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Attachment 07M arni Moseley From: Sent: To: Subject: Hello, June <juneoca@yahoo.com> Monday, February 22, 2016 2:24 PM Marni Moseley 16212 Los Gatos Blvd I would like to comment on the proposed development at 16212 Los Gatos Boulevard . It is too close to the road and sidewalk. The units are very repetitive and block like in contrast to the more pleasing appearance of the recent development on the other side of the boulevard which has a more broken up roof line. It is too high and blocks views of the hills making that part of the road feel more claustrophobic It is not visually compatible with other residential development nearby June O'Toole 408 358 9521 ATTACHMENT 1 1 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Subject: Hanan Arafeh <hharafeh@gmail.com> Wednesday, February 24 , 2016 7:47 AM Marni Moseley Stop the housing development at Los Gatos Los Gatos Blvd and Shannon Rd is developing 11 homes at that corner. Please stop that development. Thanks Hanan Arafeh (a resident of Los Gatos) 1 From: Kerry Lindholm [mailto:jnk129@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 11:10 AM To: Planning Subject: ii vincanto housing development at Shannon and Los Gatos Boulevard Dear Planning Commission , I am writing to share my disl ike of the proposed housing development at the corner of Shannon Road and Los Gatos Boulevard. I live on Loma St which is in the neighborhood off of Englewood and Shannon Road . Our family has lived in this community for 17 years and are continually amazed at what the town is allowing to happen to our community under the umbrella of "planned developments". I still get mad every time I pass by the homes that were built on the opposite corner of the proposed new development and see how many homes were crammed into that lot. Is this our new precedent...let the developers cram as many homes as they possibly can onto a lot they we can line their pocketbooks w ith no protection for the long time citizens of this community? I am not opposed to development but I am very opposed to over development. I was all for the recent Netflix expansion in Los Gatos but there are so many issues with this new development I can't believe it has gotten so far in the process . First, there are way too many homes for this size lot. Even though they may legally be within guidel i nes (which I am not certain of), I am always mystified as to how a developer can get away with developments like this yet we, the private residents of this town, would never be a ll owed to put up such housing on our own lots . Second , the pictures of the attached homes that will be facing Los Gatos Boulevard appear to me to be better suited for the developments in downtown San Jose near the Shark Tank rather than Los Gatos. They are standard , cookie cutter buildings and it looks like no thought was put into making it blend aesthetically into our community. The look of it will stand out like a sore thumb. The buildings , based on the story poles which are currently erected , will create a "tunnel" feel to driving down Los Gatos Boulevard and take away from the view of the mountains in the distance . It does not appear any care was given into the look of this development as it pertains to the atmosphere of our town. Lastly, I challenge you all to sit on that corner mid-week starting at 7 :45 in the morning. The amount of traffic and children heading to the elementary schools, Fisher Middle School and the High School is astronomical. This development will only add more volume to that traffic and make that intersection even more hazardous . As you know from attending the LGUSD Summit recently, our schools are maxed out and this type of development will only continue to hurt our community. I implore you to please send this development back to the drawing board. Kerry Lindholm Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Ms . Moseley, MacSween Family <macsweensinca@aol.com> Wednesday, Feb ruary 24, 2016 11:15 AM Marni Moseley II Vicinato Development at 16212 Los Gatos Blvd on the Corner wih Shannon I am a resident and homeowner in Los Gatos. We live a few blocks away from the proposed II Vicinato development. I have reviewed the documents relating to the proposed development that are on the Town of Los Gatos website. In my review, of these documents I have the following comments: Traffic and Safety: The methodology of the traffic analysis of comparing the trips of the proposed development and the property being used as a car dealership is inherently flawed . It appears to rely on a traffic study completed for the proposed Laurel Mews. Anyone who lives in Los Gatos knows that the car dealerships are leaving Los Gatos and the larger sites being redeveloped with only dealership remaining on Los Gatos Blvd. There is little chance a car dealership will ever want to rent and utilize the proposed development site in its current condition. The traffic analysis should compare the trips created by the housing development to another type of commercial enterprise for a site that size. The traffic analysis seems to not take into account the increase in overall traffic on Los Gatos Boulevard due to the spill over traffic from Highway 17 whenever there is an accident or excessive traffic going to the beach. Nor does it seem to take into account the increase in traffic overall due to the increased enrollment at both Van Meter and Fisher Middle School which is well documented on the Los Gatos Unified School District website. There is no mention of the businesses that have moved into locations near the proposed development. Both Yoga Source and Orange Therapy have added significant trip traffic to the intersection and more vehicles parked on the streets near these businesses. Finally, it seems that since they are taking information from a study done before the development of Laurel Mews, the analysis is not taking into account the increase in trips due to the high density Laurel Mews development (22 units x 2 cars (at least)). · The intersection where the proposed development is located is already very confusing to any newcomer. There is the offset nature of the Roberts Road meeting Shannon Road at Los Gatos Blvd in an intersection that is like two "T" intersections. It is very unsafe and especially at school drop-off/pickup times and the morning work commute time. Not only traffic wise but also there are children on bicycles, skate boards and on foot. I would suggest that a current traffic analysis be conducted with more relevant comparisons and current traffic data before this project Is approved. Setback and height variances: The req4est for set back variance to squeeze as many houses on the less than 1 acre property could contribute to safety issues at the location. By having the setback reduced, vis ibility around the proposed development will be reduced. It seems to me that the purpose of set back limits is for safety and aesthestics. The whole townhouse development will seem like it is sitting on the street. I believe it will be the only development on Los Gatos Boulevard to be so close to the street-even closer than the Panera Bread building at Lark Avenue. I believe no variance in setback should be given. It is not In keeping with the other houses and businesses on Los Gatos Boulevard and could potentially cause increased safety problems at the Intersection of Roberts Road/Shannon Road/Los Gatos Blvd. Project Design: As it currently is drawn, the design of the townhouses in the proposed development is not in keeping with the rest of the proposed development, other structures near the proposed development nor in the Town of Los Gatos in general. This design of the townhouses would be more in keeping with a development you would find at Squaw Valley or Northstar near Lake Tahoe and would be an eyesore on Los Gatos Blvd . Density/Zoning Change: Overall, I object to what appears to be compliance by the Planning Commission and Town Council to whatever developers propose when it comes to high density developments. There needs to be a balance between the right of a property owner to develop their land and the r ights other 30,000+ residents of this town (not city) who already live here. I believe allowing this type of housing density will set a precedent for other property owners to request variances or change of zoning for the same type of density. My neighbor has a half acre property. By setting this 1 precedent, they could tear down their house and build 5-6 houses in its place by requesting a zoning variance. I don't think this should be the direction the Town of Los Gatos should be heading The developers build their projects, make their money and walk away from the Town of Los Gatos once it is done. They do not have to live with the increased traffic, over crowding of schools and decreased qual ity of life. As the Town of Los Gatos becomes more congested, schools become more over crowded the quality of life we all value will become denegrated to the status of an extension of San Jose . If we don't push back on such high density infill development, Los Gatos will look and feel just like San Jose. This proposed development needs to be reduced in housing density to create the proper set backs or rejected in favor of constructing a commercial building as the property is currently zoned. · I intended to attend the meeting tonight but my schedule changed. I hope my opinions will be considered as if I were able to speak at the meeting tonight. Please forward to the Planning Commission. I could not find their email addresses on the town website. Respectfully submitted, Cynthia M. Damesyn 16610 Ferris Ave Los Gatos, CA 95032 2 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Subject: Marni, Robert Gore <robertgore@aol.com > Wednesday, February 24, 2016 12:28 PM Marni Moseley Shannon/Blvd This project is completely offensive to the character of this town for so many obvious reasons; blocking view of mountains, so much height against sidewalk, residential use of commercial space, traffic at busy intersection, overcrowded schools, just to name a few. If the town doesn't strongly start push ing back on this insanity, the character of this 150 year old town is in serious jeopardy. Why even entertain this developer enough to install the poles? These developers are concerned for themselves and not for this town . You cannot be for town preservation and be for a developer that would propose such a harmful project. Please provide me the names of anyone from the planning department and/or town council that supports this project, so that those names may be made public. This is shameful and should be stopped now. Respectfully, Robert L. Gore Sent from my iPhone 1 From: Debbie McNulty [mailto:debbiemcnulty@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 1:19 PM To: Planning Subject: Please VOTE NO on 16212 Los Gatos Blvd Proposal Dear Planning Commission, I am completely opposed to the development of 16212 Los Gatos Boulevard as proposed. I have l ived on Amanda Lane for 23 years and travel down Shannon Road many times daily. The amount of traffic at certain times of the day is already very heavy, particularly during the morning hours when children are heading to s chool. There are no sidewalks along much of Shannon Road for the kids to use and I often feel that the children who are walking and riding their bikes to school are at risk of being hit. I have actually witnesses at least one child on a bike being hit by a car on this strip of roadway. The intersection of Shannon Road and Los Gatos Blvd is the daily crossing point for many hundreds of students who attend Fisher Middle School and Van Meter Elementary School. I feel that adding 11 more homes would not only increase the traffic levels in this super busy intersection, but that it would increase the risk to the hundreds of children who cross at this intersection several times a day. I are completely surprised that this propos al has moved forward to this point. The renderings depict a real estate development that looks as if it would be much more well-suited for DeAnza Boulevard in Cupertino, certainly not in Los Gatos. The development is modern, angular and devoid of the kind of charm we have all come to expect in our town's architecture. Al so , I did not see any mention in the mitigation report about the number school age children this development would produce. Lo s Gatos schools have been at peak capacity for years . Adding more children, as most certainly a development like this would, will exacerbate an already overcrowded condition in our schools. The onl y person who will benefit from such a development is the developer. Please vote NO. Debbie McNulty 136 Amanda Lane Lo s Gatos, CA 95032 408-348-1261 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Hi Marni, Eugene Jong <jjeugene@yahoo.com> Wednesday, February 24 , 2016 1:29 PM Marni Moseley Eugene Jong 16212 Los Gatos Blvd project I am Eugene Jong living at 16763 Shannon Road which is east side of the 16212 Los Gatos Blvd project. I have a chance to talk to Scott Plautz over the weekend. One of the topic is about our sharing wall. We prefer to keep the current stone wall for the following reasons: 1. The stone wall is a stronger material which I feel more safe and comfortable compare to wood fence. The reason we need more protection is that our bed room is perpendicular to the 16212 project drive way, we worry about car can accidently hit the wood fence and get into our bed room. Stone wall is a much stronger material provide us more protection in this case 2. Ifwe need to remove the current stone wall and build a new wood fence, the west side of my property will be open and we worry about if someone/crime can get into our property a lot easier. Hence, we prefer to keep the current stone wall instead of and new wood fence. Thanks for your consideration. Regards, Eugene Jong 408-476-9980 1 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Good Afternoon Marni Hagar, Kevin <HagarK@autonation.com> Wednesday, February 24, 2016 1:32 PM Marni Moseley 'kevinhagar@comcast.net' II Vicinato I currently live off of Shady View Lane and have as a kid since the mid 70's when my parents originally purchased the home . I attended the local schools growing up and now have children going through the same process. They have attended Blossom Hill, Fisher and now LGHS. Over the years I have seen many changes in the community, some great and others not so great. I sincerely believe this project would fall under the "not so great" category. This will again impact the community in many ways, increased school class sizes, increased traffic, increased parking, increased safety concerns, etc ... The existing traffic is already massive at times, the class sizes are already over crowded and the additional homes and potential families this would bring to the community would be tragic. I think it would be in the best interest of the community to not move forward with this project. Please do not support this new development project II Vicinato . Thank you, Kevin Hagar CONFIDENTIAL : This electronic mail (including any attachments ) may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and /or otherwise protected from disclosure to anyone other than its intended recipient(s ). Any dissemination or use of this electronic email. or its contents (including any attachments) by persons other than the intended recipient(s) is strictly prohibited . If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by reply e mail so that we may correct our internal records . Please then delete the original message (including any attachments) in its entirety. Thank you 1 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Ms Moseley, Christina Stuhlmuller <christina@stuhlmuller.net> Wednesday, February 24, 2016 2:02 PM Marni Moseley Against the plan at Shannon and Los Gatos Blvd. I strongly disagree with the plan to develop housing on the lost at the corner of Shannon Road and Los Gatos Blvd. 11 high density housing structures, really, I was shocked when I saw the drawings and plan posted on the fence. This type of development feels greedy and selfish. Isn't this land zoned for commercial? Why fight to change that for more housing we don't need. Don't we have enough high density housing it the area. For example, right across the street. I normally don't speak up, but I happened to be at the stoplight yesterday near yoga source when school got out. I couldn't believe the mess of kids and traffic yesterday. As the mother of two kids who biked and walked to Van Meter and Fisher, I am scared for the safety of our kids. Hundreds of kids walk to and from school daily down Shannon road to cross the busy intersection to get to Van Meter and Fisher. It is unfair to put their lives at risk just to add multiple housing units. Our schools and our town are already crowded enough. In addition to the above concerns. How about everyday traffic. Does anyone have a long term plan? There is no easy way out of this town without being in a traffic Jam as it is. What if we had a major emergency like fire or earthquake. How will the residents of this town be able to evacuate safely? Each house you add , adds at least two more cars on the road. I would really like you and the town council to think about your current residents instead of greedy developers looking for a quick 10 million. What about our safety and quality of life in a quaint (somewhat) small town. Thank you for your time . Christina Stuhlmuller Home Owner on Loma Alta Ave 1 From: Julie [mailto:jhlasher@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 3:22 PM To: Planning Subject: 16212 Los Gatos Boulevard -comment I am completely opposed to the development of 16212 Los Gatos Boulevard as proposed. I live down Shannon and go through the intersection of Los Gatos Blvd and Shannon multiple times a day. That intersection is already way too crowded , especially after noon when school traffic and then afternoon commute traffic make that area terribly slow. Not to mention how increased traffic is a very bad idea right where so many kids converge to and from school, and after school sports and activities make the corner crazy. I think the town is very rapidly losing the small town feel that I so liked when I moved here 12 years ago. The traffic has increased exponentially in the past 12 years. Please stop bu ild ing more and more houses that are way too dense for the established character of the town. The schools are so crowded already -I am very glad that my kids are almost through high school since the schools and streets around the schools are just way too overcrowded now. The only person who will benefit from such a development is the developer. Please vote NO. Julie Lasher 16443 Shady View Lane Los Gatos , CA 95032 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: HiMami- Aimee Adamec <aimee_adamec@yahoo.com> Wednesday, February 24, 2016 3:25 PM Marni Moseley Aimee Adamec Feedback on LG Blvd/Shannon Development My name is Aimee Adamec and I am a writing to express my concerns over the newest proposed development at the corner of Shannon and Los Gatos Blvd. More specifically my concerns fall into the following categories - 1) Rezoning for high density housing - I feel that as a member of this community I have very little visibility to rezoning plans prior to the surfacing of new developments. As a result, I feel like I am constantly playing catch-up. It is especially frustrating in situations like this where a lot of work has already occurred before the public is notified of intent. I'd love to better understand this process and the earliest point at which concerns can be raised. 2) Affordable housing -after reviewing the plans, it doesn't appear that any of these properties will be providing more affordable housing options. Given that the smallest home is over 2000 sq ft. I suspect this development will not in any way mitigate Los Gatos' affordable housing issue but I'd love to understand the council's position on this. 3) I would like to better understand the overall vision for our community and how each of these developments is furthering that vision. From the standpoint of an outsider it feels as though each development is being assessed independent of the others. It also feels as though they are not being considered within the context of the existing community and it's expectations regarding neighborhood feel and charm. As a result, it does not feel as though there is any consideration for overall capacity with regards to infrastructure, roads , public schools and local services and an understanding of at what point the town can no longer absorb these developments without significant investment. At the end of the day, as a resident it is our property values that will be impacted by the decisions of the council and I would love to better understand how I hold them accountable. Regards, Aimee 1 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Cc : Subject: Hello, Bina <binaroydesai@yahoo.com > Wednesday, February 24, 2016 4:03 PM Marni Moseley Raj Concern Re: LG land use I'm writing to express our concern with the potential residential development at the Wine Depot location on Lg Blvd. That land is not zoned for residential use , it is zoned for commercial or office use. If you allow it to become residential, you have several hurdles ahead: -Concerned LG residents ready to petition the cause/developers and city if need be . -parking is already and issue on Magnesson loop-the residents there complain of having nowhere to park on weekends. -traffic /safety is such a concern in LG, we cannot add anymore housing in this area -schools are already at a max, why is LG trying to take away from the quaint town we moved into 8+ years ago We hope you all will reconsider and look out for the future/safety of LG instead of supporting developer goals . Sincerely, Bina Desai s~ 1 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Subject: Hello Ms. Moseley, Linda Tasner-Rutt <troylindarutt@yahoo.com> Wednesday, February 24, 2016 4:20 PM Marni Moseley Planned Development on Shannon Road I understand that there is a proposed plan to develop property on the corner of Shannon/LG Blvd. I am an 11 year resident and home owner. I chose to live her so that we could find a home for our children to attend great schools. Isn't that why we pay the big bucks to live here? Now we have overcrowding becoming an issue in our schools, traffic congestion and over building in our quaint town. When will it stop? What are you doing to assist in the community to keep Los Gatos a great place to raise kids. What can we as homeowners do to stop this over building? What can you do? Of particular importance is the fact that no new traffic study was done. It looks like the MND is based on traffic data gathered for the Laurel Mews project. The MND is based on a situation in which there are car dealerships, not homes, in the vicinity of the project. The study does not take into account the parking problems created by Orange Theory and Yoga Source; many people who use these resources park in the wine shop's parking lot because there is not adequate parking in the area. There is no mention of new traffic that will come from students living in the 100 new homes in the Guadalupe development and attending Van Meter; there are no up-to-date references to North Forty or Albright (Netflix) traffic. In general, the traffic data appears to be too old to apply to the current situation. No dates are given for any of the data. Please consider our plea to stop this development. Linda Tasner-Rutt 1 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Ms Moseley, J DRIEDGER <jddriedger@gmail.com> Wednesday, February 24, 2016 5:26 PM Marni Moseley II Vicinato Recently I stopped by the proposed construction at the comer of Shannon Road and Los Gatos Blvd . Homes? Really? On a busy intersection with a business zoning? Not only are the proposed houses crowded, LARGE, with insufficient parking, it looks like the Town of Los Gatos is trying to look like the crowded homes in San Francisco . The history of Los Gatos has either small homes to accommodate the people from San Francisco a century ago, as well as h omes built in the 1950s which have larger lots and places to park cars . This plan neither has any lots for the proposed houses nor p arking for the home owners to have guests. When paying $2 million it would seem appropriate to be able to accommodate additional parking for guests. Anyway, many reasons this is a bad idea to have thi s proposed construction. Sincerely, Jeanne Driedger I live within .5 miles of this proposal and know the traffic on Shannon Road very w ell. 1 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Subject: Michael O'Hara <marinepilot72@gmail.com> Wednesday, February 24, 2016 6:47 PM Marni Moseley Land at Los Gatos Blvd and Shannon Rd Marni Moseley-I don't support the rezoning of the property at Shannon Rd and Los Gatos Blvd. Sincerely Michael O'Hara 36 Oak Grove Ave Los Gatos Sent from my iPad 1 Il vincinato Planned Development Wayne Scott Il-vincinato-1.txt RECEIVED FEB 2 4 2016 02/23/2016 Los Gatos Town council Members: TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DIVISION Marcia Jensen -lawyer, Planning commission Steven Leonardis -Blvd Financial Group, Coldwell Banker Barbara Spector (Mayor) -lawyer, Planning commission Marcia sayoc -EPA, LG Plannig commission, sustainability Rob Renie -likes small town charm I have lived in LG for 20 years . committee I live on Magneson Loop around the corner from Il vincinato. My commute path is turning right onto LG Blvd then left on Lark to Hi 17 north. Sometimes it requires 2 lights to get to Lark going Eon LG Blvd. For commuters attempting to merge onto LG Blvd from feeder streets it is a real challenge to get to Lark. To get onto Lark and Hi 17, number of commuters are now turning right through the Pan era parking lot then left at office Depot to get through the intersection to Lark. North 40 adding 300+ homes many of these cars will also be trying to get on Hi 17 using Lark Ave. when North 40 comes on line this intersection will get much worse. This Il Vincinato proposal looks almost identical to one a few years ago. Building 11 residences at this location is still a bad idea for both existing residents and for the potential new residents. 11 residences x 2 cars per garage equals 22 cars. since these residence can accommodate more than 2 people some residents will have additional vehicles that need to parked somewhere. All these vehicles will be competing for use on LG Blvd. References: the following EMC Planning Group Reports Initial study ; December 14, 20015 Mitigated Negative Declaration/Initial Study: Dec 14, 2015 section 16. Transportation I Traffic. Paragraph a/b refers to standard trip rates for ITE Trip Generation Manual, 9th Ed 2012 and also Trip Data from San Diego .. The Initial Studx reports state "proposed project would generate 171 fewer daily trip rates" . . . 'than the previous land use". This is misleading because it does not state the conclusion was based on the Hexagon Transportation Report (paid for by Mr Plautz) which used model trip rate data for a fully operational auto dealership in San Diego and not the actual "previous land use". Most dealership traffic near this location was to the Honda New Auto Dealership across the street; the subject location is where they parked their used cars . The subject property has not be en used as part of a car dealership for many years and when it was used traffic was ve ry light; perhaps why it went out of business . could it ever be approved again for a car dealership in the future? why was this highest usage rate selected ? Page 1 Il-vincinato-1.txt The trip rate usage is based on data derived from manuals not on actual observations. since the used car dealership went out of business it has been a Funiture Store (went out of business) and a wine Shop both with very low traffic . Trip Rate Data used for the calculations is a mis-characterization for this location and therefore the results are not accurate for this location. The calculations and conclusion (171 fewer daily trips) do not represent reality. The report states LOS B and LOS c assignments for this intersection which also does not reflect current reality at this intersection. see data below. Ask an actual commuter about their experience. An assignment of LOS D or lower is a more accurate assignment during commute hours. cars heading Shannon west attempting to get onto LG Blvd will start making the illegal right turn onto Magneson Loop to get around the intersection which has a No Right Turn on Red (often ingnored). Magneson Loop is not a 2 lane commute lane. It is mostly 1 lane due to residents parking on both sides of the street. Existing residents alternatively move off to the side to let a car go by. CA LOS (Levels of service) metrics for Two-way stop Intersections: A =< 10 seconds B 11-15 seconds c 16-25 seconds D 26 -35 seconds E 36 -50 seconds F : > 50 seconds CA LOS was adopted in 1970 by Governor Reagan . SB 743 is in progress to replace the problematic LOS with the new VMT (Vehicle Miles Travel) standard. Exit and entry to Il vincinato for the 22 cars is via a single driveway off Shannon. This wiil cause problems for an already well used Shannon for people traveling west to get onto LG Bvd. cars are already backing up on Shannon blocking this single driveway contrary to the queing analysis in the Hexagon report . The Hexagon report used assumptions and Poison probability distribution to arrive at the queing conclusion; again not actual data collection. Students walking and on bicycles going to Fisher and van Meter will be more at risk . The report states everything is OK. The evenin~ commute will cause even more problems. Il Vincinato Residents wanting to get home will be faced with long lines on LG Blvd waiting to get to turn left on Shannon along with others waiting to get to LG Downtown . They will soon figure out they can turn early onto Magneson Loop then make a right on Shannon to get into the entrance. Magneson Loop is not a 2 lane commute lane. It is mostly 1 lane due to residents parking on both sides of the street . Existing residents alternatively move off to the side to let a car go by . Commuters wanting to turn left off LG Bvld onto Shannon have already discovered this Page 2 Il-Vincinato-1.txt Magneson Loop path and make the illegal left turn onto Shannon. Driving much too fast causing risks to residents, kids, pets. The No Left Turn is not enforced. we have no obligation to make a real estate developer's investment become profitable. Page 3 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Subject: Hello Martha Kirsten <mwkirsten@gmail.com > Thursday, February 25, 2016 5:05 AM Marni Moseley Housing I am submitting my concern to you regarding the new development on LG Blvd and Shannon . If you are approving this development as the story poles exist you will be contributing to the degradation of our community. Please reconsider and not allow this development to continue as is. Demand higher standards and require a larger buffer area with enough landscape to make it attractive and look like someone on the council cares about Los Gatos. Maybe less houses on this piece of property is a simple solution. And have you really thought about the traffic issue? We are counting on you to represent the community and not the developer. Sincerely Martha Kirsten 1 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Craig Carlson <yourcraig@gmail.com> Thursday, February 25, 2016 10:56 AM Planning; Marni Moseley james@emcplanning.com II Vicinato, Please NO. In my opinion, some of the information contained in the study linked below from EMC is very misleading. IL VI CINA TO MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION/INITIAL STUDY From page 2: "Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? (No Impact) The Town of Los Gatos 2020 General Plan does not identify scenic vistas in or from the vicinity of the project site. Therefore, the proposed project would not affect scenic vistas." While the General Plan may not document every scenic vista that exists in the town of Los Gatos (a difficult task), the story pole installation makes it clear that the proposed project would completely obstruct what is currently a full and beautiful view of the Sierra Azul's. Absence of this lot listing in the General Plan listing of official scenic designations does not mean that there is no impact. Also from page 2: "Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? (L ess Than Significant With Mitigation Measures Incorporated) Existing views of the project site consist of a single-story comme rcial building and a large parking lot, with small areas of ornamental lands caping positioned mainly along the site margins, including non-native trees, shrubs, and turf grass." This is untrue. The story pole installation made it clear that a full view of the mountains seen by all traffic heading south on Los Gatos Blvd (and pedestrians on the sidewalk) will be entirely obscured. This view gives me great pleasure twice daily, and great pride when touring friends and family around our community. True, the project site itself has no visual character to be degraded, but how do we define surroundings? Is there a distance limit? I am a great believer in maximizing the rights of private property holders, but I also believe in being good neighbors and not developing my property in a way that nuisances my neighbors or degrades the character of the neighborhood. The Planning department will have failed Los Gatos citi zens if it allows development to tum Los Gatos Blvd into a "concrete canyon" such that we will be oblivious to the beauty that surrounds Los Gatos unless we leave town to visit an OSP. Please respond to let me know the current state of the approval on this project and whether my voice can be heard without visiting the public hearing in person. Best Regards, 1 Craig Carlson, resident 19055 Montara Dr Los Gatos, CA 95033 2 From: Paul Dueweke <pwdueweke@yahoo.co m> Subject: Los Gatos Blvd at Shannon and Roberts Roads Date: February 25, 2016 at 10:45:23 PM PST To: "bspector@losgatosca .gov" <bspector@losgatosca.gov>, "msayoc@losgatosca.gov" <msayoc@losgatosca.gov>, "mjensen@losgatosca.gov" <mjensen@losgatosca.gov>, "sleonardis@losgatosca.gov" <sleonardis@losgatosca .gov>, "rrennie@losgatosca.gov" <rrennie@losgatosca.gov> Reply-To: Paul Dueweke <pwdueweke@yahoo.com> Mayor Spector Vice Mayor Sayoc Council Member Jensen Council Member Leonardis Council Member Rennie I spoke at the Planning Commission meeting Wednesday night about the proposal for eleven houses on the property at Shannon and Los Gatos Blvd. It is clear from all the comments that two of the three major problems the community sees are traffic congestion at the intersection and safety of all the school kids that cross there. My suggestion mitigates those two problems. The third major problem is population growth. THE PROBLEM -The reason that the intersection is a "problem" is that Shannon and Roberts Roads do not align, i.e., there is an offset at LGB where Shannon and Roberts don't quite run into each other. This creates the following problems: 1) The light cycle must be three ways instead of the normal two ways. This increases the length of the light cycle by maybe 50%. 2) The main crosswalk crosses both LGB and Shannon/Roberts together. The school kids crossing there hold up right-turn traffic from Shannon onto LGB so that frequently only one or two cars can make the right turn during the whole light cycle. 3) To make problems worse, there is a "NO RIGHT TURN ON RED " sign for Shannon onto LGB, in spite of the fact that right turners have an empty right lan e on LGB to turn into since the LGB right lane begins at Shannon. A SOLUTION -Part of the property under discussion at the corner could be used by the Town to redirect the Shannon approach to LGB so it angles across the property and intersects LGB directly across from Roberts. This would use less than half of the property and create a normal intersection with a norma l two-way light cycle, with normal crosswalks, and with a norma l pair of left and right-turn lanes. At some point, the Town should consider that y ear after year of population and economic growth requires some upgrades in the infrastructure. The number of children a nd vehicles crossing LGB grows each year, increasing congestion and d ecreasi ng the safety. With those two schools where they are, that intersection will someday have to be fixed. Let's not wait until some child is killed there to get motivated. The property on the corner is a present opportunity that may never happen again. We already missed the chance to do the alignment of Roberts on the oth e r s ide of LBG a couple years ago before all those houses went into where the Honda dealer had been. The lot on the Shannon side will not stay empty forever. Some day when we are forced to fix the intersection, the cost will be much higher than half of an empty lot, and may include the loss of a child. The crosswalk and congestion problems are serious and fixable. Paul Dueweke 16297 Robie Lane Los Gatos 95032 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Ms. Moseley, Paul Tong <ptong173@gmail.com > Saturday, February 27 , 2016 5:21 PM Marni Moseley Objection to the 16212 Los Gatos Blvd development plan I missed the planning commission meeting on Tuesday night, and I would like to express my objection of this plan. My house is on Shady View Lane which is right off Shannon road, and I have lived here for more than a decade. I really appreciate the efforts of the city government in improving this little town. However, this residential project will not have a positive impact to our already crowded community. It is going to overload the current city infrastructure such as school, traffic library, etc. Most importantly, if we keep adding this kind of housing, Los Gatos is going to be like Mountain and Sunnyvale. Thank you for your time, and may God bless you. -Paul 1 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Marni Mosely, Peri Frantz <peri@frantzfamily.us> Monday, February 29, 2016 6:09 PM Marni Moseley Frantz Peri II Vicinato Comments I was unable to attend the Planning Commission Meeting on February 24 due to visiting relatives, however I would like to express my concerns about the proposed "Il Vicinato" development at the corner of Shannon Rd, and Los Gatos Blvd. While I share many of the concerns that you have undoubtedly already heard concerning traffic impact and residential/commercial zoning, I would like to focus on two major issues; Housing Density: This proposal places 11 residences on under an acre. On Englewood Ave., a mere 2 blocks from the proposed site, where I have lived for over 40 years, the zoning is half-acre per house, and we have fought repeatedly over the years to resist denser development . I do not expect new development to be as liberal with space, but for consistency with the adjacent neighborhood, it should not exceed 5 homes per acre. Children need space to play, which is virtually non-existent in the posted plans. Los Gatos Blvd has already absorbed two other high density developments (Laurel Mews and Caldwell & LG Bvld.), and should not be asked to adjust to another. Visual Site Lines: I watched with growing concerns as the orange fencing went up on this site. Even before I knew this was to be a residential complex, the solid facade along Los Gatos Blvd seemed overly intrusive. As a residential development it is completely unacceptable. We are (or endeavor to be) a small town. Why would we allow the construction of massive, big city style, row houses that afford no privacy or play space? I appreciate the need for additional housing, and know that things can not stay the way they were forever, however I strongly feel this proposal is so out ofline with the tone of our town, that I must raise my vcice in protest. Thank you for listening, Peri Frantz **************************** Peri Frantz 16345 Englewood Ave . Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 356-8506 home ( 408) 464-7141 cell **************************** 1 M arni M ose l ey From: Sent: T o: Subject: Daniel Wiles <danielwi lesll@yahoo.com> Wednesday, March 02, 2016 12:10 PM Ma rn i Moseley About housing development at Los Gatos Blv & Shannon Rd What is happening to the quaint and small town atmosphere of Los Gatos? It was very disappointing to see all the houses squeezed into the property where the Honda dealer ship and service department were conveniently located a few years ago. Now this town is trying to add more homes on a small lot to the d ismay of all the neighbors in the area . It is nothing more than greed for more tax money. The Planning Department does not listen to the people most affected. Money seems to matter the most to this them and it is destroying this beautiful town . I hope the town does not approve this project. Please listen to the people most affected. We are part of this town too! 1 February 18, 2016 John and Susan Tighe 15 961 Cerro Vista Ct. Los Gatos, CA 95032 Mr. Joel Paulson Interim Community Development Director Town of Los Gatos 110 East Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 Re: 16212 Los Gatos Blvd-Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration Dear Mr. Paulson, RE CEIVED MAR 0 3 2016 TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DIVISION My wife and I have been residents of Los Gatos for 17 years and we drive by the proposed site several times each day. We are both very concerned about the appearance of the proposed development in particular the wall like fa9ade of the residences facing Los Gatos Blvd. The story poles clearly show how the sky is blacked out as you travel down Shannon toward Los Gatos Blvd. It is obtrusive and not attractive. There is no similar residential construction on Los Gatos Blvd. The density of the project violates the vision statement of the General Plan (VIS-3), which requires the architectural style of developments to be in harmony with existing development. The lack of open space for this project clearly violates this vision statement in Policy LU-1.4 of the General Plan. Policy LU-6.8 requires new construction to be compatible and blend with the existing neighborhood. Finally policy CD-6.1 specifies that design shall promote and protect other distinctive qualities of residential neighborhoods and reduce the visual impact on the Town and its neighborhoods. This proposed project clearly violates all of these provisions and requirements. My wife and I strongly oppose the proposed development as currently presented. Sincerely, 7:1,c .tl if/_£ )<{11#4-Vjr~ Susan Tighe From: Shanthi Rajan [mailto:rumanit@yahoo .com] Sent: Sunday, April 10, 2016 3:16 PM To: Planning Subject: Artisan winde depot lot development The proposed 11 condo unit at the corner of Shannon road and Los Gatos Boulevard does not serve the community well. We already have high density housing across the street. Traffic on LG Blvd is already very heavy. Further housing at this site will make this corner a choke hold. This site is best reserved for low density occupancy such as a commercial space for hair salon, massage parlor or beauty salon . Shanthi Rajan Sent from Yahoo Mail. Get it now From: Cynthia Hsieh [mailto :cshsieh@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, April 11, 2016 10:34 PM To : Council Subject : New house plan at shannon & lg blvd HI, i heard there will be a zoning change so the town can fit in more homes per developer's plan with 11 homes. i am not anti-development and i am for new home s. however, this little town does not have the hard infrastructure such as traffic, school capacity and parking set back design from the past. now you are trying to fit in more homes without solving current traffic and school issues. it's the major route into fisher and blossom hill schools. i cannot believe the zoning request even comes up . please deny the request. Thank you. Cynthia Spencer Ave, LG From: Robert Gore [mailto :robertgore@aol.com] Sent: Monday, April 11, 2016 11:29 PM To: Council Subject : Shannon/LG. Blvd This lot should absolutely remain commercial. Do NOT allow this lot to be changed to residential. The will of the citizens of Los Gatos should be respected. I personally know more than 100 people strongly opposed to this development, compared to no one in favor of it, except a greedy developer. It's a terrible corner to impose a residential project, for so many reasons. Why is it so difficult for our elected officials and planners to do the right thing for this town and just say no to these developers? Respectfully, Robert Gore Sent from my iPhone Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Bill Posada <bill@cainterpreters.com > Monday, April 11, 2016 12 :53 PM Planning Subject: II Vicinato, Shannon Rd and Los Gatos Blvd Dear Planning Dept. I have live on Shannon Road for 18 years. I am opposed to the change of zoning from commercial to residential. The plan as shown, reflect too many homes, will be dangerous for kids going to school, and add lots of traffic in the area . Please keep this lot as commercial. Regards, Bill Posada, CEO California Interpreters Network a division of Posada Vocational Services, Inc. 2130 The Alameda San Jose , Ca 95126 Phone : (408) 261-9500 x205 Fax General: (408) 261-6999 Fa x Lien /Colle ction : (408) 516-9889 www.cainterpreters.com "Assisting California injured workers for 24 years, since 1992" 1 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Planning Department, Lisa Carr < lisacarr@me.com > Monday, April 11, 2016 1:50 PM Planning Please Do NOT Approve II Vicinato Development! I am a native Los Gatos resident and would like to let you know I am in opposition of the proposed II Vicinato development on Los Gatos Boulevard . Our streets and schools are already overcrowded and the proposed 11 homes on less than 1 acre of land (at the current Artisan Wine Shop) will not alleviate our Town's s ituation . I urge you to reject this plan! It seems 2-3 houses max, or a new small complex (with adequate parking) to support small business would make more sense. Thank you, Lisa Carr-Goudy 14555 Clearview Drive Los Gatos, CA 95032 lisacarr@me.com 408.839.6324 1 From: Daniela Posada [mailto:Dan iela .Posada @barneyandbarnev.com] Sent : Monday, April 11 , 2016 2:53 PM To: Planning Subject: Residential Development in LG Hello Planning Department, It has been brought to my attention that the developer is still pursuing the res i dential development on the land of the current Artisan Wine Shop. I am writing this letter to voice my concern and upmost dissatisfaction with this plan . As a 20+ year member of this community, I am so saddened to see the enormous and careless growth in residential development. Los Gatos is quickly losing its' charm, and beauty, and tight-knit community. This must be stopped . Thank you, Daniela Posada From: Yumi Hiroshima [mailto :yumi.hiroshima@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, April 11, 2016 7:02 PM To: Planning Subject: II Vicinato Dear LG Planning Commission, The purpose of my email is to express that I do NOT support the II Vicinato project that is being proposed. The current level of traffic in Los Gatos, specifically in the vicinity of where the project is due to build, and the problem of overcrowding our schools are real concerns for me and many parents currently living in Los Gatos. I do not support the II Vicinato project. Thank you, Yumi Hiroshima -----Original Message ----- From: Susan Kankel [mailto:susankankel@comcast.net] Sent : Tuesday, April 12 , 2016 1 :24 PM To: Council Subject : Shannon/Los Gatos Blvd . application for April 19 Council Members, I encourage you to uphold the Planning Commission's denial of a zoning change for the Shannon /Los Gatos Boulevard property. There should be no high density housing allowed at this site . It must remain commerc i al to serve the needs of the community. The Planning Commission instructed the applicant to return with a reta i l-based project; he must be instructed to do this once again. Sincerely, Susan Kankel 99 Reservoir Road Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Ms. Moseley: Lucille Weidman < laweidman@sbcglobal.net > Tuesday, April 12, 2016 8:02 PM Marni Moseley II Vicianto update We have heard recently that the II Vicianto development is being revamped by the developer. It is our understanding the new plans are for eight dwellings and one restaurant on the property at Shannon and Los Gatos Blvd. Would you please confirm or deny the continuance of the housing project going forward? If the project is going forward, would you please inform us of the time and date of the town council or planning commission meeting that will hear the developer's new proposal? Thank you . Lucille and Sam Weidman 215 Carlester Drive Los Gatos, 95032 1 Marni Moseley From: Sent: To: Cc : Subject: Dear Council, Nicole Dennon <ndennon@gmail.com> Thursday, April 14, 2016 10:07 AM BSpector; Marico Sayoc ; Steven Leonardis; Marcia Jensen; Rob Rennie Marni Moseley LG BLVD and SHANNON I am asking you to support the Planning Commissions decision with regards to the development for the corner of Los Gatos Blvd and Shannon Road. I would like to see the development of our town be protected by not allowing commercial property to be rezoned to residential. Our TOWN can not handle any further impact. The amount of change that has happened here in the last 3 years is reversible. They change the charm and advantages of living here . Please uphold the Planning Commission's decision. Sincerely, Nicole Dennon 124 Greendale Drive LG, CA 95032 1