By Katie Hawks

Town Crier Editorial Intern

Los Altos Hills

The Los Altos Hills Planning Commission approved designs for a new Town Hall last Thursday, despite residents’ opposition.

Building designer John Goldman from T.H Architect assured residents that the building’s design meets all residential codes except for the bell tower, which will stand at 35 feet.

Goldman said there is no strict limit on the height of public buildings, and this is not the first building to exceed the height requirement.

He also addressed citizen concern over the building being “too visible.”

“There are no codes that restrict visibility, and the part of the building that is visible to the neighbors is not the bell tower,” he said.

He also noted that the so-called “catering kitchen” was created to serve as nothing more than an employee lounge.

Mark Breier, heading the opposition group LAH Outrage, said residents are concerned about the building’s cost and size (estimated at $3.5 million and 7,138 square feet); the catering kitchen; neighborhood integrity; impacted views; and moving the entrance to Concepcion/Fremont.

Eli Wismer, who lives directly next door to Town Hall stated, “I just don’t believe that a town our size needs a facility this size.”

Commissioner Dot Schreiner said she felt as though the town hall has the responsibility of setting an example to the community, and the lavish design, high cost, and height of the bell tower did not set a good example for the rest of the community.