19 Desk item - 15720 and 15736 Winchester Boulevard~qYt N 0~
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5
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 612108
ITEM NO: G~
DESK ITEM J
DATE: June 2, 2008
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: GREG CARSON, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDER AN APPEAL OF A PLANNING COMMISSION DECISION
DENYING A REQUEST TO DEMOLISH A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE
BUILT PRIOR TO 1941 AND A 3,250 SQUARE-FOOT OFFICE BUILDING,
MERGE TWO EXISTING PARCELS AND CONSTRUCT A NEW 15,510
SQUARE-FOOT OFFICE BUILDING ON PROPERTY ZONED O. NO
SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS
A RESULT OF THIS PROJECT, AND A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION HAS BEEN MADE. ARCHITECTURE AND SITE
APPLICATIONS S-07-34, SUBDIVISION APPLICATION M-07-13 APN 424-
27-011 AND 051 PROPERTY LOCATION: 15720 AND 15736
WINCHESTER BOULEVARD PROPERTY OWNER: MARTIN DERMER
APPLICANT: JOHN LIEN APPELLANT: MARTIN DERMER
REMARKS:
Attached are letters received after the report on this matter was finalized.
Attachments:
1-12 Previously Submitted
13. Letter from William Burns dated 5-27-08 (1 page)
14. Letter from Audrey Van Belleghem dated 6-2-08 (1 page)
15. Letter from Dr. and Mrs. John Mann dated 6-2-08 (1 page)
16. Letter from Derek and Maureen Olson received 6-2-08 (1 page)
17. Email from Bryan Mekechuk w/attachments received 6-2-08 (8 pages)
BNL:CB
PREPARED BY: Bud N. Lortz
Director of Community Development
N:IDEVICNCLRPTS1200 811 5 72 0-3 6 Wi[1ceilster.TC.deskitem.doc
Reviewed by: b3 Assistant Town Manager Town Attorney Clerk Administrator
Finance Cormnunity Development
D LI Ig
f
May 27, 2008 MAY 2 ~ 20108
Los Gatos, California 5
TOWN OIL LOS OATOS
CLERK DEPARTMENT
Honorable Mayor Barbara Spector, Honorable Vice Mayor
Mike Wasserman, and Honorable Councilpersons
Pirzynski, McNutt, and Glickman:
This letter is written to recommend the development by the Martin Dermer family
at 15720.15736 Winchester Boulevard in Los Gatos. I have been a home owner,
living within two blocks of Winchester Boulevard in Los Gatos, for nearly 37 years.
I have viewed the model of this development and find it to be a significant upgrade
architecturally for Winchester Boulevard and the surrounding neighborhood.
I shall not be in attendance at the June 2 meeting of the Council, so I simply ask that
you approve the project.
William W. Bums,
140 Newell Ave
Los Gatos 95 2
ATTACHmEIVT 13
June 2, 2008
Town Council of Los Gatos
110 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
its D 2 L", Go
*MINN or LOS : ATos
Re: Architecture and Site Applications 5-07-34, Subdivision Application M-07--13. APN
424-27-011 and 051.
I am writing to support the application by John Lien on behalf of property owner Martin
Dermer to build a new office building at 15720 and 15735 Winchester Boulevard.
As a resident of Los Gatos for 13 years, I take great pride in the way our community has
created a balance between growth and aesthetic beauty. We have a gorgeous downtown
area, that allows for shopping, but doesn't feel overrun by large signs and tall buildings.
Old Town has kept its appeal while maintaining high quality restaurants and stores. The
schools have been rebuilt with state-of-the-art facilities.
What is lacking in our town, however, is general office space. There are few places for
professional services that are vital to our town to hold a place of business. While our
population grows and continues to be successful, our residents need legal services,
accountants, and small business offerings within Los Gatos.
I realize it is a constant struggle for the Town Council to keep our quaint atmosphere in
check with the demands of the people who live here. However, I think this proposed
office development may be a step in the right direction.
The architects have spent a lot of time looking at the area surrounding Winchester and
Daves Avenues. This style of development is in line with the adjacent areas. The
Spanish hacienda structure would fit in perfectly on the thoroughfare, where there are
already other 2-story buildings, including Los Sereno Plaza. It would make a perfect
entrance to our downtown.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
"fILI
Audrey Van Belleghem
16471 W. Mozart Ave.
Los Gatos, CA 95032
ATTACHMENT 14
Jun 02 08 12:03p JOHN MANN 408 395 5010 p.1
June 02 2008
To The Town of Los Gatos City Council,
RFECEIVED
JUN - 2 2009
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
We are unable to attend tonights meeting regarding the Dermer project
on Winchester. We would like to say that we travel Daves Ave to
Winchester daily and have been residents of Monte Sereno since 1968.
We are whole heartly in favor of this project. We feel it will improve
the apperance of Winchester Blvd. as did Marie Peterson's building on
Los Gatos Saratoga Ave.
Sincerely,
Dr. and Mrs. John Mann
ATTAr-mmT 15
RECEIVED
JUN 0 2 2000
MAYOR & TOWN COUNCIL
Mayor Barbara Spector
Los Gatos Town Hall
110 E. Main St.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Dear Mayor Spector,
Derek & Maureen Olsen
101 Hepplewhite Ct.
Los Gatos, CA 95032
(408) 395-2336
May 28, 2008
As you are aware, our friend and attorney Martin Dermer has designed a new office
building to replace his current suite of offices at 15720 Winchester Blvd. It is our
understanding that the Los Gatos Planning Commission refused to approve this project
and that Mr. Dermer will be appealing the decision at the Los Gatos Town Council
meeting on Monday June 2, 2008.
We will be unable to attend the meeting because we will be out of town, overseeing a
construction project currently underway at our Nevada City, CA property, however we
want to urge the Council to reverse the decision of the Planning Commission and approve
Mr. Dermer's project for the following reasons:
a). The 3-D model is architecturally sound, and goes well with the Spanish style
architecture seen around the area;
b). The project is a major improvement over the existing buildings and makes for
a much more pleasing sight;
c). The increased size represents an opportunity for Los Gatos to increase tax
revenues and provide additional local jobs;
d). The underground parking is an added bonus plus the additional outdoor
parking area in the rear is hidden from street view;
e). The many new trees to be planted along Winchester Blvd. will enhance the
aesthetic beauty of the entire area.
After inspecting the 3-D model, the site location, and viewing the shadow study poles
today, we feel that many careful considerations have been taken in the overall design of
this project. It is of high quality, aesthetically pleasing, and will enhance the neighboring
areas greatly. If it isn't approved, the town runs the risk of having a less appropriate, less
well funded project in the future. Please urge the Town Council to approve construction
of this project.
ATTACMENT 16
Derek & Maureen Olsen
6/2/2008 Curtis Banks - S-07-34 and M-07-13 (15720136 Winchester Boulevard age 1
From: "Bryan Mekechuk" <bryan.mekechuk@comcast. net>
To: "Curtis Banks" <cbanks@losgatosca.gov>
CC: "John McLaren Home" <johnmclaren@verizon.net>, "Kel Marchbank" <kelmarch...
Date: 6/212008 2:56 PM
Subject: S-07.34 and M-07-13 (15720/36 Winchester Boulevard)
Attachments: 15720 Letters to Dermer.pdf
Dear Curtis,
Thank you for speaking with me today.
As I mentioned, the materials that were provided to Los Gatos Town Council
stated,'The applicant held a community meeting on May 17, 2008. The
project architect indicated to staff that eight or nine residents attended
the meeting.'
Please highlight for the Town Council that the applicant asked everyone that
attended the meeting to sign their names on a sign-in sheet so they could
record the attendance. The applicant knows exactly how many people attended
the meeting.
Many people could not attend the meeting in person (the Los Gatos Community
Garage Sale was on, Los Gatos Little League games, etc.), so some of the
people that could not attend in person took the time to submit letters to
the applicant stating their position on the proposed development. Attached
are two letters and one e-mail that I printed and provided to Mr. Dermer on
Saturday, May 17.
As well, l have included two letters from my wife and I that are for the
file.
believe that there were more than 16 people that attended the meeting and
letters were provided by at least 4 people that could not attend the
meeting. This is more than double the number stated by the applicant.
Since they have this data, the applicant should state for the Town Council
exactly how many people attended the meeting in person, and the number and
type of written correspondence that they received at the meeting.
This information would give the Town Council accurate information so they
ATTAct4ENT 17
6/212008 Curtis Banks - S-07-34 and M-07-13 (15720!36 Winchester Boulevard] zM E Page
can make an informed decision during the appeal tonight.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Bryan
Bryan Mekechuk
408 655 0400
Bryan Mekechuk
From: John McLaren Umclaren@mmetrics.com]
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 10:42 PM
To: bryan.mekechuk@comcast.net
Subject: RE: 15720136 Winchester - Letters!
Attachments: Dermer Letter BM.doc; Dermer Letter JM.doc
Importance: High
Bryan, Attached are our letters. I will also drop signed copies by your front door in a few minutes (I have also printed the
emails from other neighbors and attached them with my letters). Let me know how it goes tomorrow while I am in lovely
Watsonville!
John McLaren
Vice President, Western Region
[Metrics. Inc-
w 408.499.8020
9mclaren mmetrics.com
ti
RECEV
May 16, 2008
Mr. Martin Dermer
15720 Winchester Boulevard, Suite 1
Los Gatos, CA 95030
JUN ® 2 2!`
TOWN OF LOS i
PLANNING DIVI-, Y
Dear Mr. Dermer,
Due to our previous family commitments this coming Saturday at I Oam, we are unable to
attend your presentation at the Neighborhood Center but have asked that my letter be
deliver by my neighbors and submitted for the record.
Please note for the record that after attending reviewing all staff report as well as your
submitted plans, myself and my family are not in favor of your proposed development.
While we support the development of 15736 Winchester, we believe any improvements
or development should be done in a way which is consistent with the character of the
surrounding neighborhood buildings. The town staff report reflects this as well as other
related concerns. Simply put, we feel your project is too large in size and creates an
overly and unnecessary imposing presence which is not consistent with the character of
our neighborhood. I would urge you to consider something more suitable for our
neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Brenda McLaren
17560 Daves Ave
Monte Serena, Ca 95030
,CEIVE1
May 16, 2008
.JUN ® 2 2008
Mr. Martin Dermer IF LOS GATG
lo,4ING DIVISION
15720 Winchester Boulevard, Suite 1 r -
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Dear Mr. Dermer,
Due to my previous family commitments this coming Saturday morning, I cannot attend
your presentation at the Neighborhood Center but have asked that this letter be deliver by
my neighbor and submitted for the record.
Please note for the record that after attending the Planning Commission hearing and
reviewing all staff report as well as your submitted plans, I am not in favor of your
proposed development for many of the same reasons as communicated to you by the Los
Gatos CDAC, the Los Gatos Community Development Staff, the Planning Commission,
and as stated by the nearly one dozen speakers during the public hearing on March 26 of
which I was one.
While I frilly support the development of 15736 Winchester, I believe any improvements
and development (which are quite welcome give the current state of disrepair of the
single family residence) should be done in a way which is befitting to and consistent with
the character and stature of the surrounding neighborhood buildings. Simply put, I feel
your proposed project is too large in size and scope and creates an imposing presence
which is not consistent with the character of the neighborhood. I would welcome your
reconsideration of the recommendations of town staff and downsize the project to
something more suitable for the location.
Sincerely,
John McLaren
17560 Daves Ave
Monte Serena, Ca 95030
Bryan Mekechuk
From: Kel Marchbank [kelrmarchbank@yahoo.comj
Sent: Saturday, May 17, 2008 6:32 AM
To: bryan.mekechuk@comcast.net
Subject: Re: 15720/36 Winchester - Meet with Martin Dermers on Saturday, May 17 10:00 am
hi Bryan,
I cannot make today's meeting and am not sure if Colleen will be going.
Please represent me and let it be known I am very much against the proposed development as it currently is
represented. Also please forward my concerns in what I believe to be sneaky behavior by the developers by forgoing
sight poles and lack of neighborhood notice.
Thanks and regards,
Kel Marchbank
Jo-Anne Sinclair
17509 Via Sereno
Monte Sereno, CA 95030 RECEIVED
408.892.2455
May 17, 2008
Mr. Martin Dermer
15720 Winchester Boulevard
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Dear Mr. Dermer,
Re, 15720/15736 Winchester Boulevard,
JUN - 2 2008
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
1 will do my best to attend the meeting at the Neighborhood Center this morning; if I cannot
attend then please accept this letter.
Please be advised that 1 am not in favor of your proposed development for the reasons
given to you by the Los Gatos Conceptual Development Advisory Committee, the Los
Gatos Community Development Staff, the Planning Commission, and as stated by the
speakers during the public hearing on March 26, 2008.
While I support the development of 15736 Winchester, it should be done in a manner that
is consistent with the surroundings.
Sincerely,
J -Anne Sinclair
cc Town of Los Gatos
Architecture and Site Applications S-07-34
Subdivision Application M-07-13
Bryan J. Mekechuk
17509 Via Sereno
Monte Serena, CA 95030
408.655.0400
May 17, 2008
Mr. Martin Dermer
15720 Winchester Boulevard
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Dear Mr. Dermer,
Re: 15720/15736 Winchester Boulevard
RECEIX11
JUN 2 2008
TOWN OF LOS r~ `O 3
PLANNING DIVi-ON
I am attending the meeting at the Neighborhood Center briefly this morning, due to my
son's baseball game at Bagerly Field that started at 9:00 am.
Please be advised that I am not in favor of your proposed development for the reasons
given to you by the Los Gatos Conceptual Development Advisory Committee, the Los
Gatos Community Development Staff, the Planning Commission, and as stated by the
speakers during the public hearing on March 26, 2008.
While I support the development of 15736 Winchester, it should be done in a manner that
is consistent with the surroundings.
Sincerely,
Bryan Mekechuk
cc Town of Los Gatos
Architecture and Site Applications S-07-34
Subdivision Application M-07-13