April 17, 2008

Pyle, Gage work through community issues together at AVCA meeting

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

The status of South Almaden Valley Urban Reserve (SAVUR) as well as community issues topped the agenda at Monday eve-ning’s Almaden Valley Com-munity Association (AVCA) meeting. County Supervisor Don Gage and City Council-member Nancy Pyle led the discussions and made it clear that the city and county are working together for the benefit of the community.

County Supervisor Don Gage and City Councilmember Nancy Pyle address residents at the recent AVCA meeting. “Your issues are my issues,” said Gage, “and my issues are Nancy’s issues, and vise-versa.” Photo by Lorraine Gabbert

Gage hailed the cooperation between the county and city and promoted Pyle’s re-election. “When the county and city can’t get along, there’s something wrong,” he said. “Chuck Reed and I meet on a monthly basis to discuss issues and clear things up. My old friend Nancy is up for re-election,” he said, “and I have endorsed her. She does a great job and serves the public well. Your issues are my issues,” said Gage, “and my issues are Nancy’s issues, and vise-versa.”

To determine the extent of development in SAVUR and inform the General Plan, Pyle requested that the city conduct an assessment. The study identified 193 dwelling units in SAVUR, with 80 percent zoned rural residential and the remainder exclusive residential.

“As long as the Urban Reserve is in the county, there will be no change,” said Gage, “but when it’s bought by the city, these 20 acre parcels will become lots.”

Although under the current zoning guidelines 72 more units could be built, new construction trends are slow. No new permits were issued in 2007, and only two single-family homes were given permits in 2006. The availability of an independent water supply is always a concern for development in SAVUR, as it doesn’t have the city’s infrastructure for water and sewage.

“A new home has to be able to provide a well,” said Gage, “or if water’s generated, it has to be kept on site with 6,000 gallons in reserve. One home won’t affect the water supply, but 1,000 would, so we keep it limited growth.”

Graystone Lane tragedy
“The tragic automobile accident that occurred last July on Graystone Lane has had a devastating impact on the Almaden Valley community,” said Pyle. “While the four lives that were lost can never be recovered, it is important that we critically examine the cause of this incident and take steps to prevent the same sort of tragedy from occurring again.”

Due to the accident, residents may sue the county. The city is conducting an all-way stop study on Graystone Lane. Road improvements include a double yellow centerline with raised round markers, an edge line along the bend, a speed limit and stop ahead signs.

“That street is a great place for kids to race,” said Pyle, “unfortunately it’s been an extremely sobering situation.”

Community forums with city and county representatives have taken place as well as programs on the repercussions of drunk driving aimed at Leland High School students and parents. One such program is fittingly named “Maxwell’s Pledge.” The school community also shared in a poignant “Every 15 Seconds” presentation, as well as a parent’s assertiveness course regarding teenage drivers.

“It’s OK to take kids’ keys away,” said Pyle. “If you can’t drive properly, you can’t drive, period!”

Gage agreed. “It’s important not to lose sight that there was a very tragic accident,” he said, “but we have to be careful how we resolve the problem and do what people really want.” Gage noted that, according to state guidelines before a new stop sign can be put in place a certain number of cars must pass through the intersection. Desired speed bumps can end up being a hindrance, he added.

“As a government agency, we have to be careful because we don’t want people to regret the changes we make,” he said. “We put in a round about and speed bump on Blossom Hill Road in Los Gatos and it cost $8,000. Once it goes in, we don’t want to take it out.”

Gage also believes that people have to act responsibly. “When kids or anyone drinking is impaired,” he said, “that’s when those kinds of accidents happen. There’s not a stop sign or speed bump that’s going to stop that from happening if somebody’s irresponsible.”

One AVCA member expressed his appreciation for the city and county’s quick response to the situation. “This is the kind of government we like to see,” he said.

Another noted that teens have torn up Pioneer High School’s field and spin donuts in TJ Martin Park. “If it’s regarding speeding or drinking, police want you to call 911,” said an AVCA member. “They consider that a matter of public safety; they’re putting themselves and others at risk.”

Event tent on Boulder Ridge
Residents raised concern regarding an event tent raised on Boulder Ridge. “We don’t want a tent up there blasting music over this entire valley,” said one man. “It’s limited to private club members who can afford a $150,000 membership cost. We’re all going to suffer so a very small group of people can have a reception on the hillside.”

Gage noted that if creating this venue disturbs the neighborhood, it probably won’t happen. “There’s a process it has to go through,” he noted.” Following an Architectural Site Committee meeting on May 8, the issue, if appealed, would go before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.

“If the community suffers, I suffer,” said Gage, “If there’s a problem with someone building who shouldn’t be—anytime there’s something that doesn’t feel right—call me, and we’ll get on it.”