November 14
The City Council approved additional zoning amendments needed to implement programs identified in the sixth-cycle housing element. In all, eight rezoning amendments affected these projects: building at Loyola Corners and housing at both Village Court Center on El Camino Real and on San Antonio Road where offices are now located.
These and further decisions must be implemented by January 31, 2024. The city’s effort is to provide its fair share of housing for the state by 2031. Community meetings were held on November 1 and November 8. Public comment continues to share concerns about multistory housing next to single family housing, parking and traffic problems, and keeping districts like Loyola Corners recognizable.
After hearing more than 50 speakers express their views about the war in Israel and the Gaza Strip, many of whom have family in the Middle East area, City Council voted unanimously to draw up a resolution that would condemn the taking of hostages, antisemitism, and Islamophobia as well as send a clear message that the community in the Los Altos area will not tolerate hate. Drawing up the resolution was delegated to new Mayor Weinberg. The resolution will be brought up for vote at a special meeting on December 11, 2023.
November 28
On the consent calendar the City Council adopted the additional eight zoning amendments identified at the November 14 meeting to implement programs identified in the housing element. Public comment asked that new plans for development maintain the unique quality of Loyola Corners and to have clear plans to manage height in development at Village Court on El Camino Real.
The City Council amended its Tree Protection Regulations. The regulations haven’t been updated since 2007. Because of climate adaptation needs the city is updating current policies and procedures to protect the city’s urban forest, maintain tree canopy that contributes to carbon sequestration, and provide clear tree removal criteria for both residents and city staff. For the 6000 plus trees in the city, staff proposed amendments to establish the definition of a protected (heritage) tree, criteria for any tree removal, and kinds of trees that can replace a tree that is removed. Public comment concerned increased cost and more detailed applications required to have a tree removed, especially a heritage tree. City staff will make some changes to the regulations and bring the plan back for review.
The City Council approved the concept to use Civic Center land for the construction of an outdoor library patio. The 5,000 square feet space on the north side of the library will provide residents with flexible space for reading and studying with a shade cover. It will be used to provide free library programs for all ages.
All public comment concerned possible encroachment on the heritage landmark apricot orchard adjacent to the library. The concept for the outdoor patio was designed to not infringe on the orchard using various documents for the designated heritage land, but many were not accurate, including the 1996 not-to-scale sketch of the apricot orchard. Staff stated the location for the outdoor space is a gully right now and land upgrades will provide better drainage for the trees that remain and any new trees that are planted as part of the restoration project by the Los Altos History Museum. Despite the presentation that showed how both the library space and the orchard can be maintained, the speakers’ main criticisms were that apricot tree planting would be affected and that Civic Center rooms could be used for library programs. The preliminary concept will be sent to the Planning Commission for final design and location approval.
Claire Noonan, Observer