by beach traffic on the
weekend. So much so that residents need to snake around to get home. The amount of
ttafftc Off hwy 17 from people cutUng through LG to get to cupertino and beyond is large .
You have me North 40 and other 1~ parcels on LG 61Vd all Whlch Will increase congestion
on the roads. Netflix and the new building is nice but again its there with all the employees
and their cars.
The city needs to ask itself, when is enough enough. I know people have a right to
develop their property but size matters now more than ever . ,-rere is a huge property LG
Lodge looming in the future. This proposed big 92,800 sqft building at 401 Alberto is
ridiculous for this area.
We are at a tipping point. Even if you dont live on Alberto Way, addin9 another huge
building aftyWhere irt the eity is rtet good fer residents aRd especially 1tlis massive sqft
project so close to town .
Je nnifer A rmer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Raymond Toney < raymond.toney2@verizon .net >
Wednesday, July 27, 2016 3:14 PM
Jennifer Armer
401-409 Alberto Way project
I am writing on behalf of the residents of Los Gatos Commons Sr. Community. A group of us met with the Developers of
the new office complex at 401-409 Alberto Way and we were told that the fire department had already approved the
project. I do not see how, at this stage of development, this can be possible. I would like to know whom to speak to at the
Fire Dept, to confirm this . Alberto Way is a dead end street with no extra fire safety exits , except for a small , one way
street for emergency exit, through the neighboring project's streets to Bella Vista St. which exit is blocked off and
gated . The additional traffic caused by the add ition of 380 cars at that project would cause ernergency traffic to be
delayed . The developer stated that their project's traffic study showed it would take one m inute per car to clear their
garage. This equates to one hour per 60 cars leaving the underground parking garage . The other fire hazard is that
there is only one entrance and exit to and from the parking garage. Alberto Way is a very narrow street as it is and there
is no room for two cars to pass side by side with the number of cars parked on the street on both sides. Thanking you in
advance for this information,
Raymond M. Toney, Past President, Los Gatos Commons Homeowner's Association. 453 Alberto Way, #241, Los
Gatos, Ca. 95032
(408) 354-5735
1
Jennifer Armer
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Subject:
Dear Mr. Paulson and Ms. Armer,
Nick Casaccia <nickcasaccia@gmail.com >
Sunday, July 24, 2016 8:17 PM
Joel Paulson; Jennifer Armer
Lamb Partners Office Development -Alberto Way
My name is Nick Casaccia, and I am a 22-year los Gatos resident. I am writing to you in support of the lamb Partners'
Class A building complex on Alberto Way.
While the development would be aesthetically beautiful, the basis for my support comes from the economic and social
wellbeing impacts that such a development can provide. From an economic perspective, a new office development
brings with it a higher property tax base which will increase town revenue and contribute to the school system that Los
Gatos residents, including my family, have benefitted from. The development will also bring jobs to los Gatos, which
directly supports local commerce . From a social wellbeing perspective, the expected tenants of the development are
likely to be technology companies, who will incentivize their employees to utilize sustainable transportation methods to
and from work.
Thank you for your consideration of these points,
Nick Casaccia
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Raymond Toney < raymond.toney2@verizon.net>
Wednesday, July 27, 2016 3:14 PM
Jennifer Armer
401-409 Alberto Way project
I am writing on behalf of the residents of Los Gatos Commons Sr. Community. A group of us met with the Developers of
the new office complex at 401-409 Alberto Way and we were told that the fire department had already approved the
project. I do not see how, at this stage of development, this can be possible. I would like to know whom to speak to at the
Fire Dept, to confirm this. Alberto Way is a dead end street with no extra fire safety exits, except for a small, one way
street for emergency exit, through the neighboring project's streets to Bella Vista St. which exit is blocked off and
gated. The additional traffic caused by the addition of 380 cars at that project would cause emergency traffic to be
delayed. The developer stated that their project's traffic study showed it would take one minute per car to clear their
garage. This equates to one hour per 60 cars leaving the underground parking garage. The other fire hazard is that
there is only one entrance and exit to and from the parking garage. Alberto Way is a very narrow street as it is and there
is no room for two cars to pass side by side with the number of cars parked on the street on both sides. Thanking you in
advance for this information,
Raymond M. Toney, Past President, Los Gatos Commons Homeowner's Association. 453 Alberto Way, #241, Los
Gatos, Ca. 95032
(408} 354-5735
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Dick McGowan <dickmcgowanl14@gmail.com >
Thursday, July 28 , 2016 2:15 PM
Jennifer Armer
401 -405 Alberto Way
My heart sank when I saw the orange netting going up on the corner of Alberto way.My husband and I downsized a year
ago after living off of Quito Road for 47 years raising a family there . We were happy to find the Commons because this is
a road less traveled and a place for families, we enjoy seeing children out playing, walking our dog without much
traffic.The atmosphere here is peaceful and the thought of another redevelopment in our back yard not to mention the
noise and congestion for 2 years is very distressing my husband.
I see so much greed these days it breaks my heart.
Please do not approve this plan.
Constance McGowan
453 Alberto Way
Sent from my iPad
Je nnif er A rmer
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Marjorie Cahn <artmarj@aol.com >
Wednesday, July 27, 2016 10:26 PM
Jennifer Arme r
Planning ; artmarj@aol.com
Proposed Project 401 -405 Alberto Way, Los Gatos, CA
Att. Jenn ifer T.C. Armer, AICP and the Los Gatos Planning Commission :
We are Los Gatos Residents who moved here 46 years ago to enjoy the tranquil quiet atmosphere of a small town.
Since that time, there has been a slow decline in the quality
of life in Los Gatos fueled by the re-development of small land parcels resulting in increased population density and ever
increasing traffic and gridlock.
The proposed 401 -405 Alberto Way Project is the poster child for such desecration of our small town way of life.
This project proposes to triple the square footage of the current office building with new construction and provide a
massive increase in parking facility to approximately 400 spaces with a
significant resultant increase in vehicular traffic in an already impacted area. The parking garage is evidently designed
with a single entrance ramp which will doubtless lead to cars backing
into and obstructing Alberto Way's vehicle and pedestrian access particularly during peak times of garage usage .
The intersection of Highway 9 with Los Gatos Blvd. and the on and off ramps to Highway 17 are already becoming
disastrous. The increased vehicular density in this limited area of 1-2
blocks is certainly a formula for severe problems.
The city permitted the over-development of another parcel on the same corner of Highway 9 and Alberto Way which
has already lead to increased difficulty in pedestrian and vehicular
access.
We can only shudder to imagine the futu re ? development of a much larger parcel: the current site of the Los Gatos
Lodge and its impact on the same beleaguered intersection.
The city's traffic engineer reports, while voluminous, fail to address the fact that incr easing vehicular traffic materially
will functionally close off Highway 9 to local traffic and severely impact
the quality of life of Los Gatos residents in general and Alberto Way residents specifically.
Los Gatos can survive without an additional 60,000 square feet of office space. We need to put the quality of life of
Los Gatos Residents before the convenience and income of outside
developers.
Sincerely yours.
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Jennifer LaForce <jenniferlaforce@gmail.com >
Tuesday, August 02, 2016 8:12 AM
Jennifer Armer
Opposed to Architecture and Site Application S-15-056 I Conditional Use Permit
Application U -15-009
Follow up
Flagged
I am opposed to the 93K sq ft Office Building which is proposed between Hwy 17 & Los Gatos Blvd. It
will generate more traffic than the recently denied North 40 proposed residential development. Our
roads are already way too congested and the developer has vastly under-stated the limit of traffic &
congestion it can add to Los Gatos. This affects everyone in the area who travels on Hwy-9 and Hwy-
17
The Planning Commission should "just say no!" to this one too .
Thank you,
Jennifer LaForce
Los Gatos Citizen and driver of both congested roadways
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
To Jennifer.T Anner
Paul Gundotra <paulgun007@gmail.com >
Monday, August 01 , 2016 5:05 PM
Jennifer Armer
401-405 Alberto Way Project
Follow up
Flagged
As a resident of the area at 439 Alberto way #209, I strongly object to this proposed development on various
grounds. Here are some of the reasons:
The traffic at the light as is now, is very congested during the rush hour and during the school opening and
closing hours. There is only one lane out of this community. At the light if some one is making left, every one
has to wait, even those making right. Many times this light is only good for 15-20 seconds and only two cars
can get by. During school hours , I have missed two lights waiting to get through. I think that is very
unreasonable. As it is we need two lanes, one for left tum and for straight and another one for right tum. Adding
more cars to this only one way our of this community will only make thing unbearable for the resident all ready
living here.
During construction phase and ongoing would impede emergency vehicles from getting in and out from the
Commons.
We would be exposed to air and noise pollution.
During evacuation if and when called for, this new construction would make it impossible to do so in a
reasonable and safe way.
Finally, This project does not harmonize, nor blend with the scale and rhythm of this neighborhood oflarge
senior residents. (see Town of Los gatos, 2020 general plan CD-1.2)
Paul Gundotra
954-667-7285
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Dear Planning Commission team,
Elizabeth Borelli <elizabethborelli@outlook.com >
Monday, August 01, 2016 8:04 PM
Planning; Jennifer Armer
Architecture and Site Application S-15-056, Conditional Use Permit Application
U-15-009
Follow up
Flagged
I writing to oppose the 93K sq ft Office Building proposed between Hwy 17 & Los Gatos Blvd .
It will generate more traffic than the recently denied North 40 proposed residential development. Our roads are
already way too congested and the developer has vastly under-stated the limit of traffic & congestion it can add to
Los Gatos. This affects everyone in the area who travels on Hwy-9.
Please help to preserve the integrity of our township and keep the highways safe.
Elizabeth Borelli
22565 Summit Road
Los Gatos, CA 95033
Jenni fer Armer
Subject: RE : 401 -409 Alberto Way project concerns
From: Sergey Melnik [mailto:sergmelnik@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, July 29, 2016 1:49AM
To: Planning
Subject: 401-409 Alberto Way project concerns
Dear Planner,
I live in the Pueblo de Los Gatos apartment complex across from the proposed construction site at 401-409
Alberto Way and I would like to raise my concerns and oppose the project for the reasons expressed b e low.
1. Safety.
During construction there will be sidewalk closures, so I and my children will have to use the road to go to
school or downtown.
Increased number of cars (and trucks during the construction phase) and people compromises security and
safety. Many cars entering and exiting the new buildings will impose additional safety risks for me and my
children when I walk or bike passed the building, which is the only way out. And we like to bike and walk!
2. Evacuation route.
Our complex is at the street that is a dead end. To evacuate, we would need to pass the proposed building. It
will make it impossible for many people residing in the residential complexes and commercials building to
evacuate quickly, should there be any disaster.
3. Noise and dust.
Our complex is just across from the site and construction will inevitably result in the increased noise and dust.
Considering that construction most likely will take around 2 years, that would a significant factor on its own
that reduces our quality oflife in our complex and affects health of my children.
4. Traffic issues.
Having massive commercial buildings nearby in addition to existing commercial complex at the end of
Alberto Way, new restaurant, health facility, inn and three residential complexes on a single lane road will
significantly increase the traffic considering that there is only one way out of our street. Waiting times at the
light will be several times increased both in and out of Alberto Way. Delivering kids to their activities will
become a problem.
5. Reduced air quality.
Many cars idling at the red light or rushing on yellow will produce additional emissions to the air we breathe.
I'm concerned about my family health implications .
6. Non-conformant style and obstr ucting the view.
The big buildings proposed are not inline in style with the other buildings nearby. Having it at this location
also will obstruct the view on the mounta ins from our complex. M inor annoyance for some and property value
cut for others.
7. Reduced proper ty val ue and taxes to town.
Big commercial building (with all the problems described above) in the cl os est proximity will change our
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Victor <denisov.victor@gmail.com>
Friday, July 29, 2016 9:32 AM
Jennifer Armer; Planning
construction
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Dear Planning Commission,
Follow up
Flagged
We are unpleasantly surprised to see proposed construction size at Alebrto way.
The flags show shown huge construction which will negatively impact our life.
Can please review proposed plans and scale them down or cancel all together?
The troubles which this will cause us are listed below:
1. Access for emergency vehicles will be restricted since large construction trucks will take one lane and
flagman will control other. This is crucial issue since resident's age at Alberto Commons is over 60 and quite
often over 70 years old
2. No escape during brush/forest fire.
Proposed construction could block the only exit from Alberto Way.
Current forest fire at Big Sur shows that fires are possible very close to Los Gatos.
3. Noise and dirt during construction.
Current construction at HW 9 & HW 17 shown that dust inevitable during construction. This will negatively
impact many all residents and especially the ones with astluna.
4. Too large and will create too much traffic.
400 cars turning left every morning and will create traffic jam at HW 9 and Alberto interaction. People will start
parking on the street to same couple minutes and we will loose any free parking spots (used by quests and
visiting relatives)
5. Construction will deprive of only walking route.
Alberto way is the only available is the only walking street for older residents .
We can not go up the hill (HW 9 south) or down the hill (hw 9 north) due to need to cross 4 ramps.
With construction vehicle present we will loose the last opportunity to walk.
Could you please seriously look into these issues?
Mari a & Vi ctor D eni sov
650-422 -967 4
439 Alberto Way, Unit A208 , Los Gatos CA 95032
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Dear Ms Armer
Lindsay Catterton <lcatte5850@aol.com>
Frida y, July 29, 2016 11:05 AM
Jennifer Armer
401-405 Alberto way
Follow up
Flagged
I have been a homeowner in Los Gatos since 1969 and now residing at 439 Alberto Way #1 05A (The Los Gatos
Commons) I have watched the growth and change of this lovely community all these years and now cannot imagine
anyone wanting to come new to this area!! The traffic is beyond out-of-control and seemingly nothing we can do about it at
present time. Schools are beginning to lose their highstanding due to potential overcrowding. It is difficult to even go to the
grocery store any day of the week and don't even try on the weekends!!
I am opposed to the rebuilding of 401-405 Alberto Way!!! How can you even consider an underground parking with only
ONE WAY in and out?!! The strain on traffic entering and leaving the East Los Gatos exit to Hway 17 will be
unimaginable!!! PLEASE REJECT THIS PLAN!!!
Sincerely Yours,
Lindsay M. Catterton
439 Alberto Way #1 05 A
Los Gatos 95032
also
244 Lorna Alta Ave
Los Gatos 95030
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Nicole Lanvin <nlanvin@hotmail.com >
Friday, July 29, 2016 2:56 PM
Jennifer Armer
Re : Architecture and Site Application S-15-056 Conditional Use Permit Application
U-15 -009
Follow up
Flagged
Re : Architecture and Site Application S-15-056
Conditional Use Permit Application U-15-009
I am a resident of Los Gatos (owner of 18 clifton ave, los gatos) and in opposition to the approval of the above
commercial building . Traffic in our town has become nightmarish and seems to get worse every year. It seems that
the proximity of the proposed building both to downtown and to hwy 17 would only add to the problem exponentially
thus deteriorating life in the town that we love . My family chose to move to Los Gatos because it was one of the few
cities in the South Bay that actually felt like a real "town" as opposed to living in urban sprawl.
Thank you for your consideration ,
Nicole Levy
415-497-2773
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Fl ag Status:
Hello,
arun venkatesan <arun.venkatesan@gmail.com>
Friday, July 29 , 2016 3:05 PM
Planning; Jennifer Armer
Strongly oppose the proposed 93K sq ft Office Building between Hwy 17 & Los Gatos
Bl vd.
Follow up
Flagged
A 93K sq ft Office Building is proposed between Hwy 17 & Los Gatos Blvd.
It will generate more traffic than the recently denied North 40 proposed residential development. Our roads are
already way too congested and the developer has vastly under-stated the limit of traffic & congestion it can add
to Los Gatos . This affects everyone in the area who lives in LG and travels on Hwy-9.
I would like to STRONGLY OPPOSE this application .
-Thanks
Arun
1
Jennifer Armer
To:
Subject:
Planning; arun venkatesan
RE: Strongly oppose the proposed 93K sq ft Office Building between Hwy 17 & Los
Gatos Blvd.
From: arun venkatesan [mailto:arun.venkatesan@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, July 29, 2016 3:05 PM
To: Planning; Jennifer Armer
Subject: Strongly oppose the proposed 93K sq ft Office Building between Hwy 17 & Los Gatos Blvd.
Hello,
A 93K sq ft Office Building is proposed between Hwy 17 & Los Gatos Blvd.
It will generate more traffic than the recently denied North 40 proposed residential development. Our roads are
already way too congested and the developer has vastly under-stated the limit of traffic & congestion it can add
to Los Gatos. This affects everyone in the area who lives in LG and travels on Hwy-9.
I would like to STRONGLY OPPOSE this application.
-Thanks
Arun
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Jennifer,
Jean Francisco <jeanfrancisco23@yahoo.com >
Saturday, July 30, 2016 11:15 AM
Jennifer Armer
401-405 Alberto Way Proposed Project
Follow up
Flagged
I am resident of Los Gatos Commons Unit 159 and would like to express a few concerns about the 401-
405 project.
My unit faces the front drive right at the entry point and so I frequently observe emergency vehicles
entering the drive (others are going to the back of the complex so these I do not see). As we are a senior
community this is expected and becomes a concern for accessibility during and after construction of this
new proposed project. I urge serious consideration of our safety. It is bad enough they we have only one
entrance/exit in case of a natural disaster or evacuation.
Construction on the motel corner was on going and challenging but we made it through . This project
present a much larger challenge which we again will be impacted. Please give traffic, dust and dirt, road
closures, and the like serious consideration in the approval of this project.
I am for progress but when truncated streets are involved, we need to be considered seriously.
Looking forward to seeing our concerns taken seriously and included in final approved plans.
Thank you,
Jean Francisco
453 Alberto Way #159
408-402-3355
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Planning Commission:
Joan K Larson <joanklarson@aol.com >
Saturday, July 30, 2016 11:39 AM
Jennifer Armer
401 -409 Alberto Way
Follow up
Flagged
I am very concerned about the proposed construction of the complex at 401-409 Alberta Way. The fact that there is
only one outlet and entrance to the road will cause many problems not only during the construction time. The huge
under ground parking includes more traffic than the intersection will handle efficiently even after the completion of the
complex. And any emergency vehicles may be delayed too long.
Who knows who will be renters in that complex ---so a traffic study is only a guess as to the timing. The roads are
heavily crowded now. Why add this much more traffic!
Sincerely,
Joan K Larson
441 Alberta Way #114
Los Gatos, CA 95032-5431
Sent from my iPhone
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
harry motro <harrymotro@gmail.com >
Saturday, July 30, 2016 1:26 PM
To:
Subject:
Planning; Jennifer Armer; Harry Motro; Carol ICE Motro
Obmection to 401 & 405 ALBERTO WAY LOS GATOS, CA 95032
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Follow up
Flagged
Dear Town of Los Gatos Planners ,
I am writing to protest the 93K sq ft Office Building that is proposed between Hwy 17 & Los Gatos Blvd .
Re: Architecture and Site Application S-15-056
Conditional Use Permit Application U-15-009
It will generate more traffic than the recently denied North 40 proposed residential development. Our roads are
already way too congested and the developer has vastly under-stated the limit of traffic & congestion it can add
to Los Gatos. My wife and I live on Pine Avenue in Los Gatos and this will affect us when we travel on Hwy-9.
Please do not approve this.
Sincerely,
Harry and Carol Motro
17161 Pine Ave , Los Gatos 95032
Harry Motro, Psy.D ., Marriage and Family Therapist, P.C.
CA Li c ense MFC 53452
Mo bile: +I 408 823 28 22 ::: www.hanyrnotro.com
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication and attachments (if any) are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity
to which they are addressed. Unauthorized use of this communication is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication
in error, please immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail and delete it without further review. disclosure, or copying. Thank you.
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
NO. This is a BAD idea.
thomas bloink <jenbloink@gmail.com>
Sunday, July 31, 2016 7:50AM
Jennifer Armer
Proposed Office Building Between Hwy 9 and LG
Follow up
Flagged
1
Jennifer Armer
From: David Garnett <davidngarnett@gmail.com>
Sunday, July 31, 2016 12:02 PM Sent:
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: 401-405 Alberto Way Proposed Project
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Ms. Armer,
Follow up
Flagged
I am a resident of the Los Gatos Commons senior resident complex at 449 Alberto Way. I am adamantly
opposed to the propo sed development planed for 401-405 Alberto Way:
• Traffic congestion and density issues:
o Traffic added by construction related vehicles during construction would impede emergency
vehicles from getting to and leaving the Commons. Unfortunately, residents at our complex
often require such aid.
o Vehicle traffic going to and coming from the huge business complex after completion of the
project would also impede emergency vehicles from getting to and leaving the Commons.
o In an emergency that requires evacuation our residents would find it difficult or impossible to
evacuate in a timely manner.
o Similarly, ordinary and urgent vehicle trips by our residents would be hindered.
• Construction vehicles are notorious for the excessive amount of noise and air pollution they issue. Such
air and noise pollution would have significant negative health impacts for our residents, many of whom
have respiratory health or other health issues .
• This project does not suit the scale and rhythm of our neighborhood, which is dominated by our senior
residednt complex. There are also several other residential complexes on our block. Having a large
business complex at the head of the street does not comply with the Los Gatos 2020 Town Plan which
calls for the harmonious blending of new and old . This planned project is the essence of disharmony!
Regards, David N Garnett
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Dear Ms. Armer,
Doralyn Stephenson <budoristeph@comcast.net>
Sunday, July 31 , 2016 4:52PM
Jennifer Armer
Planned Development at 401 -409 Alberto Way
Follow up
Flagged
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the Proposed Development Project at 401-409 Alberto Way. My husband
and I have been residents here in Los Gatos Commons for a period of 10 years in a condominium owned by our daughter
Cynthia McMahon and son-in-law Terrence McMahon.
As you know, the Commons is a senior community. My husband is 87 years old and I am 86. There are many residents
here that are well into their 90's and one that is 102. My concern is that emergency vehicles will not be able to respond
in a timely fashion if called during peak traffic hours .. I know first hand how important this response time is as my
husband recently suffered a stroke . I was very happy to see the faces of our wonderful responders as I sat alone with
him in the bathroom, phone in one hand and trying to keep him upright until help could arrive . I have witnessed many
times over the years when the paramedics have had to be called for other res i dents. The response time is crucial to
survival in many cases .
In addition I have many other concerns. As you are aware, the Town of Los Gatos is experiencing a traffic CRISIS already.
There are some times that it is necessary to wait for 2 changes of the light to get through the intersection of Alberto
Way and Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd. Even then, motorist on Los Gatos-Saratoga Rd . pass through the light and stop
partially in the intersection, or go through the intersection and stop partially in it because traffic between Los Gatos Blvd
is backed up to Alberto Way waiting for the light on the Blvd to change and allow them to move on . Adding the
additional traffic that the proposed project will generate will only exacerbate the traffic congestion down Los Gatos-
Saratoga Rd . in both direction
Alberto Way is a narrow street with parking allowed on both sides of the street, making it difficult for cars to pass if they
meet coming from opposite directions. This is a land locked area with the only entrance and access being the
intersection of Alberto Way and Los Gatos-Sartoga Rd. Allowing increased dens ity will affect not only Alberto Way and
the residents here, but also will affect traffic both ways on Los Gatos Saratoga Rd . and the traffic on University, Santa
Cruz Ave, Winchester Blvd. and Los Gatos Blvd, which is already problematic.
This project does not seem to be in harmony with existing land use. The project will take a long time to complete and
offer blocked roads, noise and pollution to the existing residents. Thank you for your attention to my concerns.
Sincerely,
Doralyn Stephenson
449 Alberto Way, Unit C-139
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Terry McMahon <terrymcm@comcast.net>
Sunday, July 31, 2016 6:05 PM
Jennifer Armer
Mr.,and,Mrs. Stephenson Stephenson; Planning; John Mittelstet; Cindie McMahon
Fwd : Objections to Project 401 -409 Alberto Way EIR
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flagged Flag Status:
Dear Ms. Armer,
I am re-sending my email to you of June 13 , 2016 relating to Project 401-409 Alberto Way. I wanted to make
sure my comments will be available to you and the Planning Commission.
Thank you and the Planning for your consideration of these most important issues and the adverse impact that
the currently proposed project will have on The Commons and the neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Terry McMahon
408-605-5089
From: Terry McMahon <terrvmcm@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: Objections to Project 401-409 A lberto Way EIR
Date: June 13, 2016 at 7:29:59 AM HST
To: Jennifer Armer <JArmer@losgatosca.gov>
Cc: Planning <Pianning@losgatosca .gov>,
"raymond .toney2@verizon. net" <raymond .toney2@verizon.net>, Cindie
McMahon <cindiemac@comcast.net>, "Mr.,and,Mrs. Stephenson
Stephenson" <Budoristeph@comcast.net>
Dear Jennifer,
Thank yo u for confirming receipt of our objections.
We are deeply concerned about the dangers to the Alberto Way community that
this project clearly presents.
We greatly appreciate the consideration of our comments by you and the Planning
Commission.
Best Regards,
Terry McMahon
On Jun 13 , 2016, at 10:08 AM, Jennifer Armer <JArmer@losgatosca.gov> wrote:
Hello Terrence and Cynthi a,
Thank yo u for your email regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Report
(DEIR) for the 401 to 409 Alberto Way development project. Your comments
will be ad ded to the written comments on the D EIR which are being accepted
1
1) This project TRIPLES the amount of commercial square footage on this parcel.
2) This project adds under ground parking with a huge total of 390 parking
spaces, a substantial increase.
3) Alberto Way is already a narrow street, that with allowed parking on both
sides, is so restricted that moving vehicles traveling in opposite directions can
barely pass, if at all. The project's drastic increase in traffic will make passage and
access to Highway 9 near impossible.
4)This large project creates a very DANGEROUS situation for Los Gatos senior
citizens.
With the use and parking density increases of this project, emergency vehicles
will have an impossible task of serving the needs and gaining access to The Los
Gatos Commons where hundreds elderly Los Gatos citizens have lived for years.
The needs of our senior citizens appear to have been over looked.
This development creates a situation ripe for a medical disaster for our seniors.
5) Alberto Way is dead end, single access point street that is the only access to
The Commons and all the other residents in this already very dense area. This
project geometrically increases all the critical access problems to the entire
Alberto Way community.
Please do not allow this project to endanger the citizens already living on and
around Alberto Way.
Sincerely,
Terrence P. and Cynthia L. McMahon
15237 Alma Jo Court
Monte Sereno, California
95030
Owners of Unit C139
449 Alberto Way
Los Gatos, California
95032
3
Jennifer Armer
Subject: RE: Architecture and Site Application 5-16-001
From: Claudia Dencker [mailto:claudia@mariposaartbooks.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2016 7 :09 PM
To: Planning
Cc: 'John Nerness'; 'Claudia Dencker'
Subject: Architecture and Site Application S-16-001
Dear Planning
Commission,
July 31, 2016
We are writing in response to a notice we received in the mail regarding property, APN 529-06-025,
Architecture and Site Application S-16-001. My husband and I own the property 428 University that
abuts this property on the backside .
We are writing to express our concern regarding the variance waiver that was granted. Our property
is on a hill and the property on 477 Wraight Avenue was scoured flat. This has resulted in a 3' foot
drop between the two properties with our portion of the hill held back by a retaining wall.
This retaining wall in the past has been problematic. In fact the retaining wall that is currently in
place is the 3rd iteration since we've owned the property.
We are gravely concerned about the proposed reconstruction for the follow i ng reasons :
• The poles show a 2' distance between garage structure and retaining wall. Furthermore we
believe that the retaining wall has an "L" shape footing. The proposed construction is much
too close and would undermine the wall footings during construction .
• Retaining walls don't last forever . Repair and a redo will be complicated if the only space to
work is 2'; as such it will be difficult I impossible to duplicate the strength and longevity of the
current wall.
We request that the property line variance waiver be rescinded .
Furthermore we request that the garage remain in its current location so that open access for heavy
equipment to the retaining wall can be maintained.
Thank you for your time and consideration of our requests.
Kind regards,
1
Jennifer Arm er
Fr om:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Dear M s. Ar mer,
Denny Alff <dennyalff@icloud .com >
Monday, August 01, 2016 10:19 AM
Jennifer Armer
Re 401 -409 Alberto Way
Follow up
Fl agged
We are res idents of the Lo s Gatos Commons, a senior condo residence on Alberto Way.
We STRONGLY renoun ce the planned commercial development on the corner of Alberto Way and Hiway 9. It would truly
be a disaster for our residential peaceful and amazingly quiet (considering proximity to Hiway 17) way of life.
The ease of passage onto/exiting Alberto Way would be seriously compromised, particularly during two years of
construction .
During this construction time I can only imagine the noise generated into the neighborhood. Truly awful.
We have many residents here who have daytime caregivers . Th eir ability to evacuate their charges would be seriously
compromised if an emergen cy were to occur.
Again, that scenario is almost unimaginable, con sidering the 390 parked cars planned for this new con stru ction .
Please , plea se give this your most serious consideration when contemplating approval for this project.
We will be at the meeting, ----all of u s, in force----on the evening of Augu st lOth.
Se e you then!
Sin cerely,
Denny Alff
Unit D152
Sent from my iPhone
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Raymond Toney <raymond.toney2@verizon.net>
Monday, August 01, 2016 1:20 PM
Jennifer Armer
401-409 Alberto Way, Los Gatos, Ca.
Follow up
Flagged
Dear Ms. Armer. In opposition to the above noted project, I bring to the town's attention , a flaw in the design of the
parking set-up. The 401-409 design has 360 underground parking spaces with only ONE egress and ingress opening
onto a single two lane street, Alberto Way. A far better plan is the Safeway building in downtown Los Gatos which has
only 122 underground parking spaces with in and out access onto TWO wider streets . The Safeway design is far better,
safer and less intrusive than 401-409 emptying, into this small residential street. 401-409 will add a lot of traffic into the
town when the tenants arrive, leave to go to lunch at midday, return from lunch and leave again at close of
workday. Thank you for your interest. Raymond M . Toney, 453 Alberto Way, #241, Los Gatos, CA.
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc :
Subject:
Importance:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Dear Sir/Madame,
Anita Beahm <anita@beahmdesigns.com >
Monday, August 01 , 2016 1:36 PM
Planning
Jennifer Armer
93K sq ft Office Building -Enough is Enough!
High
Follow up
Flagged
I'm emailing to object strongly to the plan for this office space to move forward.
Los Gatos is already congested beyond belief.
Los Gatos is a small town with limited in/out traffic options where development proposals should be considered very
carefully.
This property could ruin the already declining character of the town and quality of life for the citizens within.
Anita Beahm
408-489-1396
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Dear Jennifer,
Marina Shorina <marina_shorina@mail.ru>
Monday, August 01, 2016 2:05 PM
Jennifer Armer
Planning
Please stop 401 -409 Alberto Way project
Follow up
Flagged
I hope what you stop the project for the following reasons:
1. The construction will negatively impact our health.
2 . Increased number of the cars will result in noise, dust and traffic jams getting increased too and that will lead
to degrading of ecological environment in our area.
3. Going to and from the school will become unsafe for the kids.
4. During construction there will be issues with internet, electricity and water.
5. I think it's wrong that concrete building will be obstructing the beautiful view of the mountains.
I would like to live in safe, quite place, with the clean air and quick access to HWY 17 . This area is not an
industrial area, there are families with the children, who live here.
To conclude, I think that construction of the new buildings should be banned.
Sincerely yours,
Marina Shorina, Pueblo de Los Gatos
Date: June so, 2015
From: Harold Vital e
T o: Jennifer T. Armer
Community D evel o pment Department
110 E. Main St.
Los Gatos, CA 950SO
Dear Jennifer,
RECEIVED
AUG 0 1 2016
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
I am a r es ident uni t owner in Los Gatos Commons at 45 1 Al berto Way Unit 15 1. I am writing
you to express my co n cerns r egardin g the proposed n ew office b uilding at 401 Alberto Way. I
strongly urge the Co mm unity Devel opment Department of Los Gatos to not app rove the
proposed d evelopment. My primary reasons are listed below :
1.0 The T r ansportati on Impact An alysis prepared by the City is model ed to only
incl ud e traffic fl ow after the n ew building is completed and being used. It does not include a ny
consideratio n of traffic flow during the co nstruction phase when it is r easonable to expect
periods of high traffic density, i.e. heavy & light co n struction equipment along with
transporting of building materials . In addition the traffic of construction personnel i s bound to
cause additional traffic entry/exit delays for our residents.
2.0 I believe construction is es timated to take o n the order of 2 years . This is a long
time for the elderly r esidents ofLos Gatos Commo ns to be subjected to increase d negative
impact to the ir way oflife. During the construc tion phase ther e will also be signifi cant noise
and air pollution, a hindrance t o o ur citizens health. This is a community of elderly citizens
and we should be fmding ways to improve their way of life not adding difficulties to
their way of life.
S.O My understanding is the proposed building will be for busine ss offices. It is very
likely that many of the busines ses will have cli ents and o ther services for which parking is
req ui red. Besides parking, this will increase the flow of traffic in and out of the 401 Alberto
Way property. I d o not believe this has been treated in the Transportation Impact Analysis.
W hat will the impact be?
4 .0 Othe rs have writ ten to you expr essin g their concerns regarding impeded traffic for
Emergency Vehicles and if ever necessa ry, Emerge n cy evacuation. There could be many
persons at risk of r eaching safety in the event of most Emergencies and defmitely so in the
event of Evacuation. In my opinion there co uld b e serious congestion of vehicl es attemptin g to
ex it or enter this area.
5.0 Having r e ad the Transportati on Impact Analysis I am concerned about the real-
time duration of peak delays wh ereas the analysis results are g iven in t erms of average delays
over 2 h o ur intervals. M y concern is that a calc ulated average s mooths out the peaks and
val leys in the real time data. I feel this understates the impact. I would like to know what the 5
largest del ays a nd 5 smallest delays are as well as the average for the various intersection wait
d elays. Can yo u provide that t o me?
Thanks in adv ance for r eading my l etter and the le tters of others in our community. Please
read and carefully consid er the petition from our Los Gatos Commons residents and p lease
li sten to o ur vo ices at the Public Hearing on August 10, 2016 and finally, please do not
approve the pro posed property d eve lopment.
Best Regards,
Harold Vitale
Dr. Loretta Fowler
451 Alberto Way, #247
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Planning Commission
Los Gatos, CA
July 29, 2016
Dear Commission members,
I live in the Los Gatos Commons~ a condo complex restricted to senior citizens. We have many
people living here who are in their 80s, 90s, and one or two over 100 and who are ill or disabled. Our
residents frequently use ambulances or other transport for medical care.
The proposed project at 401-409 Alberto Way would create traffic congestion and delay that
would put us Commons residents at risk. I strongly oppose this project.
There apparently has been no assessment of the impact of the proposed project on emergency
vehicles. The traffic study evaluates the general impact of the project by using projected figures. These
figures are not based on actual data and do not reflect conditions in Los Gatos. The traffic study, I
believe, underestimates not only the inconvenience but also the threat to our health and safety .
In an emergency situation (a gas leak, fire, flood, etc.) all the residents on Alberto Way would be
at terrible risk. There is only one exit out of the Alberto Way cui de sac. Several businesses, offices, and
four residential developments have to use that one exit to evacuate currently. An additional390 cars
from the proposed project would have a disastrous result in an emergency.
I also strongly feel that this proposed huge structure would be incompatible with the character
of the neighborhood and the natural setting. Traffic congestion in Los Gatos already interferes with the
quality of life and an additional 390 cars entering and leaving the town would make the situation
considerably worse.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
~
Loretta Fowler
RECEIVED
AUG 0 1 2016
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
MsArmer,
Betsy Sickler <betsysickler@yahoo.com >
Tuesday, August 02, 2016 10:40 AM
Jennifer Armer
401-405 Alberto Way
I am a 78 year old resident of the Commons on Alberto Way and am 100% opposed to the proposed development for
401-405 Alberto Way.
As you probably know the Commons' residents need to be 55 or over to reside here. The majority are elderly and many
have serious medical conditions which require multiple trips to doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, etc. Alberto Way is a
short 2 way street with only one way out and has lots of street parking due to lack of more available space for residents .
We do NOT need more vehicles on our street let alone 390 of them . The traffic would be deplorable. And what about
the emergency vehicles that frequent the Commons.
I understand this development would take 2 years to complete. All this time during the demolition and construction we
would be exposed to air and noise pollution neither of which are conducive to a healthy life style especially for seniors.
The traffic in los Gatos has become a real problem. There are only 3 ways I can get home and the other weekend I tried
all3 and it still took 25-30 minutes to get here from only a short distance away. I couldn't get home in the case of an
emergency.
Please, please take all of this into consideration as the LP Acquisitions, LLC is attempting to get permission for this
development.
Thank you for your time.
Betsy Sickler
Sent from my iPad
1
To the Town of Los Gatos from local residents who oppose the
Architectural & Site Application S-15-056, Conditional Use
Permit Application U-15-009, Environmental Impact Report EIR-
16-001. RECEIVED
Overview AUG 0 4 2016
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
• Summary of concerns and objections to demolish three existing offitft!ANNING DIVISION
buildings and construct two new, two-story office buildings with
underground parking at 401-409 Alberto Way.
• Detailed study & report authored by Bob Burke showing why this proposed
development does not conform to the Town of Los Gatos 2020 General Plan.
• Signed petition from local residents opposing Architectural & Site Application
S-15-056 and Conditional Use permit U-15-009.
Concerns
Size . Mass. Bulk. and Hei&bt of Buildin& .
The proposed buildings are >3 times the size of what's th~re now (93,000 sq. ft. vs. 30,000)
It's height is taller than any other structures in the area, and compared to the residential
buildings in the area and it does not fit into the neighborhood. In addition it will take away
about a dozen parking spaces on the street currently used by residents and their guests.
Furthermore, we were told the number of employees the buildings can hold is 350. In
reality, they are capable of holding up up to 735 with high tech companies' bull pen seating
layouts.
The Proposed development also removes many large mature trees & bushes, then replaces
them with small ones.
The buildings will obstruct the view of the mountains and sunsets for the residents (which
is one of the beautiful things to look forward to at the end of day), and is incompatible with
the neighborhood.
Also, many of the residents in the front of the condominiums on the street have home
offices. The construction noise and disruption will make it impossible to work.
Therefore the proposed development is incompatible with the character of the
neighborhood and transforms it from a low impact residential bedroom community in an
open space tucked away in a wooded area to a "concrete & glass jungle" dominated by a
large commercial space.
Reduced property value
Big commercial building (with all the problems described above) in the closest proximity
will change our status of desired cul-de-sac area and will reduce our property values. This
will be especially pronounced for those owners with views today.
Safety Issues: Children and Elderly
With new traffic turning left to Alberto and left again into proposed new building -it will
become difficult and possibly unsafe for children to cross Alberto on the way to school.
Children cannot cross Alberto Way from stop light since cars are speeding to Alberto Oaks
during morning and evening commute time.
With potentially 325-700 new vehicles to turn trying onto Alberto in the AM Rush,,
children & elderly are ~ndangered crossing either Alberto or Hwy-9 at the signal light.
Large construction truck drivers could possibly ·not see small children in front of them.
And Alberto way does not have any other stoplight to cross at !
Traffic issues
Approval of the application will foreclose the possibility of renovation or replacing the
Hw-17 & Hwy-9 Intersection leaving Los Gatos with permanent congestion. The
Intersection. needs renovation or replacement before approval.
Having a new 93,000 Sq Ft commercial building in addition to existing new restaurant,
health care facility ,Best Western Inn, Alberto Oaks Office Park and four residential
condominium complexes on a two lane road will significantly increase the congestion of
traffic considering that there is only one way in and out on our street Waiting times at the
light will be several times increased both in and out of Alberto Way.
This will also cause reduced air quality as many cars idling at the red light or rushing on
yellow will produce additional emissions to the air we breathe.
Increased traffic compromises security and safety (during the construction phase and
after completion) During construction there will be sidewalk closures, so residents,
(families, children, seniors), will have to use the road to walk on to go to and from school or
downtown.
Many cars entering and exiting the new buildings will impose additional safety risks for
all that pass the building, which is the only way out.
In addition we all have Health issue concerns because of16-18 months of Noise, Dust, and
Pollution during construction phase.
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Conte nts
I. These Comments are from Re sidents and Members of these HOAs : ............................................................................ 2
II . Qualifications-Bob Burke, Author ................................................................................................................................. 2
Ill. The PD does not Conform to the Town of LG 2020 General Plan .............................................................................. 2
2020 General Plan Section 2: Vision ................................................................................................................................... 2
2020 General Plan Section 3: Land Use .............................................................................................................................. 3
2020 General Plan Section 4 Community Design Element ................................................................................................. 4
LP Acquisitions, LLC Illustration of the PD 's Buildings is misleading .............................................................................. 5
Actual View of the PD from the Northeast with Story Poles .......................................................................................... 6
2020 General Plan Section 6: Transportation .................................................................................................................... 6
The PO's Transportation Impact Analysis contains Errors, Understates Trip Gen eration and is Missing Material Info 6
The traffic Report clearly shows evidence that any Development in Los Gatos worsens already bad Hwy 17
Congestion ...................................................................................................................................................................... 8
The Traffic Study as filed contains errors, omissions & data too old to use .................................................................. 9
Existing Traffic Error in PD Traffic Analysis : Alberto Way & Hwy-9 .............................................................................. 11
The PD Traffic Analys is describes the present EB Hwy-9 AM Rush gridlock: ............................................................... 12
Raw Traffic Data Files from the May 12, 2015 Study have been deleted and are no longer available for scrutiny .... 14
Changes need to be made to the Hwys-17 & 9 Intersection to prevent Gridlock ....................................................... 14
Approval means"LG & Caltrans pay for Changes to the CA9 & CA17 Interchange ....................................................... 15
Sensitivity Study elements that need to be added ....................................................................................................... 16
LP Acquisition LLC understates Traffic by presenting only the f ewest employees and longest rush period ............... 16
Office Spac e Layout 1 -401-405 Alberto Rd = 735 employees with a highly "Efficient Custom" layout .................... 18
Office Space Layout 2 -401-405 Alberto Rd = 505 employees with an "Efficient Rule of Thumb" layout .................. 19
Office Space Layout 3 -401-405 Alberto Rd = 425 employees with a "Typical Rule of Thumb" layout ...................... 19
Office Space Layout 4-401-405 Alberto Rd = 375 employees: "Spacious Rule of Thumb" layout ............................. 19
Trip Co unt Sensitivity Study .......................................................................................................................................... 20
Traffic into and out of the PD Garage will increase AM Hwy-9 Spillback that extends to University .......................... 20
The PD Garage will cause intolerable AM & PM Congestion on Alberto Way ............................................................. 21
2020 General Plan Section 9 Environment And Sustainability Element.. ......................................................................... 21
2020 Gen eral Plan Sect ion 10 Noise Element .................................................................................................................. 21
IV. Conclu sion: Plea se deny the Application .................................................................................................................. 21
li Page
I. These Comments a r e from Residents and Members of these HOAs:
Pueblo de Los Gatos (53 Units at 420 Alberto Way) directly across from the Proposed Development (PD)
The Commons (110 Units at 445 Alberto Way)
Bella Vista (47 Townhomes in Bella Vista, just past 240 Alberto Way)
Las Casitas #4 (18 Townhomes at 435 Alberto Way)
II. Qualifications -Bob Burke, Author
BS-EE, MS-EE & MBA
Waiting Line Theory and Traffic Engineering education both formal and on-the-job
Electronic Network Traffic Engineering
Current and Past High Tech Employers: AT&T, Cincinnati Bell, AVAYA, Alcatei-Lucent, Cisco, NETGEAR
US Patents : 3 in Broadband Networking and three in Software Defined Networking, Content Distribution & Control
Product Management :-Networking Systems
Four decades in Network Engineering
Community Organizer for Water Proceedings at CPUC (vol unteer)
Former HOA President and Board Member (volunteer)
Former Mutual Water Co Officer & Board Member (volunteer)
III. The PD does not Conform to the Town ofLG 2020 General Plan
In each section below, we describe why. The Present Application cannot be approved .
2020 General Plan Section 2: Vision
+ Foster a pedestrian-oriented community with a small-town character;
Alberto Way has two commercial properties at its intersection with Hwy-9 pr esently and one at the end. We have
constant traffic issues with the speed of vehicles to and from the commercial property at the end. The pri ncipal problem
is that the curve between 420 and 401-409 + 435 limits sight. When limited sight is combined with speed, there are
frequent near misses.
Residents from Alberto Way frequently walk to Town and must cross two dangerous Hwy 17 exit ramps. Foliage severely
limits visibility to pedestrians and drivers, who cannot see pedestrians until they're within unsafe stopping distance.
There is no Hwy 17 exit ramp accident record described within the EIR.
The increased vehicular traffic generated by the PD disrupts our pedestrian use of both Hwy-9 and Alberto Way. We
have a large population of children and seniors. There is no alternate Pedestrian or vehicular exit from Alberto way.
21Page
. ·Furthermore, the Propo se d Development (PO) contains no provisions to address the disruption from higher vehicular
traffic volume after completion nor the purported 15-16 month construction disruption.
+ Be a full-service community that is also environmentally sensitive;
The increased vehicular traffic during and after construction will bring increased air pollution to Alberto Way. The
construction itself will bring an increased level of air-borne allergens.
2020 General Plan Section 3: Land Use
• The mandates of the Safety Element are reflected in the designation and
location of land use, the permitted activities within designated areas, and
the patterns of land use that support defensible space, the Town's contingency
plan, and fire and other hazard mitigation.
As noted our Vision comments, Pedestrian Safety is compromised both during construction since it blocks our use of the
sidewalk in front of 401-409 and after occupancy with the increased danger to pedestrians from the additional traffic it
generates.
The PO contains no design element to address the dangers it generates to pedestrian safety.
+Air quality is improved by land use patterns that minimize vehicle travel
within the Town.
The PO degrades air quality via the increased vehicular traffic it generates, a special threat to our seniors and children
• The Conservation Element goals address protecting and enhancing the
natural environment. Programs that retain natural features such as tree
preservation, limited grading, and water conservation maintain the natural
character of Los Gatos.
The PO removes many large mature trees & bushes, then replaces them with small ones.
• The Open Space Element refers to the location, character, and use of
parks, recreational facilities, and preserved, unimproved land.
The PO contains no significant open space that can be used recreationally by the public despite using about 1 of the 2+
acres for buildings.
+ Distribution, location, and extent of land uses for categories of public or
private uses . Such categories include, but are not limited to housing,
business, industry, open space, natural resources, recreation and enjoyment
of scenic beauty. education, and public buildings and grounds.
3I Page
. 'The PD is so high that it destroys the scenic beauty enjoyed by Alberto Way Residents, our Visitors, Best Western Guests
and employees of the local businesses.
Particularly hard hit are the 420 Alberto Way owners and residents whose "View Unit Condos" face Alberto Way; are
along 420's South drive near Alberto Way; or are ~long the west side of 420's North Drive. All of these "View Units"
have scenic, sunlit views today that the PD would, if built, remove. This situation also occurs at 435 Alberto where the
PO not only blocks the N. building's scenic sunlit views but also affords PO's 2nd floor Tenants a view into their children's
bedrooms.
This will depress the market value of the "View Units," for which the PO does not propose to compensate owners.
The PD furthermore attempts to remove about a dozen of "our'' on-street parking spaces and LP Acquisitions, LLP
declines in meetings with us to provide any substitute parking to Alberto Way Residents. We already have on-street
parking congestion, which was made worse by the addition of Grill 57.
All but 2 of 420 & 435 Alberto Way's Visitors and many of their Residents use on-street parking: the on-street parking
was a design feature f Alberto Way.
+ Population density and building intensity standards for land use designations
The PDs buildings are massive compared to what's there now and to the residential buildings in the area. Furthermore,
LP -AGquisitions, LLR understates the number Qf ~mQI()y~~s the buildings can hold at 350. In reality, they are capable of
holding up to 746 and high tech companies are convertin~-to. th;;'bullpe ~ ~~atlng d~-sig~s that allow this maxTriium
number.
The PD is therefore incompatible with the character of the Neighborhood and transform it from a low impact residential
community in an open space tucked away in a wooded area to a "concrete & glass jungle" dominated by a large
commercial space.
2020 General Plan Section 4 Community Design Element
The Town Council & Planning Commission would have heard a lot more from Alberto Way residents had LP Acquisitions,
LLC Development presented us with a rendering that was representative of the actual proposed structure earlier this
year when it held the first round of community meetings.
The PO does not conform to these Town of LG Policies:
Policy CD-1 .1 Building elements shall be in proportion with those traditionally in the neighborhood.
At 93,000 sq. ft ., the PDs buildings are massive compared to what's on the site now and what's in the neighborhood.
They are further proposed to be built so high that they deny us continued enjoyment of the neighborhood's mountain
views and depress property values in 420 Alberto Way's "View Units."
41Page
• 'story poles is not at all what was communicated to those of us who attended the initial Open House and town meeting
last year ... they have pulled what we consider a classic "bait and switch."
The PO is massive, would dominate the neighborhood, destroy our pleasant residential setting and our view.
Here is the present Story Pole View taken as 3 photos showing the PD buildings: First photo shows the left side and the
second photo is the right side of 401-409 Alberto from 420 Alberto, across the street.
Actual View of the PD from the Northeast with Story Poles
2020 General P-lan Sec-tion-6: T~ansportation
The PO's Transportation Impact Analysis contains Errors; Understates Trip Generation and is Missing
Material Info
The PO can generate 4x-8x the Peak Vehicle Traffic vs. LP Acquisitions, LLC's Traffic Report and LP Acquisitions, LLC
shows no sensitivity traffic study
+ Roadway System and Standards: Definitions and1descriptions of the types of roadways and service standards for los
Gatos.
The PO's traffic study incorrectly illustrates the Peak Traffic (Jams) at the Alberto Way & Hwy 9 Intersection. This is
d iscussed below.
+Existing Transportation Conditions: A description of traffic operations in los Gatos.
The PD contains no Peak Period vehicle flow chart for the intersection of Hyw-17 & Hwy-9 and fails to show the Full Peak
Period traffic count at Hwy-9 & Alberto, either as a result or deliberately in combination. This is a condition of great
importance in the PDs approval. The Alberto & HWY-9 intersection, as well as Hwy-9 intersections with LGB, Hwy-17,
Un iversity and Santa Cruz are plagued with traffic jams in both Am and PM Rush Periods. This is discussed below.
6I P a ge
· + Other Transportation Networks and Facilities: Descriptions of bikeways and trails, truck routes, ra il, bus, paratransit,
parking facilities, and pedestrian facilities .
The PD proposes no addition to the trailway system, which it could, to improve pedestrian passage over Hwy-17.
Furthermore, the current Hwy-17 Rail replacement will, if a sidewalk is placed and used by pedestrians, still require
pedestrians to cross dangerous and mostly blind freeway exits .
The PD elevates Hwy-17 Traffic thereby increasing the danger to pedestrians as they cross the Hwy-17 entrance and
particularly exit lanes.
+ Planned and Proposed Transportation Improvements: Descriptions of planned and proposed transportation
improvements for regional and local transportation infrastructure in Los Gatos.
The PD fails to note the serious implications that the absence of any Caltrans Project to renovate or replace the Hwy-
17 & Hwy-9/ntersection. The traffic generated by the PD will push the Peak to unacceptable levels. The Peak, when
fully calculated taking into account the ACTUAL sum of Vehicles entering the Intersection will push the Hwy-9 & Alberto
intersection from its current LOS, which is not presently a "B" as mis-represented in the Traffic Analysis to an even more
that fully congested level. The PD will cause Gridlock . This is fully discussed & illustrated below.
The PD, if Built, will permanently disable the Hwy-17 & Hwy-9/ntersection 's future replacement or renovation by
Caltran due to its inordinately costly requirement to condemn, purchase and remove a significant portion of the· PO,
particularly the proposed 405 Alberto Way.
Hwy-17 has been named one on California 's most dangerous roads due to its high traffic volume and its condition.
The Hwy-17 & Hwy-9 Intersection was one of the earliest freeway intersections built in the US. Designed in the late
1930's and completed circa 1941, it was part of the Hwy-17 WW-11 defense construction intended to defend us against
Japanese invasion. The beaches of Monterey Bay are perfect amphibious landing zones, unlike much of the Bay area
coast. Concurrent with Hwy-_17's completion, all the Santa Cruz Mountain tunnels were dynamited closed to prevent the
rail's use by invasion forces.
The Hwy-9 & Hwy-17 Intersection is in present need of renovation to convert the single lane sections on both ends to
two lanes in each direction. The PD leaves insufficient empty land to enable this with incurring extreme cost.
The Town of Los Gatos must require that a renovation or replacement is completed prior to start of the PDs
construction.
+ Goals , Policies, and Actions: A list of goal, policy, and action statements that are intended to improve transportation
and circulation in Los Gatos.
As filed by LP Acquisitions, LLC, the PO generates more Traffic than the residential apartment PD in the North 40 that
was recently denied by the Planning Commission . Furthermore, LP Acquisitions, LLC misrepresented to us in community
meetings that the Town of LG conducted the traffic study. Hexagon's report identified ·that Lamb (not LP Acquisitions,
LLC) was its client, not the Town and verified this when interviewed (Ollie Zhou).
7 1 Page
·The traffic Repo rt dearly shows evidence that any Development in Los Gatos worsens already bad Hwy 17
Congestion
This Freeway Capacity and level of Service grading table alone shows how bad the los Gatos Area Hwy 17 is congested
and is alone enough to prove that the Planned Development should be permanently rejected, along with all other
developments in los Gatos until Hwy 17 is widened by 1-2 lanes in each direction from Yz mile N of Hwy 85 to at least
Bear Creek Rd: and its intersections is improved. Pushing either or both rush hours to worse E or F levels of Service,
which are already unacceptable, is sheer folly. Hwy-17 accidents hit their highest level in decades:
http://www.mercurvnews.com/bay-area-news/ci 28416215/crashes-highway-17-at-highest-level-decade and Los Gatos
traffic is at new heights, especially when School is in session.
Note how bad the Level of Service LOS) is on both sides of LG-Saratoga, Hhwy-9, on Hwy-17: The PD Traffic Analysis
understates Peak trips it generates and also fails to show the full number of exits & entrances between Hwy-9 & Hwy-17
as illustrated in its Table from Page 19, Figure 7 of its' Traffic Analysis shown below after "Existing Traffic Volumes"
below or the Intersection's LOS shown in its Table 4.
We're stunned that this wasn't caught before now.·
Table2
Freeway Segment Capacity Evaluation
Furthermore, as we show in section b: the Traffic Study as submitted contains significant errors & omissions. They work
to the Applicant's favor in failing to correctly present the existing traffic and the new traffic generated by the PD. Busy
Period trips both existing and generated by the PD are underestimated in the report to the maximum extent possible
and in reality the BH trips generated will be many times greater after the PD is occupied.
This PD will adversely affect all residents in the Town of Los Gatos and its extraterrestrial community of interest which
extends south to include all who reside within the LG -Saratoga HS District.
SI P age
The Traffic Study as filed contains errors, omissions & data too old to use
Since t he Traffic Study's Delay figures are far lower than those we and others we know in Los Gatos encount er, we
interviewed Ollie Zhou of He xagon on July 26 about certain aspects of the traffic report that pertai n to the Avg Delay,
level of Service & Flow Counts.
In community meetings, lP Acquisitions, llC stated that the Avg Delay was for an entire day. Mr. Zhou asserts that the
Avg Delay is computed for the Busy Hour (7:30-8:30AM and 5-6PM). No attempt was made to track counts withi n 10 to
15 minute intervals during the busy hour for use in computing Peak Average Delay.
When asked what dates the traffic counts were made, Mr. Zhou represented them as May 12, 2015 for the non-CA 17
studies and that Hexagon did not perform any CA17 or CA17 entrance or exit traffic count study: the traffic data came
from an August 2013 Caltrans study that was made while Los Gatos schools were not in session.
This is in contrast to this statement that lam placed in the Traffic Report:
Existing Traffic Volumes
Existing traffic volumes were obtained from new traffte counts conducted in January and May 2015, and
the 2014 Vf A 's CMP lRAFFIX database. The e xistir:lg tratfic volumes at the study intersections include
the lraffic being generuted by the existing buildings on the site.
The existing AM ond P M peak hour intersection volumes are shown graphically on Figure 6. The traffic
count data .are included in Appendilc A.
When asked who counted the traffic on May 12, Mr Zhou represented that the traffic is counted by software that is run
against the camera(s) monitoring the intersection at Alberto & CA9. Hexagon h i red IDAX to do the traffic count and h
software that IDAX used, however, he suspects it id Miovision. An interview with Mr. Mark Skaggs at IDAX confi rms they
did the job. Mr. Skaggs represented that his California Manager is out of town for the next 2 weeks and that Mr. Skaggs
cannot verify if IDAX used video recording with software analysis or manual traffic counting for this job. He did confirm
that they did the job. We recall seeing the rubber hose pneumatic traffic counters in the roadway at Alberto & Hwy 9 in
May 2015. It was not a job done with Video Recording and Software based counting.
Here are two "poster child" Errors and Outages in the PO's Traffic Analysis
looking at 3 in the following 2 diagrams, we will add the current & future vehicle counts entering & exiting Alberto Way
in the AM & PM and then compare them to Table 6 below:
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'Figure 6: PDs Existing Traffic Analysis on un-numbered page 14 (above) Intersections & Peak Flows : Alberto & Hwy-9
does not balance when the flows from Hwy-1 7 are included. The intersection of Hwy-17 & Hwy-9 is MIA from this
Illustration. Its flow chart is needed to complete the study and its absence is suspicious.
~()-~~l!'_e!!C!~~¥:. Tra!Jspof!~~~~!l..!':.":'P..~~na_!ysi~------,----·---·---·· ________________________
1
____________ ....
11 ·2 13 if !4 15 I .,_.., II ,_ I < ,. "'R I 2
I ~~~ :8~~ I ;;; ~ :1,.., I <QiO O> : ~~! '--154(158) I ~@ "\_ 179(101) a-~ ~ 12(30) I ~ I ~~ 't . 72160)
i li»G-J l, -867(392) l loo~ J 1 1 -1110(500) loo<lo»>o 1 I o-960(788) l l .. -) l I , I ' -2S/i1) 1 ~•"-90 4 ··16S(292 ) , ~ 4 't -220(243) ~~01<<90 4' • 5(19) ~~•"90 4 ~~ 4 1 • r •2l9(152)
II 193(354)-t ,. l 35(35! ,, TT ,.. i 70(77) __ rt I 332{525) l l I 39(~) 1 rt l(o~-:.:,
48 1(745)-·t l..u.. I 600(1063 ·-· .1..JJ.. I 805(!21)--t l )_ ~ 9(£)·-+ l .J . .
I 84(165)+ ~~~ I 56(94 + :0~~ 22(34)-. ~ 5!1i(347)+ ~~ 31(121+ ~i2::;;
;:-a;o;; I ~ N~ ::; ~ : ;;;-~ N"8f -~ ~;::;"' i ~ <:;~-i. ll .,;.., ~ ~-
' ~'! I ! : <l I <3 L---~-! __ ___!_ -------~---J-----~-----_1 ____ !• ------
Figure 7: PDs Existing+ Proposed Traffic Analysis page 19 (above) Intersections & Peak Flows: Alberto & Hwy-9 does
not balance when the flows from Hwy-17 are included. The Hwy-17 & Hwy-9 is also an MIA intersection from this
Illustration. Its flow chart is needed to complete the study and its absence is also suspicious.
When these two Peak Hour traffic flow diagrams are viewed together on the same page with the Trip Count the PD
proposes, it's clear that the PDs Traffic Analysis did not use the Peak Hour Trip Generation in its Table 6 below to
assemble the "Proposed+ Existing" trip count and LOS illustrations: they either erred or just made them up.
Looking at AM trips into Alberto Way: Existing= 81 (69+11} and Proposed= 82 (70+12).
But t-he added-trip count is far greater in Table~6 below~ whi.e;h shows ~~ded pe~k Trips into !h~~~ are 130 i~~~_! ~M.
So based on Table 6, Proposed AM trips into Alberto Way= 211 (81 existing +130 extra) vs . the 1 added trip shown in
the traffic flow diagrams in Figure 71
Likewise, Looking at PM trips exiting Alberto Way: Existing= 103 (32+71) and Proposed= 111 (75+36).
But the added trip count is far greater in Table 6 below, which shows added Peak Trips into the PO are 102 in the PM.
So based on Table 6, Proposed PM trips into Al berto Way= 208 (103 existin~ +1()5 extra) vs . the 8 added trips shown in
the traffic flow diagrams in Figure 71
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·AM Rush Hour Eastbound Hwy-9 (LGS Rd) cou nt of vehicles arriving at the Alberto Way i nter section:
Existing vehicles entering the EB Hwy-9 Intersection at Alberto Way as shown in the Traffic Study's Figure 6 above, for
the intersection of CA-9 & Alberto page 14 figure 6 = 796+69+22 = 887
Vs: Sum of EB Vehicles arriving at the Hwy-9 & Alberto Intersection after exiting from CA-17NB to CA-9EB + CA 17S to
CA9EB shown in Table 4+Vehicles leaving University EB on CA9 from Figure 6:
= 379 (NB CA17 to EB9) + 1103 (SB17 to EB9) + 944 (from University)= 2,372
This is lower than present traffic since Table 6 uses the old 2013 NB & SB CA-17 to EB9 Caltrans Counts obtained from
Jordan Chan 9-17-15 as stated by Hexagon's Ollie Zhou .
PM Rush Hour Eastbound CA 9 (LGS Rd) count of vehicles arriving at the Alberto Way intersection:
Shown in the Traffic Study, for the intersection of CA-9 & Alberto figure 6 = (68+807+34) = 909
Vs: Sum of Vehicles entering the CA9EB & Alberto Intersection exiting from CA-17NB to CA -9EB + CA 17S to CA9EB +
Leaving University EB on CA9 = 125 + 758 + 1193 (leaves Univ: 35 + 1048 + 94} = 2,076
There is no Table in the report that contains the EB Hwy 9 count of vehicles leaving University that exit from HWY-9 to
Hwy 17 South or North, figures that are needed to fact check the EB Hwy 9 traffic that is reported to flows from Hwy-17
to Alberto. These exits are the only missing data, a too convenient omission. This appears to be a deliberate omissi on. It
furth~r appears that revised pages 13 & 14 were pasted into the Appendix H Traffic Analysis without re -pa~inating, an
obs-ervation we fil')d suspicious and we wonder ~f-tl'le originals showed-the much higher traffic flows~~ ~ect__b~s~d ~n
the Hwy-17 Rush Hour Exits to Hwy-9 .
If the Town does not permanently reject The Proposed Development, the Traffic Study must be re-done with
updated 2016 Hwy-17 freeway traffic shortly after the start of the LG local school sessions in late August I early
September.
The PD Traffic Analysis describes the present EB Hwy-9 AM Rush gridlock:
Alberto Way and Los Gatos~Saratoga Road
During the AM peak pefiod, heavy traffic wlume was observed only OB the eastbound feg of los Gatos-
Saratoga Road_ There was ~illboctl from the downstream ifltersec:tion on los Gatos-Saratoga Road at
Los Gatos Boulewrd. As a resutt, the inner eastbound through Jane on Los Gatos-Saratoga Road queues
to the SR 17 southbound on-ramp, and the outer·eastbound through lane on Los Gmos-Saratoga Road
queues onto the SR 17 northbound off..famp. Because of the spilbaek issue from Los Gatos Boulevard,
the eastbound through movement on Los Gatos-Saratoga Road requires sevens! signal cycles to dear
the queue.
During the PM peak period, the westbound through movement on los Gatos-Saratoga Road receives
moderete queues that extend toward tbe location of the Bella Vjsta Avenue overpass, but all clear within
one signal cycle. No other operational issues were observed.
In addition to the highly errored count of EB Hwy-17 arrivals shown above, since the Eastbound Hwy-9 spillback backs up
from LG Blvd to block the ex it to NB Hwy-17, it means that the Level of Service at Alberto Way cannot be a "B" nor any
better than LGB or Hwy-17, which is not addresse d at all.
All Los Gatos Resid ents who use EB Hwy-9 in the AM Rush are acutely aware of the congestion.
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Furthermore, LP Acquisitions, LLP fails to note in this description that CA-9 has its right hand lane blocked at each end of
the HWY-17 Overpass, is one lane immediately before and after the overpass or that the PO will generate enough traffic
to make the gridlock much worse during the rush period:
Los Gatos·Saratoga Road (SR 9} is a four lane al1eria! roadway adjacent to the project site. It extends
from los Gatos Boulevard in a northwesterty direction. At the town boundary of los Gatos and Monte
Sereno, it changes name to Saratoga..t.os Gatos Road. Saratoga-:l.os Gatos Road transitions to
Saratoga-Sunn)'ll81e Road al the intersection of Big Basin Way {which is. the continuation of SR 9} &'1d
Saratoga Avenue. l...os Gatos-Samtoga Road has a median that begins east of .the SR H interchange
and continues to Masso! Avenue. Los Gatos-Saratoga Road forms Ule southern boundary or the pro,~ect
site.
And with Alberto's placement on Hwy-9 between University and LG Blvd, whose LOSs are shown below from Tables 5 &
8 to be C a'nd D respectively, the Alberto & Hwy-9 intersection is surely not a "B" LOS either "now" or "as proposed ."
TableS
Background Intersection Levels of Service Summary
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T.dM8
a~ .. .,,... ~Mite~ .~.e--ct&tnt.bl ~
Raw Traffic Data Files from the May 12, 2015 Study have been deleted and are no longer available for
scrutiny
We interviewed Mr. Mark Skaggs at IDAX, the company that Hexagon hired to do the Intersection level traffic study. He
said the counts may or may not have been done via video recordings and Miovision software analysis. When asked for a
copy of-the Videos IQAX tgp~ ~JJri_ng !he t!affic count study, he disclosed that if they used video counts, they had already
deleted the video files.
We object to this Traffic Analysis use as a basis to even vote on this PD. The results of the Traffic Study differ so far from
our daily reality for the Study to be true, especially when school is in session .
Changes need to be made to the Hwys -17 & 9 Intersection to prevent Gridlock
Rush traffic from the higher than shown by LP Acquisitions, LLC vehicle counts from the PO would back vehicles waiting
for left turn into Alberto from EB Hwy-9 up far enough as block the current EB exits from Hwy 17 on to Hwy 9.
Regardless of Left Turn Signal Timing, not all the left turners will make it into the left turn lane and they will then jam the
current single lane approach, backing traffic up on Nand S Hwy 17 worse than currently occurs .
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'North. CA9 is only one lane for 175-200 hundred feet until the CA17 SB exit enters CA9 EB. Before the CA17 Overpass,
the second lane of EB CA9 becomes the entrance lane to CA17 SB and CA9 is one lane up to the point where the CA19 SB
exit enters CA9EB.
This area of CA9 from the CA17 Overpass to Los Gatos Blvd (LGB) as well as North & South on LGB for 7'2-1 mile are
highly congested in every AM Rush Period during the school year.
Since the added traffic from the 401-409 Alberto Way occurs during the school rush, there will be frequent gridlock due
to the absence of the second lane from the end of the CA17 Overpass to the light at Alberto Way. The CA17 Overpass
needs a renovation to handle the additional traffic. Only by widening CA9 to two lanes and extending the EB9 to Alberto
left turn lane for 200-250 feet can gridlock be avoided. It must further be combined with closely managed signal timing
changes from University to LGB.
This gridlock would need to be avoided by renovating the CA9 -CA17 intersection in advance of the start of any
construction so as not to cause an early death of anyone within the large senior population on Alberto Way (in all four
developments). The closest EMS personnel are dispatched from the Fire Station on University.
Now to address the other source of AM Congestion not discussed in any Traffic Report by either the Town of LG or LP
Acquisitions, LLC Partners: SB17 traffic is already congested and backed up at both CA 9 exits (EB & WB) on many
mornings by the LG workers Rush.
It is our observation that the CA17 & CA9 intersection needs to be rebuilt and that no improvements should be allowed
on any properties adjacent to the Intersection until this is thoroughly vetted with CaiTrans.
Allowing this PO would add millions to the intersection renovation when it would need to be demolished withi n a few
short years for LG & Saratoga Area decongestion.
Sensitivity Study elements that need to be added
At 92,000 (+/-)square feet, the PO has the capacity to house as many as 746 employees and as few as the 350 that LP
Acquisitions, LLC proposes. The peak traffic generated by the 1 or 2 large high tech tenants lam targets is more likely to
be spread over a Peak % or Y2 Hour rather than the 2 hour Rush that Lam presents. Lam asserts that that many of the
Employees in the PO will not be driving to the PO and will instead use busses and that the Tenant or two will not have
any specific required work start time.
This is folly if the targeted tenants are really 1-2 high tech companies.
Lam does not understand that the large high tech companies it targets have pre-defined work hours that generate 30 to
45 minute peak traffic intervals. Typical is that a company with an 8 :30 start time: at 8AM the parking lot is nearly empty
and by 8:30AM it's nearly full. And vice versa full at SPM quitting time and nearly empty at 5:30PM.
LP Acquisition LLC understates Traffic by presenting only the fewest employees and longest rush period
This is a well known phenomenon amongst those of us who traffic engineer high tech networks. The lower the traffic
and the longer the pea k demand is averaged, the better the overall traffic LOS appears while at the same time, the LOS
during the Peak is still awful. So we use very small time periods over which to evaluate the peaks.
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When applied to Vehicular Traffic, the better measure of Peak Period LOS is more like count the traffic flows and
calculate the LOS for every 5 or 10 minute interval and report on them.
If the phone network was done LP Acquisition LLC's way, you'd wait for~ second to hear dial tone at lAM and 4
minutes at lOAMI
This also appears to be a flaw in the ITE's methodology.
With no sensitivity study of the trips generated by the complete range of employees occupying the PD and of the width
in minutes of the Peak Period, there is no known limit to the Peak Traffic nor the "to be generated Infrastructure Capex
needed to be made long after LP Acquisition LLC has completed the construction, sold the building and left" the Town of
Los Gatos holding the Capex bag and its Residents all over Town steaming in the congestion caused by not requiring
Infrastructure Fi rst.
LP Acquisition LLC told residents of 420 Alberto that the PD contains 350 parking spaces and told the Commons its 390
spaces. LP Acquisition LLC proposes to remove about a dozen spaces from our street parking and making none of the PD
parking available to Alberto Way residents or visitors. We object.
We disagree and note that an official work start time compresses the rush hour into 15-30 minute windows.
These assertions are not based in fact: in the 2 meetings we've had with LP Acquisitions, LLC, it represents that it has no
idea who the initial Tenant is and purely arguing based on speculation.
However, those of us who work in Silicon Valley high tech companies see these trends which drive down the space per
employee:
employers are re-designing the offices to reduce the square footage occupied by each employee
size the building and its parking to accommodate "telecommuting employees"
use of personal video conferencing is reducing the demand for conference rooms
According to many available sources, including those that follow and in keeping with the experience of our residents
who work at Silicon Valley high tech companies are having, the trend of space per employee is in a downward spiral.
These are the hyperlinks to them:
http:ljwww.bdcnetwork.com/corenet-office-space-worker-shrinks-150-sf
http:ljwww.naiop.org/en/Magazine/2015/Spring-2015/Business-Trends/Trends-in-Sguare-Feet-per-Office-
Employee.aspx
Below side-by-side photos of a bull pen seating space in the recently renovated Cisco San Jose Building J on Tasman, in
which each employee occupies 40 square feet.
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