Politics & Government
Letter to the Editor: Against Raising Saratoga's Gateway Height Limits
Patch welcomes your letters to the editor. Each missive must include the writer's name, address and daytime phone number, not for publication, but to confirm you're the author. Send letters to sheila.sanchez@patch.com.
Editor's Note: The following letter to the editor was written and submitted by 45-year Saratoga resident Jack Mallory. It opposes the proposed increase in commercial building heights in the Gateway Shopping Center.
I am opposed to the Saratoga Planning Commission’s recommendation to raise the commercial building height limits to two stories in the Gateway Shopping Center.
I asked the Saratoga City Council to vote no on this issue at their Wednesday, May 15 meeting. My recommendation is based on the following:
I am opposed to the Saratoga Planning Commission’s recommendation to raise the commercial building height limits to two stories in the Gateway Shopping Center.
I asked the Saratoga City Council to vote no on this issue at their Wednesday, May 15 meeting. My recommendation is based on the following:
- The increase in building heights will immediately lead to very large commercial and institutional buildings at the entrance to our town and change the image and character of Saratoga.
- This change violates the city’s 2003 Gateway Plan, which was to create a memorable Gateway/Special entry to our great city with a village look and not large scale structures.
- This change will lead to 30-foot heights with the accommodation of air conditioning and other rooftop apparatus.
- The proposed two-story buildings, plus current plans for extensive underground parking, will lead to traffic congestion, blocked scenic views, increased safety problems, pollution and lead to very intensive use in a high traffic corridor.
- The sudden increase in permitted building heights violates the neighbors' trust with the city. Neighbors were told Gateway development would be based on the thorough 2003 study approved by the city to make an attractive entrance to our city and not be quickly disregarded based on each developer’s proposals. Neighbors relied on city plans in deciding to move to and stay in the nearby homes.
- The Commission conducted two meetings with residents in the Gateway and Quito areas and more than 90 percent participating said not to increasing the building heights. These recommendations were ignored.
- The 2003 Gateway Plan was created and approved by the property owners, business owners, city planning staff, interested residents, and the city council, not just the Commission.
Former elected officials who are also opposed to increasing the heights in the Gateway include mayors Dr. Francis L. Stutzman, Ann Waltonsmith and Stan Bogosian and Council members Jack Mallory, Cheriel Jensen and Evan Baker. Also Cynthia Barry, former chairwoman of the Saratoga Planning Commission.
There are a lot of pressures on our city to change. I hope we will change where appropriate but not with the high change recommended by the Commission. I hope others will come to the meeting and voice their opinion.
There are a lot of pressures on our city to change. I hope we will change where appropriate but not with the high change recommended by the Commission. I hope others will come to the meeting and voice their opinion.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.