1 Anthony Suber
From: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, July 20, 2024 8:39 PM
To: Anthony Suber; Francesca Reyes
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Application for Town Committee/Commission [The e-mail below is from an external source. Please do not open attachments or click links from an unknown or suspicious origin.]
Application for Town Committee/Commission
Name Sandy Levison
Address , Atherton
Phone Number
Email Address
Commission/Committee
of Interest
Planning Commission
Education BS, Economics / Political Science, Santa Clara University List your civic affiliations
and community
activities, including
service on other
commissions and
committees?
Menlo Charity Horse Show 1990 - present, in charge of
parking and security
Atherton Police Foundation 2012 - 2015, raised funds for needs of APD not covered in the existing budget
Atherton Now - co-chair 2015 - 2019, raised funds for the new Town Center
President Sacred Heart Schools Parent Board, member of
Board of Trustees- 2011-12 and 2016-17
Oakwood Advisory Board - 2018 to present, retirement
community for Religious of the Sacred Heart located on the campus of Sacred Heart Schools
Menlo Circus Club House Committee - 2020-present, co-chair of the committee and lead the process of a remodel of the main clubhouse
Catechist St. Raymonds - teach Sunday School 2018 - present Rotary Palo Alto, retired
Senior Vice President, Mid-Peninsula Bank, retired
Describe your
understanding of the
responsibilities of the
commission or
The Atherton Planning Commission in California is responsible for several key duties related to land use planning and development within the Town, including:
2 committee that you are
applying for and how
your personal,
community or
professional experience
relate to these
responsibilities?
Reviewing Development and Variance Applications: The
Planning Commission reviews variance applications for new construction, remodels, conditional use permits, and other land use changes. They assess these applications based on local zoning ordinances, general plans, and other applicable
regulations. The planning commission also reviews and
supports/rejects variance requests for ordinance exception and for heritage tree removals.
Making Recommendations: After reviewing development
applications, the Planning Commission makes
recommendations to the Town Council regarding approval, denial, or modifications. These recommendations are often based on how well the proposed development aligns with the town's general plan and zoning regulations.
General Plan and Zoning Ordinance Amendments: The
Planning Commission may initiate or review proposed
amendments to the general plan or zoning ordinances. This could involve updating land use designations, zoning
classifications, or development standards to reflect current community needs and goals.
Public Hearings: The Commission conducts public hearings to gather input from residents, property owners, and stakeholders on proposed development projects and planning policy
changes. Public input helps inform their decisions and
recommendations.
Long-Range Planning: They participate in long-range planning efforts to guide future growth and development in Atherton.
This includes considering factors like transportation, housing needs, environmental sustainability, and community character.
Environmental Review: The Commission ensures that
proposed developments undergo environmental review as
required by CEQA. They assess potential environmental
impacts and may require mitigation measures to minimize adverse effects.
Advisory Role: While the Planning Commission makes
recommendations, the final authority for most land use
decisions rests with the Town Council. The Commission
serves in an advisory capacity, providing expert analysis and community perspective.
Community Engagement: They engage with the community to educate residents about planning issues, gather feedback on 3 proposed projects, and promote transparency in the decisionmaking process.
Overall, the Atherton Planning Commission plays a crucial role in shaping the physical development and growth of the town while balancing the interests of residents, businesses, and the broader community. Their decisions and recommendations
aim to uphold the town's vision for sustainable growth and quality of life.
The time spent working with the Police Foundation and
Atherton Now enabled me to experience the value of working with multiple stakeholders to improve the Town and its
facilities. It was very fulfilling to watch the project go from a concept to completion and become a gathering place for
Atherton residents and the broader community.
The volunteer leadership positions at Sacred Heart Schools allowed me to understand that while building consensus is often desirable, not all decisions will be liked by everyone.
That understanding is a fundamental part of the Planning Commission role in implementing the Town’s building
regulations and codes. Consistently applying the rules and regulations provides a sense of fairness that allows for all parties to feel that they have been treated fairly.
Describe why you want
to serve on this
commission and what
you hope to accomplish
as a member?
My work with the Police Foundation and Atherton Now has given me the opportunity to join with community leaders and contribute to enhancing the Town for all residents.
Membership on the Planning Commission would be an
extension of that work and allow me to continue to serve the Town in another capacity.
I believe the Planning Commission will play an important role in working with the Town Council to navigate through the challenges and opportunities of the current and future housing element issues. As a long time resident, I believe the Planning Commission has a responsibility to incorporate both the short and long term needs of the residents through a balanced approach to adhering to State regulations while maintaining the unique character of Atherton.
While Atherton is primarily a residential community, my work at Sacred Heart Schools has given me the opportunity to
understand the perspectives of the educational institutions that are also part of the Town.
Atherton faces various challenges such as traffic congestion, 4 construction impact on neighbors and environmental
sustainability. As a commissioner, I hope to contribute to finding innovative solutions to these issues.
I understand that membership on the Planning Commission requires time for monthly meeting preparation, attendance, and follow-up. I am committed to dedicating the time
necessary to be an active and productive member of the
Commission.
Additional Information
you would like to add?
It is important to me to give back to the Atherton community.
My husband’s family began residing in Fair Oaks/Atherton in 1906 and my father-in-law served on the Planning Commission for over 20 years beginning in 1960’s. I want to continue the tradition of contributing to the community that we have been lucky to call home for multiple generations.