Los Altos to Vote on Bonds to Replace Hillview Community Center

By Bay City News Service

A measure on Tuesday’s ballot will determine the future of a proposal for a Los Altos community center and park.

Measure A in Los Altos would provide $65 million in bonds to replace the Hillview Community Center, which is nearly 70 years old, and make improvements at Hillview Park.

The City Council voted unanimously on July 28 to present the measure to voters, according to City Attorney Jolie Houston.

The new center would create needed areas for recreation and activities, meeting spaces and community pool facilities, according to proponents.

It would also be built to meet handicapped and earthquake safety codes. The park is in need of upgrades to its open space and sports fields.

Residents have called on the city to prioritize improvements to the center and park, according to measure supporters including Mayor Janis Pepper and Los Altos School District trustee Sangeeth Peruri.

The measure comes at a time of low interest rates and even lower construction costs, the supporters said. The improvements would be beneficial for residents, seniors and children, according to the supporters.

Residents opposing the measure have said the project’s plan takes up a space three times larger than other community centers in neighboring cities such as Saratoga and the estimated cost for the project is around $87 million.

The measure requires a two-thirds majority vote to pass.

(Photo via Shutterstock)