Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-16-1965 Planning Commission Minutes S..~ARY OF MINUTES CITY OF SARATOGA PLAL~ING C0~ISSION T~: Monday, 16 August 1965, 7:30 P. M. PLACE: City Council Chambers, Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California TYPE: Special Meeting - Annual Review ~f the General Plan The meeting was called to order by Chairman Norton at 7:30 P. M. Present: Commissioners Cowley, Crisp, Kellum, ~cFall, Norton and O'Rorke. AbSent: Commissioner Wright. Chairman Norton briefly explained that 1) the special meeting had been called for the purpose of reviewinS the General Plan 2) in view of the unsettled situation with respect to the West Valley Junior College District's proposed Saratoga campus, a typical annual review would be held in lieu of the scheduled five-year major re- view 3) while the Con~utssion would hear comments, discuss various matters and an- ~.mr questions where possible, no decisions would be m~de at this meeting 4) a port based on the findings of the public hearin~ and further study would be pre- pared by the General Plan Committee and submitted to the Comission at a later hcx~ring and 5) the report, as approved by the Commission, would then be transmit- ted to the City Council for further hearing and adoption. He then introduced Com- mlssioner Kellum, Chairm-gn of the General Plan Committee. Commissioner Kellum 1) called attention to the agendas copies of which had been made available to those present 2) explained that each agenda item would be dis- cussed individually in the order in which iC appeared on the aaenda and 3) invited co.u~nts and questions by the audience. Chairman Norton declared the public hearinS on the review of the General Plan open at 7:34 P. N. I. LAND USE ~ A. GENERAL 1. Residential Chairman Norton observed that the question with respect to this item was whether ~e are justified in adhering to the zonina now indicated by the General Plan, makina Saratoga essentially a single family resi- dential city, or whether there is established need or demand for a change. He called attention =o the elimination (several years ago) of some of the multiple zonin~ originally indicated by the General Plan and applications filed for same since that time. B. T. GALEB, SeaEull Way, stated 1) there is much need for improvement throughout the City 2) the problems must be approached with an open mind and cannot be solved in one night 3) he felt there was need for a Citizens Committee to study the situation and 4) an appropriate land use should be established for the area aloeS the Southern Pacific and PG&E rights-of-way so that it could be developed properly. Chairman Norton concurred that perhaps a Citizens Committee might be quite beneficial under a major review of the General Plan, but a~ain explained that only an annual review was scl~_duled this year. P. J.'PASETTAs SaratoEd-Los Gates Road, advised that on the ass~ption that the second West Valley Junior College campus %~uld be located in Saratogas he felt that consideration should be given tornskins tha perry alonS Fruitvale Avenue a general conmxon Ereun area. Plannir~ Ccmmission Minutes - Canard1 Plan Review - 16 AuF. ust 1965 lo A. 2o Co~merciel }dr. PASETTA called attention to the Kosich property on Saratoga Avenue and stated that he felt a change to professional zoning was warranted to provide a grad,us1 'transition to the. cormmr=is1 zoning in San Jose. in answer =o a suggest{on by Mr. PASETTA that the C-S zone along Sara- toga-Sunnyvale Road be changed to allow automobile sales, Chairman Norton explained that this was now a penal=ted use in the subject zone. lit. Pasetta then stated 1) he felt this would be an excellent source of increased sales tax 2) such agencies tend to locate in Groups and 3) in view of this. perhaps an area such as that along Saratoga-Sunny- vale Road from Cox Avenue to the railroad should be set aside and re- stricted to =his use. Chairman Norton 1) advised that consideration had been given to auto- bile agencies because of the sales tax 2) observed that the ordinance requirement that such an operation be conducted within a completely enclosed structure possibly presents e problem and 3) advised that he felt sure the Commission would cooperate as much as possible in con- nection with this problem. K~. GALEB stated that he felt everything possible should be done insure that Saratoga's business ~an would be able to compete with those in neighboring cities. RALPH l~n}lONk~, Case Blanca Lane~ stated that he felt =here should be a re-evaluation of the professional zoning indicated by the General Plan. He e_xplained that there were many profession~l men who would locate in Saratoga but were unable to find adequate facilities. 3. Industrial Mr. FASETTA stated that he felt~ as he had since incorporations that the area along the railroad should be zoned for a research laboratory. He reasoned that 1) it would provide a f~-~ tax base 2) be considered a heavy industrial use 3) a xqell designed research laboratory would utilize perhaps 20 acres and provide landscaping would be a credit to the area and ~) he felt the choice be=wean this and low-cost housing was obvious. S~/~ HEBNANDEZ~ Big Basin Way~ 'concurred with Mr. Pasetta and added that he felt small ~nufacturing fires ~qould not be objectionable in this area. }It. PASETTA stated that he was opposed to permitting manufacturing firms because of the possibility of changes in o%mership. DR. A. OTTENBERG, Foothill Lanes questioned whether the City would actually benefit from the increased taxes from such uses siace the se~-~ices provided by the City would no doubt have to be increased under such circumstances. He observed that an increase in services might prove very costly end suggested that this matter be studied thoroughly before such zoning was made available. B. STSDY AREAS 1. .F. ruttvale Av. enue--Allendale Avenue--Sobey Road Area Chairman Norton observed that the unsettled condition with respect to the West Valley Junior College made it difficult to anticipate future zonfPg in this area. -2- Plannin~ Commission Minutes - General Plan Revte~.y - 16 A,~qust 1965 I.. B. 1. FLOYD DAVIS, x~ho explained that he o~med an interest in property along Allendale Avenue, stated that ha felt a n~re appropriate land uses perhaps limited commercials should be designated for the parcels along this street. He explained 'that the publicity about the. schools to be located on Allendale'Avenue had resulted in a lack of interest in the property by prospectiv9 homeowner,. In answer to a question from Chairman Norton, Mr. Davis mtated that he did not feel that a change from R-1-40,000 to R-1-20,000 would prove to be a solution to the pro- blems since AllendaleAvenue seemed destined to be a very busy thoroughfare, Co=missioner Kellum advised that the strip of R-l-40,000 zoning along the north side of Allendale Avenue had consistently been brought to the attention of the Co~misslon in recent years. He explained that the lots were longs narrow and levels evidently making them difficult to develop satisfactorily as acre home sites. He advised that the Com- mission was interested in hearing comments %~th regard to a possible chan~e to R-1-20,000 zonin~ in this particular area. Mr. RAM0~NA observed that since the West Valley Junior College District had already acquired property in this area, it was necessary to assu~.e that a campus would be located there. He stated that, for this reason, he felt the entire area should be considered for half-acre residential zoning. Mr. DAVIS inquired as to whether the Commission had given any thought to the question of wlmt type zoning would be more beneficial to the people if the college did locate in this area. He stated that he felt it was the responsibility of the Commission to make the area as desira- ble as possible for the City of Saratoga. ROBERT PIa~NE~ Douglas Lane~ stated that he felt the zoning along Pruft- vale Avenue should be re-evaluated, too, if the college was to be lo- cated in the area. DR= BRGWlqEs a member of the West Valley .junior College District Boards advised 1) the District had purchased approx{m~tely 35 acres of the proposed college site 2) funds had been set aside to pay for the balance of the site~ soon to go under cond~,nation proceedings and 3) s~hether it will be the first or second campus is undecided, but there will be a college on this site. Mr. BEP. DLa/~EZ stated that he felt a decision on the future zoning of the area of the proposed college site would be premature at this time. 2. ~aratoRa Avenue--Cox Avenue--West Valley Freeway Area Commissioner Kellum explained that several applications for charge of zonir~ had been filed in connection with the Saratoga Avenue--Cox Avenue area. He invited comments from the audience wi.~h respect to these proposals. E. G. BAILNES, representing theW esthope Presbyterian Church, requested that consideration be given to a change of zonin~ on the former church property, located across Cox Avenue from the Quite Shopping Center. The Secretary read a petition with signatures of 24 residents of the DeHaviland Drive area opposing the ~.V.S.Company application for multi- ple zoning on Saratoga Aven~o. Mr. DASEITA spoke in support of the M.V.S.Company application. With respect to the two propozed three-story structures, he explained 1) they would give the appearance of 2-1/2 stories since the parking was underneath 2) they were Froposed to prevent havin~ so muny two- story structures on the site 3) they would make a much larger area Planning Commissiqn Minute~ - Conoral Plan Rev%ew - 16 August 1965 I, B. 2. available for landscaping and 4) from an architectural viewpoint, he felt the ~.~o three-story structures would look better than n greater number of two-story structures. b~S. JEANNEJETTs We=dell Road, suggested that the t~wo three-~tory structures be placed on the front of the properrye across the street from Paul Masson. Chairman Norton observed that the people on DeHaviland Drive had some right to complains but to just what extent onl~ further study of this matter could determine. CARL PETERSs DeHaviland Drive, inquired as to why 1) the original General Plan~as changed to eliminate apartments in this area and Z) there was now discussion with regard to changing it again. Re also questioned the proposed increase in density, Chairman Norton explained that the purpose of reviewing the General Plan was to determine if changes were needed as time passed and develop- ment progressed. He agreed, however, that perhaps the proposed increase iu density was greater th~n had been. anticipated, 3, SaratoMe Avenu. e--ProsDect Avenue--La~.~ence ExDress. w_ay Area Mr. PASETTA again stated that he felt the Kosioh property on Saratoga Avenue should be zoned for professional use to provide a gradual transi- tion to the San Jose commercial area. ~LR~ KOCH, who explained that he o~med the property adjacent to the Kosich propertys sta~ed that he felt these properties were no longer appropriate for R-1 zoning. Me further stated 1) because of the proximity of the West Gate Shopping Center, he had not really con- sidered commercial zoning 2) he had given thought to the possibility of multiple zoning and 3) if there was need for additional profes- sional zoning, this ~ould be quite satisfactory. 4. Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road--Prospect Avenue--Southern Pacific Railroad Area WILLI~/.~ GARCIA, Bonnie Ridge Way, requested that the Commission give careful consideration to elimination of the C-S zone along Saratoga- Sunnyvale Road since the zoning appeared inadequate for t~a area. answer to a question from Commissioner CriSps he advised that it was his suggestion that the area be as a restricted C-N zone. Chairman Norton observed that the southeast corner of the intersection of Saratoga-Su_nnyvale Road and Prospect Avenue~ ~qhich has large trees and a creek running through it, would-make a nice park and ~qould enhance that entrance to the City. ~So S~I. RW_Ju SMITH of Hill Avenue concurred with Chairman Norton. She further s~ated that she would l~e to see a nice redwood siSn and benches in t~e park. Fl~. MERI~ANDEZ also concurred with this sugSestion. 5, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road--Wardell Road--CoxA~em~e--Pierce Roa~ Area JOHN ~NER, Wardell Court, inquired as to ~hether the Co~mission felt that additional ~omme=cial and/or professional zoning was warranted in this area. Chairman Norton advised that applications had been filed for zoning and the question now was ~2;hether or not there was a need. -4- .Pl. annin~ Conmission Minutes - General Plan Review -. 16 August 196.5 I. B. 5. Mr. TI/R~\~R stated that he felt 1) there was no need for further com- mercial or professional zoning iu this area 2) Me:. Garcia's proposal for a Town & Country Shopping Center at Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road Prospect Avenue was quite appropriate and 3) the Comm4sSion should propose some way of alp-grading the subject area. Mrs. SAh~JEL SMITH concurred w~th ~h:. Turner. 6. Pierce Road--I~ardell Road--Calabazas Creek Area ~he Secretary presented an area map showing the existing zoning, the break in the topography and present development in the subject vicinity. He then read a petition signed by 125 residents of the general area opposing any dox~grading of the existing R-1-40,000 zoning and reques- ting upgrading of the existing R-1-12,500 ap~ R-1-15,000 districts. Chairman Norton reviewed a lengthy communication filed by the Ftnnegan Construction Company suggesting tllat the zoning districts in this area should be coordinated with the topography of the area. He then reques- ted that each of the Commqssioners give further attention to this com- munication at a later time. 7. Village Area Mr. HEIh~NANDEZ requested that the Commission re-evaluate the existing zoning along Big Basin Way from Fifth Street ~est. He also suggested that the City investigate the possibility of acquiring the Youth Center property ap~ Wild~.:ood Parks and spoke in favor of the proposed rezoning of the Chase property on Saratoga Avenue. II. CIRCULATION A. THOR0~JGIrFARES 1. .Cox Avenue--Pierce Road Connection Commissioner Kellum stated that instead of connectlug Cox Avenue and Pierce Road at Saratoga-Sunnpale Road as originally indicated on the General Plan 1.1aps consideration was being given to connecting Wardell Road to Pierce Road. He explained that this would not only eliminate one of the existing intersections with Saratoga-SunnFale Roads but would provide a combined inte~section that could easily be signalized. He further ~'--plained that the Cox Avenue--I'Iardell Road connection be a more practical approach to the situation since it would require less re-routing of existing streets. MRS. SHIRLEY DIF~IER, Wardell Road, suggested that Cox Avecue be re- aligned ou a diagonal to connect %.~ith the present Pierce Road--Saratoga- Sunnyvale Road intersection. In answer to a question from JOHN ~URNER, Chairman Norton explained that the purpose of the proposed connection was to 1) provide better general traffic circulation and 2) reduce the number of access points to the highway. After further discussion~ Mr. TURNER and Dr. OTTENBERG concurred with Mrs. DIE14ER'S suggestion relative to the connection of Cox Avenue and Pierce Road. -5- F~nntn~ Co~_mission Minutes - General Plan Review - 16 Au~uat..196__5. II. A, 2. BiJ Basin Way By-Pass Commissioner Kellum explained 1) the Big Basin Way by-pass was pro- posed under the original G~neral Plan 2) no effort has been made to complete this plan and 3) the Co=mission was interested in hearing comments as to whether or not this proposal should be given further consideration. Chairman Norton observed that this by-pass would be a convenience for those in the Village and would enhance the appearance of the Village. After discussion of this matter, the consensus was that the la~d was available for this by-pass at the present time and that the question was whether or not i~ was economically feasible. 3. Frui.tvale Avenue - Possible Future..4TLaae ~horouRhfare Commissioner Kellum ~xplained that v~hile there had been no official proposal, it had been suggested that Fruitvale Avenue be developed as a 4-lane thoroughfare. He then invited comments with regard to this matter. RALPH RAMONA questioned the need for four lanes on Fruitvale Avemue since 1) Saratoga Avenue was proposed as only four lanes and 2) the major portion of the traffic volume would have been dispersed before reaching Fruitvale Avenue. Dr. OTTENBERG requested that the Commission give serious consideration to development of an adequate street system to accomodate the college if and when it was determined that a campus would be located in Saratoga. B. CO~CTORS 1. Co~.nection betx.~een Prospect and Wardell Reads west of ~alabazas Creek Commissioner Kellum explained that the major portion of the level land in Saratoga had now been developed and for future grox.~th we must look to the hills. He then explained that the present General Plan provides no traffic circulation pattern for the subject area and that the Plan- ning Director and Director of Public Works had been asked to submi~ a proposal for the area. The Secretary then presented a map showing a proposed connection'bet~een Prospect and Wardell Roads ~est of the Calabazas Creek. He also read a petition protesting such a connection which had been signed by 48 resi- dents of the general area, and advised that a proposed alternate circu- lation pattern had been submitted with the petition. Mrs. JETT observed 1) the residents of the Wardell Road azea are striving to ma~ntai~ a low density area Z) it seems impractical Co construct a connection to Wardell Road that would bring traffic in from higher density areas and 3) it would seam more logical to turn this traffic back to Prospect Road. Chairman Norton assured those present that this suggestion ~ould be considered carefully, but explained that the extent to which any area could isolate itself from other areas is limited. Commissioner Kellum explained that a tentative circulation pattern is needed to help developers plan effective streets that eventually (as the various properties are developed) provida'a good circulation pat- tern for the area in question. Plannine Commission MinUtes - Genera~ Plan Review - 16 August.1965 II. B. 1. B. T. GALEB concurred that such a guide is essential to the City. He also questioned the proposed Saratoga Avenue approach to the freeway. During the discussion that followed, it ~as brought to the attention of the Corn~ssion that while the State Highway Department (at the time of preparation of the 9rigina~ General Plan) had felt that a diamond interchange was adequate at Saratoga Avenue, Lax~ence Livingston, Sara- toga's Planning Consultant, had felt that a clover leaf interchange was warranted. Chairman Norton requested that the Committee, in ther reviewing the General Plan, check into this matter since con- struction of the West Valley Fre~ay is not too far in the future at this C. LOCAL STREETS SHELLEY WiLLISiS, Brook Ridge Drive, suggested that, for circulation pur- poses, Montewood Drive be connected with Monte Vista Drive. Chairman Norton explained that there was a 12 foot emergency access to Saratoga-Los Gates Road from Montewood Drive. II1. POPULATION Ao CHARACTERISTICS The Secretary advised 1) the Ge~eral Plan estlraates a population of 33,000 by 1980 2) the present population is estimated at 20,?00 3) the population has increased at the rate of approximately 1,000 per year since the 1960 census and 4) this increase is somewhat greater than scheduled. Com~ssioner Crisp observed that while the reduction from one acre to 40,000 square foot lots in the acre zoning had increased the density some- what, the churches and schools had decreased the density in some a~eas. In answer to a question from the audience, Chai~nan Norton commented that no one was suggesting that the density be increased although the nmximma population estinmte might be reached sooner than expected. The Secretary advised that the average family per dwelling unit in Saratoga is now 3.85 persons, but that he had no current information as to the ages of the persons. B, GROWTH Counnissioner Co%~ley cemented that because of the property developed proposed for development by the various schools, churches and the West Valley Junior College District, maximum density might never be reached. In answer to a question from Con~aissioner O'Rorke, the Secretary explained that a= the present time the City had no capital improvement p~ogram. CoFanissioner O~Rorke suggested =hat perhaps it ~ould be wise to establish a schedule for capital improvements since the population is increasing at a more rapid pace than anticipated. Comnbfssioner Cowlay suggested that the Conunlssicn recommend to the City Council that a corm~ittee be appointed to start work on such a program as soon as possible. IV~ SCHOOLS No -7- Plann~n~ Commission Minutes - Gene.r. al .P. lan..Review.? - 16 A~gust 1965 V, .PARKS AND RECREATIOI{ A, YOUTt{ CENTEK Commissioner Kellum advised that plans for ~onstructing a Youth Center building on the Civic Cent.at. prop.arty are making significant progress, B. PARKS Ihe Commission concurred that a small scenic paris on the southeast corner of Prospect Ave,me and Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and the acquisition of ~lildwood Park ~.~ould be an asset to the City. In answer to an inquiry from Dr. OTTENBERG relative to the possibility of another bond issue for park and recreation purposes, Chairman Norton advised that such a proposal should be discussed with the City Council rather than the C~r~ission. SAM HERNA~NDEZ concurred that the two park areas suggested would be a credit to the City, and expressed the desire to see Wildwood Park developed as a cultural center, B, T, GALEB stated that he felt there should be a park and recreation plan for the entire City, and that Wildwood Park ~.~ou/d be an appropriate initial acquisition since it would serve all the residents. SHELLEY WILLIA~ expressed approval of the pathways that are being instal- led in the City and stated that he would also like to see more horseback riding trails which he felt would be a step forward. VI, ANNEXATION Chairman Norton commented that at one time it was felt that Saratoga could trust the County to protect the hills, but that the time had come when the City could not be assured of this. He then recalled that the Conmmission (after the last General Plan Review) had recomm~ended to the Council that all requests for annexation be given consideration, and stated that he felt the Commission should reaffirm this recommendation to the Council. In answer to an inquiry from DONALD ~TEBSTER relative to the possible annexa- tion of X'~ontgomery I{i~hlands to the south, Chainr~?_~ Norton explained 1) Sara- togas, principal interest in annexation was with respect to undeveloped areas and 2) it would be required that all streets in a developed area meet City standards before consideration would be given to annexation of the area. Since there was no further comment from the audience or the Commission, Chairman Norton directed the public hearing on the review of the General Plan continued until the ~ext regular meeting of the Planning Commission ~23 August 1965). The Chai.~man declared the meeting adjourned at 11:36 P, M. Respectfully submitted, g,_-;~.,L.-.__. Stanley I~. Walker, Secretary Saratoga Planning Commission v -8-