Letter to the editor: Follow Saratoga's Gateway Guidelines

Editor's Note: The following letter to the editor was written and submitted by 45-year Saratoga resident Jack Mallory on behalf of Bill Benevento, Jeff Walker, Jack and Sue Mallory, and Carl and Mary Sessler. The residents worked on the Gateway guidelines and are concerned with proposed developments in the city.

We are submitting this letter as members of the committee that worked on the Gateway Guidelines in 2003.   

In reviewing the Gateway Guidelines against the current Time Space proposal and the earlier West Valley Muslim Association proposal we feel these projects do not meet the guidelines based on the:

1. Goals by the City Council
2. Goals of the Gateway Committee
3. Design guideline objectives
4. Guiding principles of the guidelines
5. Guideline architecture and materials

Specifically the projects do not meet these gateway guidelines as follows:

1. Small scale building floor plates with early California style
2. Buildings should relate to Saratoga’s residential areas
3. Large boxes (buildings) with no articulation will not be allowed
4. Roof lines should be varied in style and size to create interest
5. Service areas and loading areas should not be located close to residential areas
6. Encourage a diverse mix of complementary uses and a business environment
7. Create a strong identity that represents the entire Gateway
8. Mitigate adverse impacts to the neighborhood and enhance the neighbors quality of life
9. Encourage development toward the front of property
10. Projects should be consistent with the Rural Character of Saratoga
11. A building height of 20 feet vs. 29 feet with the air conditioning, etc. in the proposal

Specific questions about the Gateway

1. Is this commercial and heavy traffic area a logical place to have extensive child facilities?
2. Approval of the Time Space and WVMA  projects would bring the number to six such facilities and no estimate of the total number of children in the Gateway.
3. Do three potential large side by side long and narrow buildings with extensive underground parking fit with Saratoga or the Gateway Guidelines? 

The existing building is called Saratoga Square and was built before the Gateway Guidelines were adopted.

We respect the city process but we question the way it's managing the Gateway and the sincerity of the process.

The city has invited comments and the residents have communicated in specific terms. The residents have not received the courtesy of a detailed reply. We hope this is not leading to a predetermined decision. Please engage the residents.