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Published on 05/18/1998 All articles from this issue

News Briefs

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Tree Farm money for public benefit

The Tree Farm developers agreed to pay the city $125,000 toward land improvements to benefit the public in the north Los Altos area in return for variances granted to the developers.

At the city council meeting on May 12, the council agreed to the money for Hetch Hetchy right-of-way improvements and other improvements as determined by the city, after public hearings.

"We want to make sure the neighbors can give input," said Los Altos senior planner Jim Mackenzie, "once we have an idea what we want to use the money for."

Councilman King Lear has talked of his interest in cleaning up the Hetch Hetchy trail to be safe and family-friendly for walking and jogging.

Mayor Kris Casto said she wants to make sure neighbors from the surrounding area, in addition to immediate neighbors, have a chance to share their ideas.

2 new members named to commission

Two Los Altos residents received the nod from the Los Altos City Council to come onto the planning commission.

This will be the first time since Gloria Bauer was dismissed from the commission last August that the seven-member commission has been complete.

Curtis Cole, a 10-year resident and member of the citizens advisory committee, will fill the spot left vacant by the September resignation of Honor Spitz. Cole is a self-employed contract software developer, said city clerk Carol Scharz.

Bruce Skov, a 24-year resident, said in his application that he wanted "rational, respectful development in our neighborhoods and to maintain the general character of our city." Richard Abdalah declined a second four-year term on the commission.

Skov is a retired Lockheed engineer.

Both were sworn in at a May 19 study session of the planning commission and city council.

Additional money for Sherwood Gateway

The Los Altos City Council approved an additional $4,080 for contract work on the Sherwood Gateway specific plan at its May 12 meeting.

A citizen task force has been meeting since January to create a plan for redevelopment of the north entry area of town at El Camino Real and San Antonio Road, now called the Sherwood Gateway.

These new monies will fund additional work with consultant Paul Curtis of the San Jose-based firm of Robert Bein, William Frost & Associates.

The plans in the works are scheduled for public hearings before the planning commission Aug. 6 and before the city council Sept. 8.

- Joanne Griffith Domingue