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Published on 01/25/1999 All articles from this issue

LAH council adopts goals, philosophies for roadways

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By Carol Tiegs

Special to the Town Crier

After making modifications in response to public input, the Los Altos Hills Town Council on Jan. 20 unanimously adopted the proposed circulation and scenic roadways element of the town's general plan.

This segment of the general plan relates to driveway standards, private roadways, pathways and roadway right-of-way as well as other circulation issues.

Members of the council and town staff said during the Jan. 20 meeting that the circulation element outlines the town's goals and philosophies, while ordinances provide the details of implementation.

Public comment on Jan. 20 concerned soundwalls along Interstate 280, future park-and-ride locations and width of street rights-of-way.

Several residents cited research indicating that, while sound walls provide sound mitigation for those living immediately adjacent to the walls, they can accentuate noise for residents living uphill or farther away.

The council unanimously agreed to including language in the general plan section concerning noise stating that "construction of sound walls is generally discouraged along the Interstate 280 corridor but may be considered in conjunction with future mitigation studies."

Residents also expressed concern about locating future park-and-ride lots at Interstate 280 and El Monte Road.

By consensus, the council agreed to delete language supporting park-and-ride lots "in close proximity to the El Monte Road and Magdalena Avenue ramps at I-280" with a recommendation to evaluate provision of a park-and-ride lot at Foothill College.

Councilwoman Toni Casey summarized resident concerns that new construction or remodels often triggered new street right-of-way dedications. With a 60-foot right-of-way standard, this often resulted in reduction of the applicant's lot size, creating a substandard lot less than one acre, she said.

City Manager Jeff Peterson said that the right-of-way also provided space for drainage, underground utilities and pathways. It also accommodates maintenance and repair work, he said.

The council agreed 4-1, with Councilman Steve Finn dissenting, to retain the 60-foot right-of-way standard while directing the staff to draft an ordinance to address variations.

By consensus, the council modified portions of the draft circulation element to eliminate language that could be interpreted selectively.