Letter to the Editor: Against Saratoga Time Space Proposal

Editor's Note: The following letter to the editor was written and submitted by 45-year Saratoga resident Jack Mallory on behalf of Don and Jean Wilson, Ron and Lizbeth Clark, Jack and Sue Mallory, Ed Kwan and Elaine Chan, Bu-Chin and Rhoda Wang, Ariel Smart, Bobbie Brendlen, Charles Ye and Debbie Zhang, Carol and Ray Liang, and Bill and Betty Benevento. The residents live within 500 feet of the Time Space Proposal.

After reviewing the Time Space proposed development near our homes we wish to go on record describing our concerns and indicating our recommendations.   Neighbors concerns over the Time Space proposal:

1. Traffic, noise and gas fumes from the cars in the rear of the building caused by the 170 students dropped off and picked up twice daily.
2. Building height increase from 20 feet to 25 to 30 feet rising above the neighborhood and blocking view of the hills.
3. Hours of operation from early in the morning to evening and some on weekends.
4. With child care, classes, and play areas in the rear it is like having a new school adjacent to our backyards. If the West Valley Muslim Association project is approved, there will also be a gymnasium and religious meeting hall as well directly behind our homes.
5. Violates the Gateway Guidelines regarding the impact of this proposed commercial development on neighbors. The guidelines refer to “Enhancing the Neighborhood Quality of Life.”
6. Very dense use with about 200 people on approximately one acre site.
   

Decreased value of residential homes

By permitting increased height, maximum size building, specified uses, and rear noise from traffic we believe this will substantially increase the value of the commercial property and decrease the value of our homes.

Recommended changes to meet the guidelines and neighbors concerns:

1. Reduce the height of the project to meet the guidelines.
2. Reduce bulk and size of the building and meet the architectural guidelines for the Gateway. This long narrow and high building is too big for a small site. It should be redesigned and moved to the front of the lot consistent with the guidelines. Eliminate the side yard setback variances requested.
3. Eliminate rear building drop-off and pick-up.
4. Minimize the mechanical equipment on top of the roof or better, place the mechanical equipment inside the building to decrease the height and blocking views of the hills.
5. Deny the school/childcare use as it is inconsistent with the Gateway Guidelines for this business district, impact on the neighbors, and safety and traffic problems. 

General Gateway concerns

1. Gateway image including the growing institutional look, landscaping, etc.
2. The city’s answers to our questions about the mitigated negative declaration and the staff analysis of the Gateway Guidelines to this project.