Browse archives: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995

Published on 10/16/1995 All articles from this issue

Lucky's dispute more than just a hole in the wall

printer friendly version

By Joanne Griffith Domingue / Town Crier Staff Writer

Fifty-some neighbors from south Los Altos attended City Council to explain why an opening in the fence at the end of Neston Avenue has divided the neighborhood and become much more than just a hole in the wall.

Council voted Oct. 10 to close the gap.

For some, the hole provided a convenient, safe short-cut to the Lucky grocery store on Grant Road.

"We like the pedestrian access," said Barbara Ruel, one of six neighbors to speak in favor of keeping the fence open.

"We use cars less, it offers safety to the children, the handicapped, and the elderly who use it daily. Scooters and wheelchairs are not safe on Grant Road."

But for Eleanor McMurray, one of six to speak against the fence opening and who lives next to the gap, said, "We've just about had it."

McMurray bought her home in 1951 when an orchard was her neighbor. But for at least 20 years, she said, fence boards have been kicked out so people could cut through to the grocery store.

"We clean up every day," she said. But the littering and loitering drives her nuts.

Once, after nailing the fence boards back, "boys went after my husband with a baseball bat."

Susan Edwards turned over to Council members a list with 118 signatures of neighbors who wanted the fence kept open.

The issue first came to the City's attention in June when Lucky Food Store applied for building permits to add 13,087 square feet to the 36,553 existing square feet in their store. Part of the original remodeling plan included new fencing around the grocery store parking lot which included the fence opening at the end of Neston Way.

The stack of letters to the City about the fence, pro and con, is now almost an inch thick.

The neighbors tried mediation with the Los Altos Mediation Program. That didn't work.

Mayor Bob Gray asked if anyone had considered a locking gate with keys or a combination given to neighbors.

"I can hear the gate slamming all night," McMurray said. "Or people would be talking, trying to figure out how it works."

Russell McKay, 35-year resident in the neighborhood, said he bought his house only after the city assured him the street would remain a dead end.

Marci Gerston, an 8-year resident and mother of a 3 and 6 year old, likes the opening.

"A lot of us relied on it when we bought our home. I thought, 'Great. I can walk to Lucky's with my kids."

Council members were unanimous in their vote to eliminate the fence opening.

"Once we say we'll have a gate, it escalates," Councilwoman Marge Bruno said. "Then people will want lights, and a wheelchair ramp and then a bike path. Where will it all end?"

Councilwoman Patti Williams agreed. But she said the safety issues raised by the neighbors need to be considered.

"I'd like to see staff study the safety of children, the elderly and the handicapped around Grant Road."

Gerston said she was disappointed with Council's vote.

"But I'm glad the City Council understood our issues about safety," Gerston said. She plans to host a Neighborhood Watch meeting.

"I hope we can continue the momentum, to keep things safe, to work together. I treasure that."