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Published on 09/07/1998 All articles from this issue

News Briefs

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Sherwood area density reviewed

The city of Los Altos is grappling with where to put high density housing and with how dense is dense: seven, 20 or 38 units per acre.

At its Sept. 3 meeting, the Los Altos Planning Commissioners considered a recommendation from the Sherwood Gateway Specific Plan task force for a density of seven units per acre for this north part of town near El Camino Real.

The general plan calls for 38 units per acre in that area. The planning staff recommends 20 units.

The planning commissioners "took public input, supported the existing zoning, per the general plan," said Larry Tong, planning director, "but they did not take a vote."

Instead there will be a planning commission work session to consider the density issue and then the item will come back to the planning commissioners for a vote, Tong said.

Their recommendation will be sent to the city council.

Any change from 38 units per acre in that area would require an amendment to the city's general plan.

Council approves BMR condo

The city's affordable housing inventory just increased by one unit, at least on the drawing board.

At its Sept. 8 meeting, the Los Altos City Council approved a 300-square-foot below-market-rate condominium as part of a four-unit development at 139 Cuesta Drive.

Jeffrey Levin, who is developing the property, said he would maintain ownership of the unit. He said he has three kids and "one will probably end up there."

Levin and the developer of the four-unit project next to his merged their projects so only one driveway needed to built. That allowed more landscaping and living space on the combined lot and less pavement.

"Erasing the lot line was used to make a better project," city manager Phil Rose told the council.

Tree Farm project not back to council

Folks at city hall were expecting the Tree Farm project to be on the council agenda for the Sept. 8 meeting. But it wasn't.

"There's some frustration on the city level," said senior planner Jim Mackenzie. "But it's their project."

Beverly Brockway, one of the three developers, said "We don't have the operator lined up for the back yet." The "back" refers to a 131-unit Marriott residence inn planned for the rear of the property.

The person the developers thought would be running the inn is no longer available. So they need to find someone else. They also are actively looking for a buyer for the office portion of the project.

In addition to the residence inn, the development includes a 95,000-square-foot three-story office building on El Camino Real and eight below-market-rate rental condominiums.

- Joanne Griffith Domingue