This document discusses community gateways and provides details on the proposed First and Main Gateway Project in Los Altos. It summarizes that the project is on public property, so the city has an obligation to promote sound development and enhance the downtown area. It then discusses public vs private gateways and input, proposed site plans and elevations for the project, examples of other downtown areas, and the public review process. Contact information is provided for city council members and the planning commission to get involved.
2. Discussion:
Public vs. Private Gateways
What’s the difference between a gateway on
private property and one on public property?
Should the public have more input and
control over a gateway on publicly owned
property?
Can we expect more public benefits from a
Gateway project on public property?
Who pays for the public benefits?
3. First and Main Project
◦ On this public property, the City has…
“…an obligation to promote sound development, to
promote a high level of design which will enhance
the City’s downtown area, and to provide an
environment for the social, economic and
psychological growth and well-being of the citizens
of the City.”
-Los Altos City Option Agreement with the developer for
First and Main Gateway Project
How do we interpret this obligation?
27. Next Steps:
How the process works
• First, it’s not too late for you as individuals
to get involved in the process because the
public review process is just starting now.
• The developer is expected to receive and
incorporate public community input into his
final design.
• The developers contract with the City does not
exempt him from public input and due public
process.
• Let’s review the design review process from
an architect’s point of view.
28. Next Steps: How to stay
involved the process
• Attend Architectural Site Control process
meeting
• Attend planning commission meeting
• Attend city council meetings
• Get your friends and neighbors involved
• Email and/or write your council members; one
or two days before their scheduled meeting.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE:
Please write the 10 important issues you would
like to share with City or Council Members.
29. A Few Friendly Reminders
• If you wish to speak at a public meeting, you must
fill out and turn in a speakers card at the meeting,
prior to the agenda item.
• You are usually limited to 3 minutes for discussion.
It is wise not to repeat what a fellow community
member stated but focus on your specific
additional helpful comments.
• Our purpose is not to delay the project, but rather
give constructive input to create a more
comprehensively designed project.
• If you are not comfortable in public speaking,
email each committee/commission and city council
with your thoughts in a timely manner.
31. City Council Contacts
Val Carpenter
vcarpenter@losaltosca.gov
Jarrett Fishpaw
jfishpaw@losaltosca.gov
David Casas
dcasas@losaltosca.gov
Ron Packard
rdpackard@losaltosca.gov
Megan Satterlee
msatterlee@losaltosca.gov
32. Planning Commission and A&S
Committee Member Contacts
Michael M. Abrams: Michael@Abrams4.com
Ronit A. Bodner: ronitlaw@hotmail.com
Jerry E. Moison: jerrymoison@moison.com
Malika Z. Junaid (A&S):
malikajunaid@mdesignsarchitects.com
Jeannie L. Bruins (A&S): jeannie@bruinsfamily.net
Jonathan C. Baer: baerjc@earthlink.net
Kenneth Lorell (A&S): 650-424-2748 (B)