Special to the Town Crier
A proposal to level the often troublesome Four Seasons Motel and build a Marriott Courtyard Motel on the site moved one step closer to fruition after Thursday's meeting of the Los Altos Planning Commission.
The commission discussed a possible zoning change from high-density residential/commercial to commercial, before deciding to leave the zoning "as is." Developers were looking for a change to bypass requirements for providing affordable housing units. Commissioners, however, felt it was important for developers John Challas and Oliver Linn to provide the required six units of affordable housing, either on or off-site.
Challas and Linn filed preliminary plans for the project with the city on Jan. 22.
Marriott plans for the 4320 El Camino Real site include 196 units and a two-story lobby. In addition to the hotel, the site will include underground parking, a restaurant, and six palatial suites.
Challas said a neighborhood meeting on Feb. 17 revealed "not one unfavorable comment about removing the Four Seasons."
According to Challas, the plan will "generate great income" for the city as well as encourage development along El Camino Real.
Currently, the Four Seasons Motel looks downright shabby, compared with the newly remodeled seven-story Crown Plaza Cabana Hotel that is just a few blocks down the street.
Police reports show repeated incidents of domestic violence and indecent exposure at the Four Seasons, as well as public drunkenness and drug use. In fact, a two-month long narcotics investigation last year netted six arrests, including two men selling cocaine out of their room.
Although some people question whether the new Marriott Courtyard will be a great improvement, city planning director Larry Tong says it is "a step in the right direction."
Because developers are seeking a zoning change for the site from residential to commercial, some feel that the city will be unable to meet its affordable housing goals. Others have raised concerns about an increase in traffic on Los Altos Avenue as a result of the new hotel.
The application goes to the city's Archtectural and Site Control Committee for design review, and may come before the Los Altos City Council in either August or September, city officials said.