For years, the three-quarter-acre, city-owned lot at Edith Avenue and San Antonio Road laid dormant. For years, residents have wondered when such a high-profile piece of land, at the north entrance of downtown Los Altos, was going to be developed.
The Parc Regent senior housing complex next door has spurred the city into action, thanks to some vocal new neighbors. That action culminated in a Feb. 24 council approval of an Edith/San Antonio park plan - $163,780 for a lawn, paths, benches, gentle berms and lights.
The city had $55,000 reserved for plan - $9,800 has been spent for planting weeds and consulting fees. That leaves $45,000 allotted to go forward.
Now, here comes the news that the city has a $1.13 million surplus. A chance to fund the park once and for all, right? Not so fast - city staff is recommending $35,000 of that surplus, which, with the existing $45,000, covers only half the cost of the approved park plan.
City officials suggested building the park in phases, but wait a minute! At this rate, how many more years, not to mention aborted fund-raising ideas, will residents have to endure to get something decent at that corner?
Phasing and waiting is simply going to cost the city more money as building costs rise with inflation. And with the such a large surplus available to use as the council sees fit, why not simply get it done now?
We agree with Councilman King Lear who said, "Do it and kill it off - it's begging to be done." After all, we're talking about a major entry point to the center of town.
We understand that complex plans for 401 Rosita will be years in the making. But here's a chance for some additional park land now. Just do it.
And we still think the vintage pair of palms on the corner gives the site an appropriate name: Twin Palms Park.
And a few gentle reminders ...
On behalf of our readers, many of whom have written in on the following subjects, we offer these gentle reminders:
1) Please recognize that U-turns on downtown streets are illegal. Too many motorists are still not only breaking the law, but are sacrificing safety.
2) The speed limit in Los Altos, with the exception of San Antonio Road, is 25 mph. Please avoid speedy, and possibly regrettable, trips through town.
3) When walking dogs, please recognize that other residents like to keep their lawns free of fecal matter. Clean up after your pet.