We're happy to see the Los Altos City Council is back on track with regard to the redevelopment of the Sherwood Triangle.
For months, the question of residential density sidetracked the council away from this area's main issues: parking and traffic congestion, and blight.
The council agreed at its March 2 meeting to set residential density at 16 units per acre. It was a fine compromise between the 38 units recommended by the planning commission and the seven units residents were pushing for. In addition, the city's general plan allows between 16-38 units per acre, so setting the number at the low end will not require a general plan amendment, as seven would have, according to Larry Tong, Los Altos Planning Director.
There's been a lot of talk over the years, but little in the way of addressing the unsightly appearance of this important north Los Altos entrance, framed by El Camino Real, Sherwood Lane and San Antonio Road. The area still comes across as unkempt. Behind Sherwood businesses is a patchwork of dumpy, disorganized parking lots.
We agree with ZYT Galerie owner Ralph Doerr, who advised council to "put a sock in the housing issue and get back on target with parking, traffic and economic issues."
Councilman King Lear hopes city officials can meet with Sherwood-area business and property owners within a month to hear their concerns and make sense of all the varying opinions as to what should be done.
In addition, the city council has authorized city staff to hire a consultant to look at possible traffic solutions for the Sherwood Triangle.
It's time for the city to put the specific back in the Sherwood Gateway Specific Plan. The city appears to be heading in the right direction.