By Editorial
The newly formed resident group, “LAH Outrage” is challenging design plans for a new Los Altos Hills town hall on several points, including building size and expense, and safety questions based on proposed access from Fremont Road.
Town officials have been responsive to the group’s concerns and this past week, they revised the site plan to move a parking lot away from a path that school children frequent. Revisions also included leaving the Heritage House and surrounding orchard as it is instead of moving the house and destroying the orchard.
These are significant changes and we congratulate the town on its actions. But some of these issues might have been addressed earlier had residents in this group been aware of the plans. They contend they were not notified while plans were progressing. Councilwoman Toni Casey said approximately 60-70 residents were informed of the plans, but those residents were only those active on town committees.
Yes, LAH Outrage is a NIMBY group (Not In My Backyard), concerned with line-of-sight issues — for instance, they don’t want Town Hall moved away from old-growth trees that currently block the view of the building. However, this certainly does not dilute the validity of their concerns.
“Outragers” question the bulk of the proposed structure, 7,000 square feet at $3.5 million, nearly twice as large as the current structure. Granted, the size for council chambers needs a significant increase and new plans properly account for that. But are elements like a catering kitchen really needed, especially since residents are being asked to donate toward the construction costs?
We find the new mission-style plans quite attractive. But why the 30-foot tower, especially when residents themselves are asked to climb no higher than 27 feet with their own housing construction?
We like the idea of a second entrance into Town Hall, and we’re sorry that the city removed the second entrance from Fremont and stayed with the current entrance off Esperanza. We think the group has a good suggestion about putting an extrance directly across from the intersection of Fremont and Esperanza, rather than newscomers searching for an entrance as they proceed right onto Fremont.
Although the town has addressed some traffic and safety issues brought forth by the group, council members need to address these questions with sensible answers. If residents are expected to help pay for this new building, their suggestions should be given serious consideration. Fortunately, it appears the town is listening.
