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Published on 11/09/1998 All articles from this issue

Camellia residents raise big issue

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Editorial

The Los Altos City Council faced a dilemma in its Oct. 27 approval of an application that would allow a two-story house on Camellia Way, a predominantly one-story neighborhood.

The applicants, Ken and Amy Chen, had compromised and scaled down on their original plans considerably. But neighbors were concerned an approval could "open up the flood gates," as one put it, for more two-story additions and oversized houses on small lots.

In one sense, we appreciate the council's sensitivity in its approval. The Chens, who are well-liked among neighbors, had been involved in a 17-month process and went through three different designs. "We gave direction and they complied," said Los Altos councilwoman Kris Casto, who felt it was only fair to grant approval rather than delay and further inconvenience the applicants.

However, we think Mayor Lou Becker had good reason for casting the lone no vote in a 4-1 decision. He reflected the views of the opposing residents when he pointed out the addition was "not consistent with the neighborhood."

Opposing neighbors may have lost a battle, but they could still win the war. They have put the issue of two-story vs. one-story homes squarely in the city's collective face. Their involvement on this application spurred the creation of a city design guideline task force, of which Camellia resident Cindy Sidaris is a co-chairwoman.

Sidaris argued that the council should have delayed approval until the task force completed its work. That seems to make sense, except for the personal hardship the Chens might incur.

We understand the precedent issue, but also note that this is, arguably, the third two-story home among 31 homes on Camellia Way, not the first. Also, three of 31 makes it clear in our minds that this neighborhood housing makeup is nowhere near a "transitional" status that should allow for more two-story additions.

That said, we hope the city acts quickly in enacting zoning ordinances that require housing consistency established by neighborhoods such as Camellia Way. If the city simply draws the line on two-story additions in these neighborhoods, there will be no room for approvals based on applicant hardships, or other exceptions.

The Camellia residents opposed to the Chen application are disappointed, but they have accomplished much in raising the issues. Their involvement and the civility in which they conducted themselves is commendable.