19 Desk Item - 16370 Lilac Lane
-DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DISCUSSION: MEETING DATE: 8102/04 ITEM NO. I q DESK ITEM COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT August 2, 2004 TOWN MANAGER CONSIDER AN APPEAL OF
THE DECISION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION DENYING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECOND STORY ADDITION ZONED R-18. ARCHITECTURE AND SITE APPLICATION S-04-41 PROPERTY LOCATION: 16370 LILAC LANE.
PROPERTY OWNER/APPLICANT/APPELLANT: DEBBIE AND WESLEY LEONG Please note the name of the owner/applicant/appellant was inadvertently misspelled. The correct spelling is Debbie and Wesley
Leong. The attached letters were received after the report was completed. Attachments: 1-12. Previously submitted 13. Letters from neighbors dated July 27 through August 2,2004 (7 pages).
N:\DEY\.Iudie\projects\Lilac\deskitem.wpd PREPARED BY: BUD N. DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Reviewed by: oIDAssistant Town Manager __Attorney
__Clerk Finance Development Revised: 8/2/04 2:55 pm Reformatted: 5/30/03 II, .
TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DIVISION From: Vadim and Eugenia Gulgazian 929 Cherrystone Drive, Los Gatos, CA 95032 To: The Town Council of Los Gatos Date: July 27, 2004 REce,veD JUL 2
8 2004 We address this letter to the Town Council because we cannot participate in a public hearing concerning an appeal ofa Planning Commission decision denying a request to construct
a second story addition on 16370 Lilac Lane. We bought our house on 929 Cherrystone Drive about four years ago. It took us about 8 months to choose a property, which we really liked
and felt comfortable to live ffi. Blossom Hill Manor is unique area in Los Gatos characterized by one story family houses and surrounded by amazing mature trees. For the amount of money
we paid for our house we could buy the twice-bigger "Monster" house in different areas of the Silicon Valley. But we choose this area because it is distinctive area of Los Gatos with
special charm ofcozy and friendly neighborhood. But this ideal and special neighborhood little by little little has being destroyed by "Monster" houses, which does not belong to this
area. There are only couple houses with a two story on the beginning and at the end ofLilac Lane and Cherrystone Drive. It is already a trend for people to build a bigger house than
neighbor's one! For quality life people don't necessarily need a huge house. But if so, they need to choose different area, where the huge houses are a standard! In Blossom Hill Manor
area all properties have a similar parcel's size. A few owners made a nice addition to the houses without second story on the same Lilac Lane. This expansion was done on the front ofthe
lawn, and does not disturb a whole picture of a Blossom Hill Manor. To all this matter we are very concern that our privacy will be violated., because our two bedrooms, living and family
rooms facing to the backyard. Instead ofenjoying view ofclear sky from our windows we will observe second story roof! And this can definitely brings value ofour house down! Please, conceder
our worries before making an important decision regarding constriction ofa two story house on 16370 Lilac Lane. Sincerely, Vadim and Eugenia Gulgazian. Attachment 13
Page l of t (Please forward to council members) August 1, 2004 Mayor Steve Glickman and Council Town of Los Gatos 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95032 Dear Mayor and Council: RECEIVED
AUG 0 2 2004 TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DIVISION As a neighbor of the proposed second story addition on our street, I urge you to approve the request. Our home is inside the Town boundaries
and surrounded by a mix ofTown and County properties. As we walk, bike and drive through our neighborhood, we do not distinguish the patch work of artificial boundaries between jurisdictions.
Our street, surrounding streets and neighborhood includes wide range of homes sizes and styles, both single story and two story houses. Some of the Planning Commissioners' arbitrary
definition of our neighborhood limiting it to just a few houses on each side of the proposed remodel is not consistent with the reality of our neighborhood. The proposed two story addition
is very appropriate and compatible with other homes immediately nearby, on the balance of our street and in the surrounding neighborhood. I request that the Council approve the remodel
plans. Sincerely, Holly J. Hunter 16322 Lilac Lane Los Gatos, CA 95032 IIII file ://C:\Documents%20and%20Settings\User\Local%20Settings\TEMP\GW}00001.HTM 8/2/2004
Patsy Garcia -Wes and Deb Leong (fwd) . --.---_._---_.•._.-.._.-.....__ , ..,-,--.-----Page 1 \,--From: To: Date:
SUbject: Patsy, For the record. Steve G. Steve Glickman <steve@glicktech.com> Patsy Garcia <PGARCIA@losgatosca.gov> 8/2/200410:39:32 AM Wes and Deb Leong (fwd) RECEIVED AUG 0 2 2004
----------Forwarded message ----------Date: Mon, 2 Aug 2004 10:29:26 -0700 (PDT) From: Steve Glickman <steve@glicktech.com> To georgemorris@mac.com SUbject: Wes and Deb Leong Dear Mr.
Morris, TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DIVISION Thank you for your input. I will certainly consider what you have said when the Town Council takes up this matter this evening. Steve Glickman
Date: Mon, 2 Aug 2004 08:42:03 -0700 From: George Morris <georgemorris@mac.com> To: sglickman@losgatosca.gov Cc: Wesley and Debbie Leong <chubchub94@aol.com> Subject: Wes and Deb Leong
> Dear Mayor Glickman, > I am writing to you in support of Wes and Deb Leong's plan to > remodel their house in the Blossom Manor area. I live on Oleander Ave. > and was drawn to the
Manor area because of it's old time feel. While I > share the sentiment of the planning commission against approving large > remodels I think they made a serious mistake in including
Wes and Deb's > modest plans in that category. I have seen their plans and they are > very tasteful, reserved and in keeping with the original feeling of the > manor. I am very much
in support of their plans and feel it would be a > great addition to the neighborhood. > Perhaps more important than the neighborhood are the neighbors that > live here. Since moving
here from San Diego I have been struck by how > nice and friendly the neighbors here in the Manor are. Even among the > Manor neighbors Wes and Deb standout for their tireless volunteerism
> for the school and local youth sports teams. What makes Los Gatos and > specifically the Manor a great neighborhood is not so much the houses > but the people. If you deny them their
remodel then these great > neighbors may move to another town to live. If the only way for people > to remodel their homes is to be very wealthy with lawyers, lobbyists > and architects
then that is what Los Gatos will become and it will lose > it's great neighbors. Please support Wes and Deb in their modest > remodel application. Thank you for your time. >> -George
Morris
t-'Jge ,lot 1 Patsy Garcia -Re: Leong Appeal-Town Council Aug. 2 From: To: Date: Subject: CC: "Steve Glickman" <steve@glicktech.com> "JKL Burke" <jklburke@comcast.net> 7/31/20042:48
PM Re: Leong Appeal-Town Council Aug. 2 "Patsy Garcia" <PGARCIA@losgatosca.gov> RECEIVED AUG 0 2 zontt TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DIVISION Dear Ms. Burke, Thank you for your input. I
will certainly consider what you ha\Le said when the Town Council takes up this matter on Aug. 2 Steve Glickman -----Original Message ----From: To: sglickman@losgatosca.gov
; mwasserman@losgatosca.gov ; dmcnutt@losgatosca.gov ; Cc: Debbie Lowe Leong Sent: Friday, July 30, 2004 12:18 PM Subject: Leong Appeal
-Town Council Aug. 2 I am a resident of Blossom Manor in the county pocket. In the 13 years I have lived here, I have noted great change. It is any area full if young families, like
my own, and we all struggle with growing pains in these once small houses. Most houses go through some kind of evolution but not all of them are good. We are at an interesting crossroads
in the Manor right now A great portion of the Manor is still under county control. People are outraged at recent projects such as 16201 Jacaranda Way, 16191 Azalea Way and 16301 Lavender
Lane. For the first time they are considering their Willingness to be part of the Los Gatos planning process to protect their neighborhoods. That planning process is the number one reason
that people oppose annexation I know that I and my immediate neighbors felt quite victimized by a recent oversized new house and that started us on path to pursue annexation. We felt
that annexation was the only way to stop some of the more massive houses that have been cropping up. After making initial contact with the planning department, I have put my plans on
hold. My neighbors and I are anXiously watching the upcoming election of the annexation of Lilac Lane as well as the Leong's attempts at plan approvals Blossom Manor is a very tight
community. The Leong family is very well known as result of their three elementary school age children and the active participation in the classroom, Art Docents, Blossom Hill Library
and many sport teams. There lives touch many others and we are all too aware of their difficulties in expanding their house to meet the needs of their family. Many of us have seen their
plans and wished that the massive homes built near ours looked more like their plans. It is viewed as the kind of reasonable scale house that we wished we would see in the county pocket
when second stories go up (and they are going up). The difficulties that they have had getting their plans approved has magnified the fears of those who were once willing to consider
annexation. I have watched my support for annexation waver. Some of the Lilac Lane voters are also watching the outcome. I know that the Planning Commission and the Town Council would
love to save the character of the Manor. That will only happen if it is annexed. At this time, the only annexation drives are by small groups like myself trying to work up some enthusiasm
with our neighbors, Annexation will not happen unless homeowners stop fearing Los Gatos Planning Please consider the approval of the Leong's plans, it represents the kind of houses they
we hope to have in the Blossom Manor and hopefUlly it will begin to assuage the fears people have in annexation. Regards, I Kristine Burke 16266 Azalea Way Los Gatos, CA 356-8106 file://C:\Documents%
20and%20Settings\pgarcia\Local%20Settings\Temp\GW}OOOOl.HTM 8/2/2004
Page 1 or 1 Patsy Garcia -Re: 16370 Lilac Lane in the Blossom Manor )m: To: Date: Subject: CC: "Steve Glickman" <steve@glicktech.com> "Joe Carroll" <joe@quintex.com> 7/31/2004 2:43 PM
Re: 16370 Lilac Lane in the Blossom Manor "Patsy Garcia" <PGARCIA@losgatosca.gov> RECEIVED AUG 0 2 2004 TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DIVISION Dear Mr. Carroll, Thank you for your input.
I will certainly consider what you hav.e said when the Town Council takes up this matter on Aug. 2 Steve Glickman -----Original Message ----From: J_QeCarrQlI To: sgJigkmCl �
� Cc: ; $decker@JosgatQsc<:L99Y ; gmcnutt@Jo$g51tOSgCl$O-", ; Ipirz:ynski@losgatosca.gov Sent: Friday, July 30,
2004 2:44 PM Subject: 16370 Lilac Lane in the Blossom Manor Mayor Glickman and fellow Council Members: I write to each of you to tell you that I think the City is making a mistake by
not approving the home remodel plans of Wes and Deb Leong. Based upon my review of their plans, the 2,550 SF "new" home they have planned is very well thought out. It is relatively small
compared to most other remodeled homes in The Manor, but the well thought out plans allow for them to live with this smaller square footage. My biggest complaint with the City of Los
Gatos is this idea that no one should be able to . ·,ild ANY sort of2nd story on his/her home. When, in reality, a well thought out 2 story plan adds value to the neighborhood. is well
received by all. I added a 725 SF second story to my home in the Manor, and have had nothing but compliments on it. I kept the 2nd story it in good proportion, avoided windows that would
disturb neighbors basically treated my neighbors the way I would want them to treat me. Please take a hard look at the Leong plans. They are very well thought out and every one of the
neighbors is in support. The existing homes in the Manor were designed in the late 1940's and built throughout the 1950's. Nobody would ever build a home today with these 50+ year old
designs/standards, and expect that it would satisfy their needs. Sure, some people will design their new home on the back ofa napkin, and make it as BIG as possible ........and then
it is your job to bring them back to a more realistic plan. But, an outright "no second stories" allowed, is the wrong approach, and greatly limits the long term real estate values in
our beloved neighborhood. Please feel free to contact me if it would help to further discuss this, or if you want to view the large number of Manor homes that have elected to add a second
story. Thank you for your time. Joe Carroll Resource One Office 408-244-9280 Cell 408-314-7262 Fax 408-244-0630 file://C:\Documents%20and%20Settings\pgarcia\Local%20Settings\Temp\GW}00002.HTM
8/2/2004
. 2 2004 Eric J. Morley 16322 Lilac Lane Los Gatos, CA 95032 July 29, 2004 The Honorable Steve Glickman Mayor Town of Los Gatos 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95032 Dear
Mayor Glickman and Council Members: I am writing to express my support for the Minor Residential Development Application MR-Q4-25 at 16370 Lilac Lane. We live three doors down from the
property of the proposed minor addition. Born and raised in Los Gatos, I have lived in Blossom Hill Manor for the past four years with my wife and children. We live in a single story
home and have a two story home directly next to us; an approved, but not yet constructed second story addition at the rear comer of our property and a one story home with a two story
profile across the street and over one house. Many single story and two story homes exists on our street and throughout the neighborhood. This mix adds both variety and interest to our
streetscape. I have had an opportunity to review the plans. The overall design details and two story addition are appropriate for the lot and compatible with our neighborhood. I request
that the Council approve the design as proposed. Best Regards, Eric Morley
Renovation <:f Leong Residence Page t Another letter for desk item »> Steve Glickman <steve@glicktech.com> 8/2/200412:13:00 PM »> Dear
M, From: To: Date: Subject: Patsy Garcia Marilyn Cosden 8/2/20041:40:15 PM Fwd: Renovation of Leong Residence RECEIVED AUG 02 2004 TOWN OF Thank
you for your input. I will certainly consider what you have said when the Town Council takes up this matter this evening. Steve Glickman Date: Mon, 2 Aug 2004 11:17:40 -0700 From: Alyssia
Berkowitz <alyssiaberkowitz@hotmail.com> To: sglickman@losgatosca.gov, mwasserman@losgatosca.gov, sdecker@losgatosca.gov, dmcnutt@losgatosca.gov, jpirzynski@losgatosca.gov Cc: Deb and
Wes Leong <chubchub94@aol.com> Subject: Renovation of Leong Residence > Ladies and Gentlemen, >> I am writing in support of the remodeling of the Leong's home at 16370 > Lilac Lane.
I live a few blocks away on Oleander Avenue and in > 2002 completed a similar, but larger, remodel (the original footprint "'-> of our single story home was 2300 square feet; we changed
the footprint > slightly and added a second story of about 800 square feet). >> I really think it is ludicrous that different standards are applied to > homes so close to each other
just because one has been annexed and > another has not -we are all part of the same neighborhood. >> My understanding is that the Leong's home is currently 1600+ square > feet. > They
have plans to add approximately 800 square feet, of which 600 > square feet would be the second story addition. If and when built, > their house would be 2550 square feet. The Commission
deadlocked at 3 > votes for and 3 votes against and then decided to deny the request so > that it would go to the Town Council for a decision. >> I understand the Planning Commission
feels it is their duty to preserve > the original feel of the Manor. This was defined as quaint, single story > homes built in the 1950s. If you drive around our neighborhood, that is
> not what you will find. It's 2004, not 1950! I am certainly not in > favor of huge homes on small lots, but I think homeowners are entitled > to make additions to their homes in order
to create the space needed to > meet their lifestyles. The Leong's should not be forced to leave a > great family neighborhood just because they validly need more space. >> Respectfully
submitted, >> Alyssia Berkowitz