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20 Staff Report - Proposed Location of Skateboard Park '/"'\ ,,---J DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: MEETING DATE: 06121/04 ITEM NO. 􀁾􀁏􀀮 COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT JUNE 15,2004 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL . DEBRA J. FIGONE, TOWN MANAGER PROPOSED LOCATION OF SKATEBOARD PARK A. CONSIDER APPROVING THE TOWN-OWNED PARKING LOT ON MILES AVEAS THELOCATIQNFORA SKATEBOARD PARK AND DIRECTING STAFF TO PROCEED WITH A DESIGN OF A SKATEBOARD PARK AT THIS LOCATION B. CONSIDER AUTHORIZING THE TOwN MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH INDIGO ARCHITECTS TO UNDERTAKE THE SKATEBOARD PARK DESIGN. C. CONSIDERAUTHORIZING BUDGETADJUSTMENT INCREASING. AUTHORIZED APPROPRIATIONS IN THE TOWN'S SKATEPARK PROJECT #410-0412. IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,000 AND A CONTINGENCY OF $5,000 TO BE TRANSFERRED FROM. THE TOWN'S GFAR (FUND 400) FUND BALANCE. RECOMMENDATION: 1. Open and hold the Public Hearing. 2. Close the Public Hearing. 3. Consider approving the Town-owned parking lot on Miles Ave. as the location for a skateboard park, contingent upon the use permit process, environmental considerations, and and funding availability, and directing staffto proceed with the design ofa skateboard pa,rk at this location. 4. Consider authorizing the Town Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Indigo Architects to undertake th,e skateboard park design.. 5:""C"Considerauthorizing budget adjustment increasingauthorized appropriations inthe-Town's Skatepark project # 410-0412 in the amount of $25,000 anda contingency of$5,000 to be transferred from the T0w;i GFAR (Fund 400) fund balance. 􀁾􀁓􀀮􀁾􀁾 PREPARED BY: PAMELA S. JACOBS ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER N:\MGR\PJacobs\Skatepark\6-21-04 PH.wpd Reviewed by: __Assistant Town Manager __Town Attorney __Clerk <:t?...Flnance __Community Development Revised: 6/18/04 9: lOam Reformatted: 5/30/02 PAGE 2 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL SUBJECT: (June i5, 2004) BACKGROUND: At the April 19, 2004 Town Council meeting, the Town Council directed staffto take the next steps necessary to pursue the Town-owned parking lot south ofBalzar Field on Miles Ave. as a location for a skateboard park. This report discusses the actions taken by staff to further explore the Miles Ave. location, presents a preliminary site feasibility assessment for the skateboard park, and seeks Council approval of the location of the skateboard' park, directionto proceed with design and cost estimates, and authorization to negotiate an4 execute an agreementwith skateboard park consultants, Indigo Architects. DISCUSSION: Focus Group and Neighborhood Meetings . To receive initialinput from the skating community and the neighborhood regarding the site, staff held a focus group meeting and a neighborhood meetIng. Staff present included Debra Figone, Pamela Jacobs, John CUrtis and Tim Boyer. The focus group included Elizabeth Hill, resident; Kevin Thatcher, a local skateboard professional and founding publisher ofThrasher magazine; Mike 􀁾􀀮 Allen, manager ofNC Board Shop, and Todd Hill, a local real estate professional with interest in pursuing investment in a skatepark and his business associate, Rod Wilson. Local professional skater, Donovan Dresti, was invited to participate, but was unable to attend the meeting due to a conflict. The Town's skatepark consultant, Bruce Playle, of Indigo Architects, facilitated the meeting. Focus group members were asked about their interests in and aspirations for the project, definition of a successful skatepark outcome, the most important issues to be addressed, potential roles for the focus group in the process, and their comments On the draft proj ect work plan. Focus group members expressed their cOn1n1itment to contributing in any way they can to make the skatepark a reality for the Los Gatos community. In their view, a successful skatepark outcome would be having a park for skaters at beginning and intermediate levels and the most important issues to be addressed include the type ofpark, source.offunds tobuild the park, and neighborhood 􀀧􀁣􀁢􀁾􀁾􀁾􀁭􀁳􀀮􀂷􀂷The 􀁦􀁯􀁣􀁾􀁳'group 􀀧􀁥􀀧􀁸􀁰􀁴􀀧􀁾􀁳􀁾􀁥􀁤 a 􀁾􀁴􀁲􀀶􀁩􀁦􀁧􀁰􀁲􀁥􀁦􀁥􀁲􀁥􀁨􀁣􀁥 for a' cOlicreteslcateparlc (eithetin"ground or above ground) as opposed to a skatepark utilizing a ramp system This preference is based oilfocus group members' direct experience and!or understanding ofthe type ofpark skaters prefer. The focus group has been advised about the previous Town Council decision to proceed with an above-ground ramp system. For the neighborhood meeting held June 8th at the proposed site, staff notified residents and merchants in the Edelen-Miles neighborhood, including an offer to meet Campbell and Los Gatos staff at the Campbell skatepark prior to the neighborhood meeting to ask questions about the Campbell park. None of the neighbors joined staff for this visit. A total ofsix residents attended the neighborhood meeting at the proposed site. Several residents expressed support for the skateboard park at this location; however, issues and concerns were also raised, including noise, PAGE 3 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL SUBJECT: (June i5, 20(4) traffic, parking, security, skater behavior and safety, and capital and operating costs. The preliminary site feasibility assessment discussed below and in Attachment 1 addresses these issues. Preliminary Site Feasibility Assessment The Preliminary Site Feasibility Assessment groups the issues raised by the neighbors into three categories: Access/Safety/Parking; Noise; and Other. For all of these issues, the Assessment indicates that they will be addressed more specifically in the Conditional Use Permit and CEQA processes and in the preliminary design. However, the Assessment indicates that the concerns expressed thus far by the neighbors may be adequately mitigated through the use of design and operational measures. Regarding Access/Safety/Parking, the Assessment suggests that mitigation measures may include speed "bumplets" for skaters traveling down Miles Ave. at potentially unsafe speeds, the avoidance of on-street loading and unloading directly on Miles Ave., and the conversion of parallel street parking on Miles Ave. to angled parking to compensate for lost parking. A traffic study would be part ofthe CEQA process. Regarding noise, the Assessment suggests that, given existing freeway noise, the noise generated by the skatepark Will notcause adverse impacts on adjacent residents; however, additional landscaping could provide a buffer, if needed. Staff has taken preliminary readings ofthe current noise levels at the site, the nearby apartments and at the intersection ofEdelen and Miles. These readings are 67 dcb, 64 dcb, and 57 dcb, respectively, which are considered to be high ambient noise levels. Readings at the Campbell skatepark will be taken and compared to existing noise levels as part of the CEQA process. Other concerns raised by the neighbors relatedto security are likely to be addressed by the plan for a fenced, supervised skatepark and by the visibility ofthe skatepark from Miles as it is traversed by police staff, and Parks and Public Works Works staff, and Town volunteers such as DART and VIPs. Project Workplan If the Councilapproves the Miles 􀁪􀁾􀀮􀁹􀁥􀀮 parkingIotas the,location for a skatepoardp.arl<, the ne:x:t, steps would include the-following: Conditional Use Permit and CEQA Processes..,... staff will prepare documents needed to obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and CEQA clearance, based on the preliminary site feasibility assessment. These processes will take approximately 90 days, presuming a mitigated negative declaration or a negative declaration is indicated. The CEQA and CUP process will occur concurrently with the public workshops and development of a preliminary design noted below. A CUP is required because the project entails a change ofuse from a parking lot to a skateboard park, and it is the Town's practice to subject public works projects to the Town's own processes. CEQA review is required pursuant to State law. The Preliminary Design will provide the information necessary to complete the CEQA initial study. The public comment period on the initial study is 21 PAGE 4 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL SUBJECT: (June 15, 2004) to 30 days, after which time the CUP can go before the Planning Commission. It is expected that this could occur in mid-October, barring any unanticipated issues. Public Workshops -staff and Indigo will conduct either one or two public workshops at the site. The first workshop will be to seek input from stakeholders to shape the development of two draft design alternatives and preliminary cost estimates. Ifa second workshop is held, it would be. to serve as a feedback loop for the stakeholders to comment on the preferred alternative. The 􀁣􀁯􀁮􀁳􀁵􀁬􀁴􀁾􀁴is recommending that the second workshop be held to allow for feedback:. The number o{workshops will be determined during the negotiation ofthe agreement with the consultants based on funding availability. Preliminary Design DocumentPreparation -Indigo will prepare the preliminary design documents for the preferred alternative, including cost estimates, for review by Council. The preliminary design is required to apply for grant funding from.State .Parkbond :fullds. Town Council Review -the Town Council will review the' preliminary design documents and provide direction to proceed, including direction to submit an application for grant funding from State park bond funds. This is anticipated to occur in September, 2004, assuming no: unexpected delays. 􀁾􀀬 Fundraising andProjectDevelopment-following approval to proceed, stakeholders will undertake fundraising for any gap in funding availability. Unless .otherwise directed by the Town Council, it is antiCipated that private and public funds would need to be secured prior to proceeding with final design, bidding and construction. Appropriation offunds for final design and bidding documents, and ultimately for construction, will be needed at that time. Direction Needed Staff seeks Council direction regarding the following: ••• Proceeding with the location of a skateboard park on the Miles Ave. parking lot, including ,':sconducting public' workshops'ariddeveloping·· prel1minary.design documents and cost estimates for construction, operation and maintenance; Confirming the Town's commitment to the capital cost of the skateboard park of$125,000 and $55,000 in ongoing operation and maintenance costs from Town sources. Continuing the vision for a skateboard park utilizing an above-ground, flexible ramp system, to be made of material other than wood, or providing other direction as desired. Regarding the Town's commitment to costs, the recommended Town sources for capital costs include State Park Bond funds and/or Town capital funds. The General Fund would have to provide for ongoing operations and maintenance costs. It is important to note that the Town's allocation to this project was established in 2001. This commitment for $125,000 in capital costs and $55,000 in operating and maintenance costs represents 50% of the projected direct and in-direct costs PAGES MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL SUBJECT: (June 15, 2004) developed in 2001 for a temporary skateboard P¥k utilizing wood ramps on a proposed site in Vasona Park ($360,000). Wood ramps are not recommended for the Town's skatepark dueto their high cost ofmaintenance and short life-span. The capital costs for a flexible ramp system made of .. material other than wood are likely to differ from the estimate in 2001, due to inflation, different site considerations, greater costs of non-wood ramps, and other mitigation measures that may be required.· The actual operation and maintenance costs will be developed as part ofthe preliminary design. Regarding the vision for an above-ground, flexible ramp system, the Council's previous thoughts were that a flexible ramp system is preferable to a concrete park for two primary reasons: 1) costs for a park with aramp system are less than costs fora.concretepark,and2) .apark with a ramp . system has greater flexibility than a concrete park. The flexibility allows the skatepark to evolve over time as new materials and types oframps become available, thus creating more variety for the . skaters. A ramp system also allows the skatepark to be more easily removed at any time in the future ifcompelling reasons arise. In addition, staff seeks authorization for the Town Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Indigo Architects to provide consultant services through the preliminary design document preparation and the Town Council meeting. Indigo Architects has assisted the Town with the previous site assessments, as well as this one. This firm is very familiar with the Town andits requirements, and has national and international experience in the design ofskateparks ofall types. The scope ofthese services would include: facilitation ofthe public workshop(s), preparation ofthe draft design alternatives and the final preliminary design documents, and presentations at Town Council meetings. It is estimated that this agreement would be approximately $22,500. At the time the Town is ready to proceed to construct the skateboard park, additional assistance will be required to prepare the final design and the bid package, including performance requirements for the skateboard ramp system. Final costs for this service are unknown, but are anticipated to be in the range of $1 0,000 to $20,000 and will require appropriation of funds at that time. CONCLUSION: . . . A staffand consultant assessment ofthe Miles Ave. parking􀀱􀀰􀁴􀁳􀁯􀁵􀁴􀀴􀀰􀁦􀀺􀁥􀁡􀁬􀁺􀀳􀁊􀁆􀁩􀁥􀁬􀁤􀁪􀁮􀁤􀁩􀁣􀁡􀁴􀁾􀁳that the parking lot can meet all previously identified criteria for a for a skateboard park. Ifthe Council approves proceeding with the design of a skateboard park at this location and authorizes the Town Manager to enter into an agreement with Indigo Architects, staff will work with Indigo Architects, stakeholders, and the neighborhood to develop a preliminary design and cost estimates. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT: The direction to proceed at this point is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is .req uired.PAGE 6 MAYORAND TOWN COUNCIL SUBJECT: (June 15, .2004) FISCAL IMPACT: The estimated cost in 2001 for a temporary skateboard park 􀁵􀁴􀁩􀁬􀁩􀁾􀁩􀁮􀁧wood ramps was approximately $360,000, including indirect costs (30% of direct costs). The FY2004-:-2009 Capital Improvement Plan designates $125,000 for a skateboard park to be funded through State Park bond funds, aIld .Town sources will need to be identified for ongoing operation and maintenance (estimated at $55,000 in 2001). Funds expended Jor the Miles Ave. site to date fotal approxlmately$l(),OOO from the Town Manager's FY 2003..;04 Contingency Reserve for consultant assistance with the focus group and the preliminary site feasibility 􀁾􀁳􀁳􀁥􀁳􀁳􀁭􀁥􀁮􀁴􀀮 Preparation of the Initial Study for 􀁃􀁅􀁑􀁾 is $2,500, with the noise analysis and the traffic study to be conducted in-house. Costs for Indigo Architects is estimated at approximately $22,500. Staffis recommending a contingency of $5,000 be available in the event additional services are needed, needed, such as an acoustical study or othertechnical assistance. These costs, as well as costs associated with final design and bid documents, are partof the 30% indirect costs expected in a project such as the skatepark and are important to the development of a quality project. Sufficient unrestricted fund balanyes ($1.1 million) exist in the Town's FY 200405 General Fund Appropriated Reserve fund balance to prOVide a funding source for the proposed budget adjustment ($25,000, plus $5,000 contingency); Ids possible that State Park bond flm.ds could reimburse the Town for these expenditures if a grant is awarded in the future. Attachments: 1. Preliminary Site Feasibility Assessment 2. June 8, 2004 E-mail from Lisa Toth regarding location ofthe skatepark 3. June 16,2004 E-mail from Randi Chen regarding location of the skatepark. Distribution: Bruce Playle, Indigo Architects Skatepark Focus Group ',' ' PRELIMINARY SITE FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT, LOS GATOS SKATEPARK, TOWN PROPERY AT"MILES AVENUE Scope of Study This Preliminary Site Feasibility Assessment provides an early review of existing conditions at the Town property at Miles Avenue to gauge its ' ability to support a community skatepark. Studies on other sites, as well as the type and operationaL characteristics of a skatepark, have been prepared over the last several years and have been taken into consideration in this current assessment. Also considered have been preliminary input received from neighbors of the site regarding its use as a skatepark. ' \., Site Description & Adjacent Uses The site on Miles Avenue is owned by the Town of Los Gatos, located in the Resource Conservation Zone (RC), and is currently in use as a parking lot (refer to Exhibit 􀁁􀁾 Site Location and Adjacent Uses). It is centrally located in the Town onos Gatos. The site area designated for skatepark use is approXimately 22,000 sf. Allowing for setbacks, landscaping, and a potential drop·off area, it is likely that up to approximately 16,000 sf would bedirectly usable for a skatepark. The site is bounded to the north by Balzar Field, and to the east by the CA-17 freeway. To the west of th,e site is the approximately eighty-foot wide Los Gatos Creek Channel (under CalTrans control) and then two residential zones: Residential Duplex (RD) zone to the northwest and Single Family Residential Downtown Zone (R-lD) to the west and southwest. A recreational trail is located immediately adjacent to the site and there is a row of trees on each side of the channel. Effectively, the site is separated from these adjacent residential uses by the trail and channel and is otherwise i;ldjacent to recreational uses (Balzar Field) or industrial uses (Corp Yard) or the freeway. The only other residential use nearby is Clpproximately 580' away at the north of the Corp Yard site and separate'd from the skatepark site by it. Site utilities nearby include overhead power lines to the west and south, water water service, and an existing on-site light pole (refer to Exhibit FExisting Site Utilities). There is no sanitary sewer or underground storm drain service to the site. Existing drainage of the parking lot is overland via swale to the northeast where it joins flow from the Corp Yard into Los Gatos Creek. Further review of the site, including survey ,information, existing utilities and easements will be conducted as part of the next phase of work. Concerns of Neighbors It was decided that, prior to proceeding with any design activity, a public-noticed meeting would be held at the site to gain the perspective , of neighbors regarding the use of this site as a skatepark. This meeting was held on June 8th and provided an opportunity for neighbors to the Miles Avenue site to express their opinions in this regard. A total of six persons attended. One expressed favorable support for the skatepark. Questions and/or concerns were expressed by attendees as summarized below: Access!, Safety! Parking • increase in neighborhood through-traffic for skatepark • speeds on Miles Avenue could present danger for skateboarders • safety for trail users at Miles Avenue crossing • speed of skaters who may be going downhill on Miles Avenue • skaters not stopping at stop sign at trail • , possible parking conflict with Little League games • possible parking conflict with Old Town employees • possible parking conflict with downtown customers • possible parking conflict with trail users Page 1 Noise Other Access! Safety! Parking Possible Ways to 􀁁􀁤􀁾􀁲􀁥􀁳􀁳 Concerns First, it is noted that all of these:issues are subject to further study and will be addressed as part of the Preliminary Design and Planning Approval Phase (refer to Proposed Process below). Some of these concerns, however, can be directly addressed at this time with possible solutions and are the subject of the following discussion. These concerns have been reviewed in the context of existing circulation patterns (refer to Exhibit B-Access/􀁓􀁡􀁦􀁥􀁾􀀯 Parking: EXisting Conditions With Concerns). Many ofthe users oftheskateparkwill arrive on foot or on skateboard. "Since the location is central to the 􀁣􀁯􀁭􀁭􀁵􀁮􀁩􀁾 and served by the trail, it is likely that m.any of the?e patrons will use it to get to the site. Those arriving through the neighborhood to the west, will proceed down the hill on Miles Avenue. To address speed and crossing issues at the trail, speed bumps and bum'plets for skateboards can be added (refer to Exhibit C-Access/􀁓􀁡􀁦􀁥􀁾􀀯 Parking: Possible Ways to Address Concerns). ••• ••••• ••• increase in noise levels for nearby residents distracting noise for Little 􀁌􀁥􀁾􀁧􀁵􀁥 players in outfield possibility of loud music '. noise of construction of the skatepark will the skatepark get used after hours unauthorized 􀁥􀁮􀁾􀁲􀁹 to use the skatepark vandalism in theskatepark . hang out for kids adequacy of monitoring the skatepark 􀁡􀁦􀁴􀁾􀁲 hours construction, maintenance, ".lnd operation costs -who pays investment at time of budget constraints, loss of library hours, police response -􀁣􀁯􀁭􀁭􀁵􀁮􀁩􀁾􀁰􀁲􀁩􀁯􀁲􀁩􀁴􀁬􀁥􀁳 For those arriving by car, the exhibit shows how a turn-out drop-off can be provided for the skatepark. This turn-out is sufficiently distant from the bend' in Miles Avenue and can avoid the need for on-street loading and unloading ofskatepark patrons who arrive in this mode.. Any increase in traffic on Miles Avenue which might result from use of the skatepark would be the subject of a traffic stUdy which could be conducted during the planning approval process. Regarding parking, the prior staff report to Council dated April 14, 2004 proVided an overview of parking usage in the area and indicates significant underuse of existing parking facilities. Additionally, the exhibit shows how eXisting on-street parallel parking along Miles Avenue can be converted to 60-degree angled parking in order to further minimize any possible parking impact. Lastly, safe pedestrian access by skatepark users is proposed along the trail to the restroom at Balzar Field. Operating hours ofthese facilities would needto be coordinated to achieve the desired joint-use effect. Noise The predominant noise generator for this area is the freeway (refer to Exhibit D-Noise: EXisting Conditions With Concerns). Balzar Field likely creates some noise during usage, however the closest residential receptors are apartment units, the closest of which is approXimately 170' away and separated by the channel and its two rows of trees. Most of this sound, is likely masked by the nearly continuous sound of traffic produced by the freeway. The noise generated by the skateparkis.predicted to be significantly less than peak volume generated at Balzar Field during games. As such, and separated by a similar distance, trees, and masking, it is unlikely that the skatepark will cause adverse noise impact on the nearby residents. Should additional acoustic or visual screenjng be required, however, . additional landscaping could easily be provided (refer to Exhibit E-Noise: Possible Ways to Address Concerns). This would also have the effect of buffering any acoustical or visual impact to the adjacent outfielders of Balzar Field. Further consultation with the Little League is recommended in this regard to ensure the best possible interface between the uses. Page 2. Other The list of other concerns expressed by the neighbors are certainly valid and should be further explored. Mitigating factors include the proposed fencing and supervision of the skatepark as well as the fact that the site is fronted on two sides by a public street making view into the area by patrol drive-by particularly easy. Based on extensive experience with skatepark siting and design, these issues will be best resolved in the design process where problems can be more adequately discussed and specific solutions fqr design and operation of the skatepark can be identified and tested. They are proposed for review and discussion during the Preliminary Design and Planning Approvals Phase where an action for each co.ncern will be developed (see below). Proposed Process In addition to the above, further review of site survey information, existing utilities and possible easements will be conducted as part of the process. A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) will be required for the use of this RC-z9ned site for a skatepark and will be prepared. Concurrently, steps will be taken to provide necessary California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance. Certain environmental assessments of the site, if reqUired, will be performed as part of the process. This may include a Phase 1 study of the site and a Phase 2 study, if indicated. The necessary planning review meetings by the Parks Commission and the Town Council are included in this process. After Town Council has approved the results of the Preliminary Design and Planning Approvals Phase, and contingent on funding availability, it may authorize Final Design, Bidding and Construction Phase to proceed. ConClusions An interactive design process has 'been developed which will result in a functional skatepark, properly fit into its neighborhood community and which will meet the operational requirements of the Town of Los Gatos. This process, the Preliminary Design and Planning Approvals Phase, will serve to fully address all of the concerns outlined above plus others others which may subsequently arise. The process will integrate the input of attendees including skaters, neighbors to the site, and community members at-large into the design. Key features of this process are as follows: . .:: Findings of the Site Feasibility Assessment are as follows: •• ••••• two "hands-on" public design workshops. first public workshop, attendees use modeling and sketching. designer synthesizes input received into design meeting the various requirements for a functionalskatepark properly fit into its neighborhood setting. second public workshop reviews the design with attendees, creating "feedback loop" to'test its sUitability. final adjustment to design to fine tune all skatepark features. budget, funding and schedule; accountability will be built into the process -an action plan for each will be a specific outcome of the process. Integrated Preliminary Design for the review and approval of Town Council. •••••• The Miles Avenue site can meet all previously identified criteria for a skatepark for the Town of Los Gatos. It is adequate in area, however, excessive encroachment for parking would reduce its potential and should be avoided. Concerns thus far expressed by neighbors, such as noise, traffic and access, may be adequately mitigated through the use of design and operational measures. . A consultative design process, including two public workshops, has 􀁢􀁥􀁾􀁮 developed and should be utilized obtain the input of skaters, neighbors, and the community at-large in the design of the skatepark. Planning and CEQA process can proceed concurrently with the preliminary design process. A Skatepark Focus Group has been created to provide advice and counsel on design and operational issues for the reView and approval of Town Staff and Council. This Group should be integrated into the . consultative design process. The Miles Avenue site is centrally located and visible to the community, and can be developed to proVide the youth of Los Gatos a sanctioned place to skate. 􀁆􀁵􀁲􀁴􀁾􀁥􀁲 study will be be required toanswer imporj:ant questions about 􀁴􀁨􀁥􀁾􀁬􀁴􀁾 such as. layout, design,j cost, and funding. The next step, PrelIminary Design and Planning Approval, is intended to provide these answers for subsequent review and approval by Council. Page 3 (I) w(I) :::» 1-' zw􀁾 ae( '0 􀀧􀁺􀁾 -, o.... I--e( Uo .... -wt:; ,-(I) __ i:'iii;;;;lMfII,./_ &1 EXHIBIT B-ACCESS/SAFETY/PARKING: EXISTING CONDITIONS WITH CONCERNS EXHIBIT C-ACCESS! SAFETY! PARKING: POSSIBLE WAYS TO ADDRESS CONCERNS EXHIBIT D-NOISE: EXISTING CONDITIONS WITH CONCERNS (/) 2􀁾 ·wUZoU (/) (/) w􀁾CC <C 􀁾􀁾􀁾w .... ,,,,.i:C .y .... . U) (/) oa. •• w.(./.). o ". ,2 (/) w.... I...-. .....J. I:» wI...-. (/) C' Z.... l.(./.). >w< Glickman -skateboard ark concerns " From: "Lisa Toth" <Itoth@svcn.com> To: <sglickman@losgatosca.gov:>, <mwasserman@losgatosca.gov>, <sdecker@losgatosca.gov>, <dmcnutt@losgatosca.gov>, ,<jpirzynski@losgatosca.gov>, <parks@losgatosca.gov> , Date: Tue, Jun 8, 20049:45 AM Subject: skateboard park concerns June 8, 2004 To whom this may concern: I received a notice regarding the possibility of skateboard park at the , proposed location of the Miles Avenue parking lot. I'm also aware that past proposals to implement a skateboard park in Los Gatos have failed. I was under the impression that the Miles Avenue site was too small of a space for a skateboard park (see link below). Why the change? I live in an apartment complex at 31 Miles Ave. 8230. When driving down the street to and from my residence, ,I have to be extremely careful ,of runners and bikers using the Los Gatos Creek Trail crossing on Miles Avenue, as well as parents andchildren frequenting the baseball field and picnic area. I already drive cautiously cautiously down the street, but fear that skateboarders would only add to traffic problems since they do not always adhere to rules of the road. For example, visit Los Gatos High School or Raymond J. Fisher Middle School after school hours or any parking lot in town with curbs and railings such as the former Walgreen's parking lot. The Miles Avenue parking lot is already heavily impacted on Saturdays and Sundays yearround by shoppers, little league families and athletes using the trail, as well as during the summers everyday. I would discourage a skateboard park because the parking lot already has enough use. I also worry that a skateboard park could discourage people from using the remainder of the lot altogether since drivers wouldn't want their cars to be parked in danger of runaway skateboards. I also fear the kind of behaviors that could be encouraged by adding a skateboard park to this somewhat under-supervised location. How would this be 'prevented? The parking lot is fairly secluded from the main part of town and at night , it's dark. It's also near the trail crossing so it would be hard to monitor effectively. In addition, I feel that skateboarding would not be limited to the park. Teens would mostly likely venture farther down the street to the apartment complex where I live, so they could skate the full length of the ' downhill-sloped street. How would skateboarders be confined to the limits of the park? What kind of plans <;Ire there fo limit hours the park would be used? Howwould it be 􀁰􀁡􀁴􀁲􀁯􀁬􀁬􀁾􀁱􀁲􀁥􀁧􀁵􀁬􀁡􀁲􀁬􀁹􀁢􀁹niQhtand day, given a P9lice ',' departmentthat's, already lacking fUl1dil1g? Also,' where' do you anticipate, ,,' the overflow of traffic will be able to park on the weekends? Have town merchants been made aware of the possibility that they could lose business from customers who can't find a place to park? I would appreciate answers to these questions at your earliest convenience prior to the June 21 meeting, This letter may also be entered into the record under written communications. Sincerely, Lisa Toth Miles Avenue resident http://www.svcn.com/archives/lgwtJ20040428/lgnews12.shtml ATTACHMENT 2 From: To: Date: Subject: HI Pamela-<teamchen@comcast.net> <pjacobs@town.los-gatos.ca.us> 6/16/2004 10:50:09 PM skateboard park Yours is the only card I got last Tuesday, so if you could pass this on to Debra Figone, and one of you can get back to me with some answers. 1. Are you going "to conduct that sound test before the June 21st meeting? It seems like it would be relevant information to have. 2. Are you planning to charge a fee to use the skate park? That could offset some of the cost of the supervisor. Now the folks who use the baseball fields and soccer fi"elds pay a fee. to Little League and Los Gatos United Soccer to maintain the fields, so I think a fee to maintain the skate park isJair. 3. Do the funds that were restored in the budget (as reported in the Weekly ye$terday) to the library and the Police Department, restore the levels of service or. are there still some cutbacks in Library hours and response time to non-emergency calls? Thanks for your time. See you on the 21st. Randi Chen 118 Edelen Edelen Avenue Los Gatos 395'-5443 ATTACHMENT 3