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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: JUNE 2, 2015
MEETING DATE: 06/02/15
ITEM NO: ( k
DESK ITEM
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: LES WHITE, INTERIM TOWN MANA
SUBJECT: NORTH FORTY SPECIFIC PLAN GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT GP- 14-001
ZONING CODE AMENDMENT Z -14 -001 AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
REPORT EIR -10 -002. PROJECT LOCATION: THE PLAN AREA COMPRISES
APPROXIMATELY 44 ACRES LOCATED AT THE NORTHERN EXTENT OF
THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS BORDERED BY STATE ROUTE 17 AND STATE
ROUTE 85 FREEWAYS TO THE WEST AND NORTH LOS GATOS
BOULEVARD TO THE EAST AND LARK AVENUE TO THE SOUTH. APN
424 -07 -009, 010, 024 THROUGH 027, 031 THROUGH 037 052 THROUGH 054
060, 063 THROUGH 065, 070, 081 THROUGH 086 090 094 THROUGH 095
099, 100, 102 THROUGH 112, 424 -06 -115 1164. AND 129 PROPERTY
OWNERS: SWENSON C B TRUSTEE LOS GATOS GATEWAY LLC THOMAS
ELIZABETH DODSON PATRICIA CONNELL WILLIAM MATTES MATTES
TRUST MBK ENTERPRISE, DEWEY VENTURA DOUGLAS MOISENCO
JAMES DAGOSTINO ROBERT & GEORGIANNA SPINAZZE MARIANNE
EZELL, LOS GATOS MEDICAL OFFICE CENTER LLC IRIS GIN JOHN AND
ALLISON DIEP LLC MATHEW BERNAL LG BOULEVARD HOLDINGS LLC
POLARIS NAVIGATION EW REAL ESTATE LLC LAZAAR ENT LLC
PIYUSH KOTHARY. APPLICANT: TOWN OF LOS GATOS.
A. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE NORTH FORTY SPECIFIC PLAN.
B. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS.
C. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE EFFECTING A ZONING
CODE AMENDMENT.
D. ADOPTION OF A MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING
PROGRAM, AND ADOPTION OF FINDINGS OF FACT AND STATEMENT
OF OVERRIDING CONSIXirecto(r ONS.
PREPARED BY: LAUREL R. PREVETT
Assistant Town Manage of Community D velopment
Reviewed by: N/A Assistant Town Manager N/A Town Attorney N/A Finance
N: \DEV \TC REPORTS\2015 \N40 TC 6 -2 -15 Desk ItemAm Refonnatted: 5/30/02
PAGE
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: NORTH 40 SPECIFIC PLAN/GP- 14-00 1 /Z- 14-00 1 /EIR- 10-002
JUNE 2, 2015
REMARKS
Additional correspondence received by today's 11:00 a.m. deadline is contained in Attachment 83.
Attachment (Previously received on April 4, 2014):
1. Draft Environmental Impact Report (l itlp : / /www.losgatosca.gov /N40DEIR)
Attachments (Previously received on July 11, 2014):
Final Environmental Impact Report with the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
(http://www.losgatosca.gov/N40FEIR)
Public Hearing Draft North Forty Specific Plan (Note: The complete Specific Plan including
appendices is also available online at: httn : / /www.losgatosea.gov /N40SP)
Attachments (Previously received on August 22. 2014
4. Report to the Planning Commission for the meeting of July 23, 2014 (excluding Exhibits 5 & 6)
5. Desk Item Report to the Planning Commission for the meeting of July 23, 2014
6. Desk Item 2 Report to the Planning Commission for the meeting of July 23, 2014
7. Report to the Planning Commission for the meeting of August 13, 2014
8. Desk Item 3 Report to the Planning Commission for the meeting of August 13, 2014
Attachments (Previously received with Staff Report on August 28, 2014):
9. Verbatim minutes from the August 13, 2014 Planning Commission meeting (141 transcribed
pages)
10. Public Comment received through 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 28, 2014
11. Detailed Planning Commission recommendations on the North Forty Specific Plan from their
August 13, 2014 meeting (six pages)
12. Draft findings (one page)
13. Memorandum from the Town Attorney (four pages)
14. Draft Resolution certifying the Environmental Impact Report (EIR -10 -002), adopting the
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and adopting the Findings of Fact and Statement
of Overriding Considerations, including Exhibit A.
15. Draft Resolution for the adoption of the North Forty Specific Plan
16. Draft Resolution adopting General Plan Amendments of the Town's General Plan (GP -14 -001),
including Exhibit A.
17. Draft Ordinance effecting a Zoning Code Amendment of the Town Code (Z -14 -001), including
Exhibit A.
18. Planning Commission Recommendations for Text Changes to the North 40 Specific Plan (four
pages)
PAGE
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: NORTH 40 SPECIFIC PLAN/GP- 14-001 /Z- 14-001 /EIR- 10-002
JUNE 2, 2015
Attachments (Previously received with Addendum on August 29 2014):
19. Resolution 2010 -091: Resolution of the Town Council of the Town of Los Gatos
Recommending Certification of the Environmental Impact Report and Adoption of the 2020
General Plan (includes Exhibit A)
20. Public Comment received from 11:01 a.m. Thursday, August 28, 2014 through 11:00 a.m.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Attachments (Previously received with Desk Item on September 2 2014):
21. Map of the Los Gatos Union School District Boundary and school site options within the North
40.
22. Letter from the Los Gatos Union School District received Friday, August 29, 2014 after 11:00
a.m.
23. Public Comment received from 11:01 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2014 through 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014.
24. Additional Limitations for Commercial (Exhibit 8 from the August 15, 2012 Advisory
Committee meeting.
Attachments (Previously received with September 16 2014 Staff Report):
25. Grosvenor exhibit displayed at the September 2, 2014 Town Council meeting.
26. Letter from the Los Gatos Union School District, dated September 5, 2014.
27. Public Comment received from 11:01 a.m. Tuesday, September 2, 2014 through 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, September 11, 2014.
28. Fehr & Peers letter dated September 10, 2014.
29. Table of Planning Commission recommendations and proposed responses for Council
consideration.
Attachments (Previously received with September 16 2014 Addendum):
30. Letter from A. Don Capobres, Linda Mandoline, and Wendi Baker dated September 12, 2014 (7
pages)
31. Public Comments received from 11:01 a.m. Thursday, September 11, 2014 through 11:00 a.m.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Attachments (Previously received with September 16 2014 Addendum #2):
32. Public Comments received from 11:01 a.m. Friday, September 12, 2014 through 11:00 a.m.
Monday, September 15, 2014
33. Highland Oaks Existing Traffic Calming
Attachment (Previously received with September 16 2014 Desk Item):
34. Public Comment received from 11:01 a.m. Monday, September 15, 2014 through 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
PAGE
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: NORTH 40 SPECIFIC PLAN /GP- 14- 001 /Z- 14- 001 /EIR -10 -002
JUNE 2, 2015
Attachment (Previously received with September 16, 2014 Desk Item #2):
35. Traffic analysis information
Attachments (Previously received with December 16, 2014 Staff Report):
36. Agricultural Resources information
37. Alternative to ITE Traffic Information Analysis by Fehr and Peers ( "Trip Generation Rate
Comparison')
38. Additional Proposed Projects by Fehr and Peers ( "Additional Future Year Information')
39. TJKM Peer Review of Fehr and Peers Reports contained in Attachments 37 and 38
40. Draft School District Demographic Study dated October 8, 2014
41. Additional Economic Analysis
42. Revised Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations
43. Letter from Superintendent Diane Abbati dated December 8, 2014 with School District Student
Population Projections dated November 3, 2014
44. Public Comment received from 11:01 a.m. Monday, September 16, 2014 through 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Attachments (Previously received with December 16, 2014 Desk Item):
45. Public Comment received from 11:01 a.m. Thursday, December 11, 2014 through 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Attachments (Previously received with February 3, 2015 Staff Report
46. Updated Table of Planning Commission recommendations and proposed responses for Council
consideration
47. North 40 Specific Plan Area Property Ownership Map
48. Public Comment received from 11:01 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2014 through 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Attachments (Previously received with January 30, 2015 Addendum):
49. Correspondence received from 11:01 a.m. Thursday, January 29, 2015 through 11:00 a.m.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Attachments (Previously received with February 2, 2015 Addendum B):
50. Correspondence received from 11:01 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2015 through 11:00 a.m.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Attachments (Previously received with February 3, 2015 Desk Item):
51. Exhibits showing existing General Plan and Zoning designations for the Specific Plan area
PAGES
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: NORTH 40 SPECIFIC PLAN/GP- 14-001 /Z- 14-001 /EIR- 10-002
JUNE 2, 2015
Attachments (Previously received with March 3 2015 Staff Report):
52. Verbatim minutes from the February 3, 2015 Town Council meeting (124 pages)
53. Letter from A. Don Capobres, Linda Mandoline, and Wendi Baker dated February 13, 2015
(seven pages)
54. Correspondence received from 11:01 a.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2015 through 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, February 26, 2015 (84 pages)
55. Conceptual model of commercial size breakdown
56. Shopping center tenant mix and sizes
Attachment (Previously received with February 27 2015 Addendum):
57. Approved Minutes from the February 3, 2015 Town Council Meeting
Attachment (Previously received with March 3 2015 Desk Item):
58. Correspondence received from 11:01 a.m. Thursday, February 26, 2015 through 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015 (17 pages)
Attachments (Previously received with April 9 2015 Staff Report):
59. Los Gatos Village Square tenant sizes
60. Memo from Fehr & Peers to Summerhill Homes regarding freeway impact elimination (11
pages)
61. Correspondence received from 11:01 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2015 through 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, April 9, 2015 (204 pages)
Attachments (Previously received with April 10 2015 Addendum):
62. Minutes of the February 3, 2015 Town Council Meeting (seven pages)
63. TJKM peer review of Fehr & Peers memo to Summerhill Homes (two pages)
64. Correspondence received from 11:01 a.m. Thursday, April 9, 2015 through 11:00 a.m. Friday,
April 10, 2015
Attachments (Previously received with April 13 2015 Addendum B):
65. Communication from Superintendent Abbati regarding a voluntary contribution agreement
between the Los Gatos Unified School District and the North 40 developers (11 pages)
66. Correspondence received from 11:01 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2015 through 11:00 a.m. Monday,
April 13, 2015
Attachments received with April 14 2015 Desk Item:
67. Traffic options table prepared by staff (one page)
68. Memo from Carey & Co. Inc. (five pages)
69. Correspondence received from 11:01 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2015 through 11:00 a.m. Tuesday,
April 14, 2015 (13 pages)
PAGE 6
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: NORTH 40 SPECIFIC PLAN /GP -14- 001 /Z- 14- 001 /EIR -10 -002
JUNE 2, 2015
Attachments (previously received with May 22, 2015 Memo):
70. "Redline" Edits to Draft Specific Plan
71. Updated Public Hearing Draft North Forty Specific Plan
72. Updated Public Hearing Draft North Forty Specific Plan Appendices
Attachments (previously received with June 2, 2015 Staff Report):
73. Draft Backbone Infrastructure Improvements by Phase
74. Updated Draft Resolution certifying the Environmental Impact Report (EIR -10 -002), adopting
the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and adopting the Findings of Fact and
Statement of Overriding Considerations, not including Exhibit A
75. Updated Draft Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations (Exhibit A of
Attachment 74 to be submitted under separate cover)
76. Updated Draft Resolution for the adoption of the North Forty Specific Plan, not including
Exhibit A
77. Updated Draft Resolution adopting General Plan Amendments of the Town's General Plan (GP-
14 -001), including Exhibit A
78. Updated Draft Ordinance effecting a Zoning Code Amendment of the Town Code (Z -14 -001),
including Exhibit A (Options 1 and 2)
79. Correspondence received from 11:01 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2015 through 11:00 a.m.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Attachments (previously received with May 29, 2015 Addendum):
75. Updated Draft Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations
80. Approved action minutes from the April 14, 2015 Town Council meeting
81. Correspondence received from 11:01 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2015 through 11:00 a.m. Friday,
May 29, 2015
Attachments received with June 1, 2015 Addendum B:
82. Correspondence received from 11:01 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2015 through 11:00 a.m. Monday,
June 1, 2015
Attachments received with this Desk Item:
83. Correspondence received from 11:01 a.m. Monday, June 1, 2015 through 11:00 a.m. Monday,
June 2, 2015
RP:JSP:cg
Mario Blaum a.nd Susana Kazis
108 Mojonera Ct
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Tel. (408) 927 -2212
E -mail: nrblaumC(`hotmail.com
May 31, 2015
North 40 Development
To the Los Gatos Town Council Members.
As residents of the Oka Road neighborhood, we are deeply concerned about the development of
the North 40 lot. Traffic in Los Gatos Blvd. is already pretty bad as it is. Large retailers in the
site will snake traffic from bad to horrendous.
The Town Council Members we are sure appreciate the small town character of Los Gatos. North
40 is not the place for large retailers. we believe it will be much better to have small retailers and
possibly restaurants, mitigating the impact in Los Gatos Blvd. We hope the members will make
the right decision.
Sincerely,
Mario Blaum and Susana Kuzis
Attachment 83
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INTENTIONALLY
LEFT BLANK
From: Jeff Loughridge [ma ilto:lokrii(acomcast.net]
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2015 11:36 AM
To: BSpector; Marcia Jensen; Rob Rennie; Marico Sayoc; Steven Leonardis
Cc: Council
Subject: 6 -2 -15 Town Council Meeting
To: Councilmembers: Mayor Marcia Jensen; Vice -Mayor Barbara Spector; Steve Leonardis;
Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie
The specific Plan for the North 40 represents the parameters of what can be ultimately built there. It is
important to understand not only the Town vision of the North 40 but also of the vision of what the
North 40 could be, within these parameters.
Commercial Building Plan
I think that the concept of "protecting" the Downtown businesses from competition is flawed. The Los
Gatos downtown has always had the ability to improve itself. No protection was ever offered from other
nearby communities. If our downtown needs protection from competition from the North 40 then they
have already lost to communities like Campbell. The North 40 is actually in direct geographical
competition with Campbell and every effort should be made to help it win that fight, not hobble it. But
please let the fight for business be between the North 40 and Campbell and not with our own
downtown.
There has been a square footage matrix that has showed up at the last few meetings that suggests a
very low percentage of small pad size retail that might be allowed as part of the North 40 Commercial
Building Plan. The suggestion has been to limit small pad retail of under 3000sq ft to 5% of the North 40
development. As an example, our down town has approximately 60% of these same size retail. This
square footage matrix should be eliminated. I think that the Los Gatos business landlords have exerted
enough 'special interest' pressure on our town.
I am a neighbor to the North 40 property, and I look forward to the improved quality of life that the
development can provide. I want to be able to walk or ride my bike to retail shopping and services. I'd
like to have dining options on the North side of Los Gatos similar to what downtown residents have
enjoyed for years. I want a variety of small specialty and minimal mid -size shopping and services. I do
not want a Target, Walmart or anything similar or larger. These do not align with the Town's vision.
"It (the North 40) celebrates our history, agricultural heritage, hillside views and small town
character. The North 40 is seamlessly woven into the fabric of our community, complimenting other Los
Gatos residential and business neighborhood." A power shopping center does not meet this vision
statement and wouldn't effectively serve the needs of the Los Gatos community.
I respectfully request that you reread and reflect on a few key statements from the "Vision of Los Gatos"
and the "General Plan ". It is the Town's desire and your elected responsibility to act upon these items
outlined below.
"Support of new development from surrounding residents and property owners will be a major
consideration during any development review process."
"Residents expect all new development to fit into the fabric of the community and demand that
new businesses enhance their high quality of life."
• "Support an active business community that provides a wide variety of goods and services and a
broad range of employment opportunities, minimizing the need to travel to other
communities;"
Height
I fought against building heights above 35 feet on the Albright project initially due to the project being
virtually in the back yard of Charter Oaks. Then, I was one of the few who did not insist on 35 feet
because I thought that it would be better to be able to build higher and make better use of the land. I
thought that the best way to get this extra height was to amend the General Plan. Council chose to allow
a PD to grant that height exception. I disagreed with this strategy since I believe that Los Gatos should
follow the procedures that have been set out. Using exceptions like a PD in this instance was like using a
loophole to accomplish something that was better served by an amendment.
I supported the proposed building heights in the North 40 development application. It would have been
a better and more efficient use of this valuable piece of property. It would allow a development which at
the same time meeting some of our town's unmet needs— and does so in an elegant and future - thinking
way. A building cap of 35 feet here will result in minimizing unmet needs at the expense of 10 or 15 feet
of height on a few of the buildings. The resulting lack of building height "texture" will create a "Costco-
like" appearance. Completely unnecessary in my view and a step in the wrong direction.
I feel that this issue should be reopened and re- evaluated.
Residential
In the last couple of weeks before the Specific Plan meetings, the State density bonus was mentioned.
Even though the State density bonus can potentially apply to all developments, opponents to the North
40 development used it as a means to point out that the 364 units proposed could be increased to 491.
Almost all who are concerned with the traffic created by the North 40 seemed to want to reduce the
number of housing units. The problem with that thinking is that residential housing creates LESS traffic
than retail or commercial. The residential unit number of 364 should have been left alone.
Jeff
.. ... .. _ 142 ,J
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I okr1i@C0ff)cast.vet
From: padraigo [mailto:nadrai o mail.com]
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2015 1:30 PM
To: Council
Subject: Re: North 40 Development - Commercial Building Plan
June 1st, 2015
Town of Los Gatos
110 E. Main St.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Re: North 40 Development - Commercial Building Plan
Town Council Members:
As a resident of the Town of Los Gatos, I am proud of the cultural richness and diversity that our
town has and further seeks to maintain and enhance. My home sits very near the North 40
property and I have been following the progress closely. I respectfully request that you reread
and reflect on a few key statements from the "Vision of Los Gatos" and the "General Plan". It is
the Town's desire and your elected responsibility to act upon these items outlined below.
1. "Support of new development from surrounding residents and property owners will be a
major consideration during any development review process."
2. "Residents expect all new development to fit into the fabric of the community and
demand that new businesses enhance their high quality of life."
3. "Support an active business community that provides a wide variety of goods and
services and a broad range of employment opportunities, minimizing the need to travel to
other communities;"
As an adjacent neighbor to the North 40 property, we should look forward to the improved
quality of life that the development can provide like:
1. Walkable retail shopping and services (I love the concept of the "market hall ")
2. Seated dining with Outdoor and Street Side options (live entertainment options would
also be a welcomed bonus)
3. A variety of small specialty and minimal mid -size shopping and services (a Walmart
Neighborhood or Target, or similar or larger, DO NOT align with my wishes or the Town's
vision)
It's my understanding that, currently, there is a discussion to provide less small retail shopping
and more large scale retail. The North 40 vision statement says, "It (the North 40) celebrates our
history, agricultural heritage, hillside views and small town character. The North 40 is
seamlessly woven into the fabric of our community, complimenting other Los Gatos residential
and business neighborhood." A power shopping center does not meet this vision statement and
wouldn't effectively serve the needs of the Los Gatos community.
We thank you for your continued service to the Town and dedication to listening to the voices of
the residents of the Town of Los Gatos.
Thank you,
Padraig OMATHUNA
101 Mojonera Ct
Los Gatos CA 95032
cell: 650 714 -6077
From: Rhodie Firth [mailto:rhodab52Paol comj
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2015 3:16 PM
To: Cindie Gonzales
Subject: North Forty
Thank you so much for all the work you have done to try to make The North 40 Development something
we can live with. The truth is that there is no way to make the Grosvenor proposal for that land into
something that will fit our community. Why do they say they want it to fit the fabric of Los Gatos and
then propose something that is not fitting at all?
I am very appreciative of the fact that you have reduced the amount of housing allowed, have lowered
height limits, and for adding the orchard feature, but I am disappointed that the square footage for
retail is still so high. Won't that still be too much competition for downtown Los Gatos?
I am still trying to adjust to the height of the building on the corner of Samaritan Drive and Los Gatos
Boulevard. It hasn't happened yet! Why are so many communities allowing developers to build high
buildings that fence us in and destroy our views?
This letter doesn't help much, but I did want you to know there are still many of us out here who are
very concerned about the impact of this development. I don't know anyone who isn't concerned about
what it will do to our community.
Sent from my iPad
From: Andrew Miller [mailto:amiller52berkeley.edu]
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2015 4:14 PM
To: Council
Subject: North 40 development
M
My name is Andrew and I've spent the majority of my childhood and young adult life in Los
Gatos. Coming home has always awakened fond memories of school dances at Fisher, football
games at LGHS, and long afternoons spent exploring the shops and open spaces that give
downtown Los Gatos its unique and irreplaceable character. It is with these memories in mind
that I share my opinions of the proposed North 40 development plan.
My childhood home sits a stone's throw from the North 40 property, and when my parents told
me about the development plans, I was excited. For the most part, it sounds like the current
plan would preserve the quiet, suburban feel that sets Los Gatos apart from the rest of the
valley while introducing many of the features that my friends have moved elsewhere to find. In
particular, the potential for modern dining, entertainment (younger bars, jazz club, etc.), and
affordable housing offers to reinvigorate the town and make it more attractive to a younger
generation. Additionally, the possibility of seeing an REI, Crate & Barrel, or similar lifestyle store
come into town would be a draw for up- and - coming professionals.
That said, there are certain options under consideration that would likely cause young
professionals to reconsider settling in Los Gatos. The addition of a large box store such as
Target, Costco, or Lowes would be of little interest to my peers, since we don't shop at those
stores with any regularity, and since there are already so many within easy driving distance. If
anything, the increased traffic generated by the inclusion of such stores would turn people off to
living in this area.
Finally (and I don't know whether this is under consideration or not), I would strongly urge the
town council to push for green construction that prioritizes energy efficiency, drought - tolerance,
and the inclusion of open /natural landscaping. Utilization of semi - permeable hardscape, native
grasses, and trees would create an environment that draws eco- conscious individuals (of which
there are many in Silicon Valley).
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing more about how the town will
move forward with the North 40 development.
Best,
Andrew
Andrew Miller
J. D. Candidate '18 1 UC Berkeley School of Law
M.S. '15 Civil and Environmental Engineering I Stanford University
B.S. '14 Earth Systems I Stanford University
Phone: 1.4o 8.835. o 8 76
From: Marianne [ma ilto:lot23har(&verizon net)
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2015 8:51 PM
To: council(&[psoatos.gov; Town Manager; Marcia Jensen; BSpector; Steven Leonardis; Marico Sayoc;
Rob Rennie
Subject: North 40 Pacific Plan
Dear Council Members:
I am hopeful that the continuation of the hearing from last April will bring the process for the Pacific
Plan to an end tomorrow.
It has been a long time waiting and I appreciate all the work that has been done to assure a satisfying
outcome.
I thank you for that.
Marianne Ezell
From: Christian Miller [ mailto :christian.miller92Q@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2015 11:16 PM
To: Council
Subject: North 40 Commercial Development Plan Opinion
Town Council Members:
My name is Christian Miller and I've spent my entire life in Los Gatos. I enjoy coming home
from college to this Town, and creating new memories with my family and friends. I have spent
many days exploring the open spaces with my friends, working out in local fitness clubs, dining
in the restaurants with family, and going to the movie theater. When I describe Los Gatos to
friends in college, I realize how fortunate I have been to live in this amazing town. It is with
these memories in mind that I share my opinions of the proposed North 40 development plan.
Once 1 complete my college education, I hope to make Los Gatos my home. The North 40 plan
offers me, as a millennial, the opportunity to make Los Gatos home.
My childhood home sits next to the North 40 property, and when my parents told me about the
development plans, I was excited. I would love to see a variety of small retail shops that target
millennial and young professionals, as well as the possibility of seeing an REI, Nike clothing, or
bookstore come into town. These would be a draw for up- and - coming professionals. The
potential for modern dining, entertainment (younger bars, jazz club, etc.), and affordable housing
offers to reinvigorate the town and make it more attractive to a younger generation.
That said, there are certain options under consideration that would likely cause young
professionals to reconsider settling in Los Gatos. The addition of a large box store such as
Target, Costco, or Lowes would be of little interest to my peers, since we don't shop at those
stores with any regularity, and since there
are already so many within easy driving distance. If anything, the increased traffic generated by
the inclusion of such stores would turn young adults like myself off to living in this area.
I would like to see the North 40 — Commercial Development Plan enhance the
Town of Los Gatos and not turn it into another sprawling, dense commercial
property like the one found at Almaden Expressway and Highway 85.
Thank you for your consideration
- Christian Miller