Investing in proposed project?
Marianne Hawkes
In March, we received notice of a 29-unit, three-story muli-family residential building proposed in our neighborhood. The development of the property at 5100 El Camino raises numerous concerns about the height and density of this structure in a neighborhood of predominantly one-story homes.
My greatest concern, however, came during the first planning commission meeting regarding this project when one commissioner recused herself from the proceedings. Neighbors learned that the commissioner was an investor in the proposed development. This information troubles me. Planning commissioners are involved in the process of zoning changes and changes to the city’s General Plan which regulate and permit developments of this nature.
I find myself with a number of unsettling questions. Are commissioners ever aware of future development plans for specific locations while considering zoning and General Plan changes? Do developers approach our city commissioners or city councilmembers with offers to invest in their Los Altos-based projects, particularly before public hearings occur? Is it in the best interest of the community if commissioners or council members have loyalties divided between potential personal profit and appropriate, balanced, long-term commercial development in the city? Is simply recusing yourself from the public hearings sufficient to absolve these concerns?
As development of commercial areas in the city occurs, the privacy and quality of neighborhoods in current residential areas should be carefully guarded by city planners. I encourage the planning commission and city council to place this project on hold and consider the advisability of city officials investing in Los Altos developments.
Correcting facts about CUSD
George Tyson
This is a response to a letter to the editor by Frances Hills that appeared in the June 1 edition of the Town Crier regarding her concerns about the financial management of the Cupertino Union School District.
Although I appreciate the sentiments expressed by Hills, I also believe that people need accurate facts to be able to make informed opinions.
The letter states that the district has five assistant superintendents, passed a bond to prevent layoffs, and the superintendent is paid $250,000. In reality, the Cupertino Union School District only has three assistant superintendents, not five; the Cupertino Union School District parcel tax did not pass - by a narrow margin, yet through the state’s budget crisis, the district has been able to avoid lay-offs and keep cuts away from classrooms; and the superintendent’s salary is far below the $250,000 figure stated.
In regard to Hills’ assessment that the district is top-heavy with administration compared to 1958, we do have more district staff in place today; however, we are currently the largest elementary school district in the county serving over 16,000 students.
The district is subject to an ever-increasing number of state and federal mandates, and we are constantly being pushed to prepare our children for a much more competitive future.
Despite our ranking near the bottom in the whole state of California in funding, our schools consistently turn out extraordinary scholars. Our exceptional staff deserves, in my opinion, great praise for its efficient and frugal use of limited funds to deliver such a fine outcome in the education of our young people.
Respect wishes of citizens
Doug Reed
Good for Phil Rose!! Our thanks for a job well done.
His suggestion in the June 15 budget article that “we should ask citizens whether they are willing to pay for additional services” is excellent. He should also state that we should respect whatever decision the citizens of “our” town want.
This might also apply to the swim complex which now appears (from this article) to have an expected capital improvement cost of $1.2 million (not to mention annual costs, and “over budget” costs which will most assuredly need to be added).
By the way, when did SPLASH become a fund-raising group instead of the private club that it is?
It would have been nice if city planners had earmarked public spaces decades ago that would have been appropriately placed and funded for the community. Instead, we are now faced with many projects, but no space.
Maybe a boutique motel downtown with the ground level devoted to the pools, the second level for parking, the third level for guest suites and the roof level for great outdoor dining would fit the bill (Friday nite flicks could be beamed on to adjacent walls, too, in lieu of the often proposed movie theater).
Painting crosswalks an inexpensive fix
Elena Shea
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the photo and editorial (June 22) about painting crosswalks on San Antonio Road. It has been very frustrating to me that such a simple and inexpensive fix is just not under consideration by the city. Please keep this issue in the news.
