Many Los Altos Hills residents attending a Jan. 14 study session on housing site development review criticized town building policies as too inconsistent and the planning commission as too subjective, even authoritarian in its decisions.
Still, we were encouraged by what we saw happening.
We saw a council, with new member Steve Finn, that was willing to listen and respond with concern. We saw Los Altos Hills Mayor Bob Johnson lead the way with a good compromise proposal that bridged the gap between planning commission opponents and supporters. His kind, patient and eloquent style seemed to bring the council together.
As a result, the commission will likely stay in the site development review process, but will become more limited in interpretations as the town redefines its conditions. In addition, "clean" projects, or those meeting all conditions and with no opposition, will go straight through to the council consent calendar.
We also appreciate Finn and council member Toni Casey for raising the issue in the first place so that the town could act on an issue that obviously concerns so many. We hope the action taken at this meeting translates into improved regulations and a better relationship between all residents and all departments of town government.