Los Gatos City Council
December 19, 2023

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TOWN OF LOS GATOS
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL: STUDY SESSION AGENDA DECEMBER 19, 2023
110 EAST MAIN STREET AND VIA TELECONFERENCE

TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:45 PM
Mary Badame, Mayor
Matthew Hudes, Vice Mayor
Rob Moore, Council Member
Rob Rennie, Council Member
Maria Ristow, Council Member

PARTICIPATION IN THE PUBLIC PROCESS
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TOWN OF LOS GATOS
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN COUNCIL: STUDY SESSION AGENDA DECEMBER 19, 2023

TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND VIA TELECONFERENCE
110 EAST MAIN STREET
5:45 PM

IMPORTANT NOTICE
This is a hybrid meeting and will be held in-person at the Town Council Chambers at 110 E.

Main Street and virtually through the Zoom webinar application (log-in information provided below). Members of the public may provide public comments for agenda items in-person or virtually through the Zoom webinar by following the instructions listed below. The live stream of the meeting may be viewed on television and/or online at www.LosGatosCA.gov/TownYouTube.

PARTICIPATION
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o When the Mayor announces the item for which you wish to speak, click the “raise hand” feature in Zoom. If you are participating by phone on the Zoom app, press *9 on your telephone keypad to raise your hand.
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If you are unable to participate in real-time, you may email to [email protected] the subject line “Public Comment Item #__ ” (insert the item number relevant to your comment). Comments received by 11:00 a.m. the day of the meeting will be reviewed and distributed before the meeting. All comments received will become part of the record.

CALL MEETING TO ORDER

ROLL CALL
APPROVE REMOTE PARTICIPATION (This item is listed on the agenda in the event there is an emergency circumstance requiring a Council Member to participate remotely under AB 2449 (Government Code 54953)).

VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS (Members of the public may address the Town Council only on the agenda items. Remarks shall be limited to three minutes or such time as authorized by the Mayor.)
OTHER BUSINESS (Up to three minutes may be allotted to each speaker on any of the following items.)

1. Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610) and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway (CIP No. 832-4510).

ADJOURNMENT (Council policy is to adjourn no later than midnight unless a majority of Council votes for an extension of time.)
Writings related to an item on the Town Council meeting agenda distributed to members of the Council within 24 hours of the meeting are available for public inspection at the front desk of the Los Gatos Town Library, located at 100 Villa Avenue, and are also available for review on the official Town of Los Gatos website. Copies of desk items distributed to members of the Council at the meeting are available for review in the Town Council Chambers.

Note: The Town of Los Gatos has adopted the provisions of Code of Civil Procedure §1094.6; litigation challenging a decision of the Town Council must be brought within 90 days after the decision is announced unless a shorter time is required by State or Federal law.

PREPARED BY: Nicolle Burnham
Parks and Public Works Director
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832 www.losgatosca.gov

TOWN OF LOS GATOS

COUNCIL STUDY SESSION

AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 12/19/2023
ITEM NO: 1
DATE: December 11, 2023
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610) and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway (CIP No. 832-4510) RECOMMENDATION:

Receive a report and provide direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610) and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway (CIP No. 832-4510).

BACKGROUND:

The Town’s Adopted Capital Budget includes funding for the Pinehurst Community Garden and the Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway. Given their close proximity to each other in east Los Gatos, staff proceeded with concept development for both projects concurrently.

On June 20, 2023, Town Council authorized the execution of an agreement with Dillingham Associates to provide preliminary design services for both projects. The scope of work includes development of multiple concept plans for each location, community outreach, and the preparation of one concept for each location that reflects the community feedback. The final concept plan will be brought to Town Council for review before proceeding with development of design drawings.

At present, the consultant has developed multiple concept plans for each location and community outreach is in process. At this study session, staff will present the base mapping of the properties in questions, show the concept plans to Town Council, summarize the feedback received to date, and receive Council comments and direction.

PAGE 2 OF 4
SUBJECT: Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610) and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway (CIP No. 832-4510)
DATE: December 11, 2023
DISCUSSION:

The proposed projects span three separate properties, two owned by the Town of Los Gatos and one owned by Pacific Gas and Electric. All three parcels are encumbered with a PG&E easement for overhead electric transmission lines and a Valley Water easement for a potable water transmission line. Other reported encumbrances in favor of private property owners are still being verified.

Plans of the existing conditions, plus concepts for both projects can be found here:
//www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/37181/LG-Garden-and-Path-Design Three community garden concepts were developed that include up to 30 raised garden beds plus up to nine beds that meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Small areas for seating are shown for consideration. One alternative proposes off-street parking in response to community concerns regarding lack of parking in this area. Staff also contracted a consultant to complete parking counts in the area to assess the existing use of on-street parking spaces.

Three concepts have been developed for the Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway. Each concept proposes both bicycle and pedestrian pathways to allow for connection to the planned Blossom Crest Trail. Information about that trail system can be found here:
https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/3061/2028 Community Feedback
Staff and the consultant team presented preliminary project information at a joint meeting of the Arts and Culture and the Parks Commissions on October 18, 2023 (this was prior to the name change to Parks and Sustainability Commission). Notices for this meeting were mailed to residents within a 500-foot radius of the project sites and posted on social media. Members of the public were invited to attend and provide comment. Approximately 20 residents attended the meeting and eight comment cards were received. Two spoke in favor of the project and six against.

On December 4, 2023, the Parks and Sustainability Commission received a presentation about the two projects and provided feedback. The Commission’s feedback regarding the garden included support for the idea of off-street parking to alleviate potential impacts to the neighborhood, a desire to provide tribal land acknowledgement, and interest in providing seating and picnic space. With regard to the walkway, the Commission expressed concern about bicycle and pedestrian conflicts, interest in nature-based amenities, and the desirability of including art and play features such as slides or swings.

PAGE 3 OF 4
SUBJECT: Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610) and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway (CIP No. 832-4510)
DATE: December 11, 2023
DISCUSSION (continued):

On December 7, 2023 the project team hosted a community meeting. Notices for this meeting were mailed to the residents in the same 500-foot radius, emailed to residents that had expressed interest in wanting to be notified about the project, and posted on various social media platforms, the Town website, and in the Town’s weekly newsletter. Approximately 25 residents attended the meeting with most of them being against the project.

A copy of written comments received through this process (as of December 14, 2023 at 11 a.m.) are presented in Attachment 1.

Residents adjacent to the project sites have expressed concern regarding parking and traffic, loss of privacy, loss of access to areas of their property, and noise from the proposed uses.

Some of the feedback received included scaling the project down (i.e., not providing 30 beds to start), not including the seating area, and requests to demonstrate the need for a community garden.

CONCLUSION:

Staff will provide Town Council with generally the same presentation as the community saw on December 7, 2023, summarize the feedback received at that meeting and other engagement touchpoints, and seek direction from the Town Council. Following this Town Council Study Session, the project team will compile the feedback received and use that information to refine the concept for each project. One final concept plan for each project will be presented to the community and to Town Council in Spring 2024.

COORDINATION:

This report has been coordinated with the Town Attorney and the Town Manager’s Office.

FISCAL IMPACT:

This item is for feedback only and no new expenditures are proposed.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:

The Pinehurst Community Garden is defined as a project under CEQA. The necessary environmental review will be completed following development of a final concept plan.

The Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway is a project as defined under CEQA. The necessary environmental review will be completed following development of a final concept plan.

PAGE 4 OF 4
SUBJECT: Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610) and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway (CIP No. 832-4510)
DATE: December 11, 2023
Attachments:

1. Written community comment received October 18, 2023 through December 14, 2023 at 11 a.m.

Subject: FW: Community Garden
From: Lisa Wade
Sent: Friday, December 8, 2023 2:44 PM
To: Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Community Garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
I have been a resident of Los Gatos for 30 years and I am grateful for all your hard work! I would like to express my support for the Los Gatos community garden. I believe this project will improve the physical and mental health of our community. The garden will provide many benefits to the environment and community. It will serve as a gathering place for residents and will give people a chance to do something positive for themselves, the community, and the environment at large.

Sincerely,
Lisa Wade
ATTACHMENT 1

Subject: FW: Pinehurst Community Garden & Lynn Ave Ped Path From: Hamidah Sadler
Sent: Thursday, December 7, 2023 7:50 PM
To: Town PPW <[email protected]>
Subject: Pinehurst Community Garden & Lynn Ave Ped Path [EXTERNAL SENDER]
Good Afternoon,
I live on Lynn Ave and I oppose both the garden and the pedestrian path. It won’t be good for the kids, traffic, parking or Lynn Avenue. Secondly, I believe the only people who should have a real say in this process is the houses that back up to the open space. There are 6 single family homes and 5 duplexes on Lynn Ave that will be directly effected in their backyards if this happens. There are 8 single family homes on Blossom Valley Drive that will be directly effected by this being built. I believe that the only opinion on this matter should be those 24 families that will be directly effected by the building of a Garden and Pathway. Ask them directly and have their votes be the only that matter if it goes forward or not please. I am not one of those residents and again I am opposed to both proposals. Just leave it all alone.

Thank you,
Hamidah Sadler

Subject: FW: Pinehurst Community Garden Project
From: Lydia Norcia
Sent: Thursday, December 7, 2023 8:08 PM
To: Town PPW <[email protected]>
Subject: Pinehurst Community Garden Project
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
To whom it may concern.

I fully support this garden. The garden would enhance the neighborhood and provide a lovely haven for all the residents to use and enjoy. The garden would be a delightful place for seniors to visit and participate in the raised gardens. This project would bring together all ages in the community and bring joy to all.

Thank you,
Lydia Norcia
Resident of Los Gatos and Los Gatos Village.

Subject: FW: Lynn Avenue Pathway and Community Garden
Attachments: Lynn Avenue Pathway and Community Garden.docx From: JUDITH BERGTHOLD >
Sent: Monday, November 27, 2023 11:02 AM
To: Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Lynn Avenue Pathway and Community Garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Nicolle,
Thank you for sending the photo of a similar situation.

When is the next Parks Commission meeting and will this issue be on the agenda? If so, what would be the agenda item number? If I understand correctly, comments will have to be emailed to [email protected] with a reference to an agenda item number. Where would I find that on the town website? I searched and couldn't find it.

I have attached a copy of our comments about both the parkway and community garden, which we would like to have put into the official record. Who else should I send a copy to? Thank you for any help you can give us.

Sincerely,
Judy Bergthold
On 10/20/2023 2:34 PM -08 Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]> wrote:

Good afternoon Mrs. BergtholdThank you for this follow up email. The meeting this week was scheduled as part of the regularly scheduled meeting of the Town’s Arts and Culture Commission. You will find that the future meetings will be scheduled for more convenient times and locations.

I appreciated you and your husband taking the time to talk with me after the meeting. It was nice to hear your perspective. As Marina and I thought about the comments we received, the ones your husband made about the past access by bikes and vehicles stood out. I want you to know that the pathway area would not be wide open, but rather the trail access will be limited via fencing, landscaping or a combination of both. Below is a phot of a similar trail head. I hope this might help ease your concerns about the idea of the public driving through there as they did in the past.

Please let me and Marina know you have more questions.

Have a great weekend,
Nicolle
From: JUDITH BERGTHOLD
Sent: Friday, October 20, 2023 12:54 PM
To: Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]>
Subject: Lynn Avenue Pathway and Community Garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Nicolle,
It was nice meeting you on Wednesday at the meeting. My husband and I appreciated you taking the time to talk to us afterwards. We are hoping that the next meetings can be

scheduled after 6:00 or 7:00 so that the bulk of the neighbors, most of whom work, would be able to attend.

Sincerely,
Judy Bergthold

RE: LYNN AVENUE PEDESTRIAN PATH AND COMMUNITY GARDEN
We and the neighborhood are opposed to both of these projects.

The man who broached the subject of the Lynn Avenue Pathway and Community Garden to the Town Council did not and does not live in the Lynn Avenue neighborhood. He polled the neighbors more than once and got no support for either of these projects from our neighborhood. His family will not have to suffer the consequences, if either or both of these projects goes forward, but those who live here will.

We bought our piece of property more than 60 years ago specifically because the easement was behind us and was a buffer from noise and someone across our back fence. We sit in our back yard every day and enjoy the peace and tranquility it affords from the busy world. It is our oasis. The pathway will not only destroy this but bring loss of privacy, noise, and trash.

Before P.G.&E. put up the cyclone fences and gates, we had a serious problem with motorcycles and cars racing through the easement, vandalism and even a fire. We are also concerned about the pathway making our property more vulnerable to break-ins and damage.

So, it is also a safety issue for us. In addi�on to the above concerns, we feel there is a real possibility of it becoming a haven for the homeless. A few years ago a homeless person living in the easement had to be removed by a Los Gatos police officer. The stench from his using the area as a toilet was horrible! The pathway could also encourage illegal drug ac�vity in proximity to Union School.

We have a rose garden in the easement, which we have a paid permit from P. G. & E. to use.

We feel the pedestrian walkway would affect our enjoyment of this quiet spot and poten�ally subject it to vandalism.

The traffic on our street from the two schools in the area is already terrible. Cars park in front of houses during the week and on the week-ends. We can’t even park in front of our own homes much of the �me. The Community garden would add even more cars and noise to our neighborhood. Approximately 15-20 years ago a community garden was proposed in the same spot. The idea was abandoned because of neighborhood opposi�on. The neighborhood opposi�on s�ll exists and is an important issue to consider.

Submited by: Bob and Judy Bergthold

Subject: FW: community garden concerns
From: Jon Levitow >
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 9:33 AM
To: Town PPW <[email protected]>
Subject: community garden concerns
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
on Levitow
Town of Los Gatos Oct. 17, 2023
Arts and Parks Commissions
[email protected]
Dear friends,
I am writing with regard to the proposals for a Pinehurst Community Garden and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Path, which are up for public discussion in the LG Council on Oct. 18, 2023. Unfortunately, my work schedule prevents me from attending the meeting, but I am a Los Gatos homeowner, living on the same block of Pinehurst that the garden will be located. I hope that you will give my viewpoint the same weight as if I were able to be there because we are very worried that these projects will negatively impact the quality of life in our area.

Our house is on the corner of Blossom Valley Drive and Pinehurst, on the same block as the proposed garden, across the street but with a backyard fence adjacent to the same PG and E easement that is under discussion. So we are basically “kitty corner” to the proposed garden, which would approximately 30 yards away from our back fence.

When a young man named Kevin first came to the area to discuss the project with local homeowners, I spoke with him about it, so he has heard my concerns before. At the time we talked, I appreciated his community-spirit and his willingness to hear the opinions of the people in the area. I don’t much like being in the position of arguing against something that is intended to improve and beautify our community. These are surely worthy goals.

However, my wife and I both are very concerned that the garden in particular will increase the noise and congestion on our street. As you might expect, we love the quiet of our neighborhood. What community resident doesn’t treasure the limited amount of “peace and quiet” that they have? We already tolerate a certain amount of traffic and school noise on weekday afternoons because of Union Middle School, which has an exit on to Lynn Avenue. Putting another neighborhood gathering place in the area, it seems to us, would threaten the quiet of the “off-hours,” the summer evenings, and the weekends, as well.

When Kevin and I talked, he was sympathetic to my concerns and assured me that the garden would operate with strict rules for conduct and that an online signup list would keep congestion to a minimum. I imagine, nevertheless, that even with the best of intentions, a new public area will bring additional noise in the form of cars coming and going and people talking, and beyond that, it is easy to imagine things getting out of hand. The garden would easily come to seem to people like a park or a playground, with adults Page 15 picnicking and drinking, children playing in the easement, music coming from cellphones and boom-boxes, barking dogs,…even after hour teenage activities like parties and fireworks? From our point of view, all of these would be very unwelcome developments over our backyard fence. In a big city, a “community garden” may well offer a break from urban congestion, but in a quiet suburb, surely it would have the opposite effect and increase the concentration of people and noisy activity in the area.

We hope that the Los Gatos City Council will take the interests of the local residents like us very seriously when weighing whether or not such projects as the ones being proposed are realistic. Thank you very much for taking public comment on this issue. I would be happy to discuss any of the above concerns further, personally or via email or by phone, as above.

Sincerely, Jon Levitow and Amanda Morgan

Subject: FW: Pinehurst Community garden
From: Hanne Olofsen <
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 10:23 AM
To: Town PPW <[email protected]>
Subject: Pinehurst Community garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
I just received your notice about Pinehurst Community Garden. I live on Lynn Ave. This idea has been presented to us before and as coming neighbors we were against it.

My biggest concern is the parking situation. We are inundated with cars already do to the sports going on at Union School. My question is what are you going to do about the parking? Next question - the pedestrian path sounds good since Lynn Ave does not have sidewalks. Hopefully it is only going to be a pedestrian path with no school kids on their electrical bikes.

Sorry, I cannot make the meeting tonight
Regards
Hanne Olofsen

From: Jon Levitow
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 4:18 PM
To: Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]>
Subject: Pinehurst Community Garden project
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Jon Levitow
Nicolle Burnham
Parks and Public Works Director
[email protected]
Dear Director Burnham,
Greetings. I hope this letter finds you well.

I believe we spoke at the meeting on Dec. 7, so what I say in the following letter will not be new to you. Nevertheless, I think it's only fair that you should be cognizant of what I'm arguing in the letter that I'm sending to other Los Gatos officials. So, I'm reproducing it with few changes here.

As a Los Gatos homeowner (for 20 years), I am writing to ask for concrete answers about the status of a proposal before the LG town council to construct a “Pedestrian Pathway” running through a current PG&E easement that extends from Union Avenue to Pinehurst St., north of Blossom Valley Drive, and a “Community Garden” in the same easement on opposite side of Pinehurst.

My wife and attended the community meeting regarding these projects at the Los Gatos Adult Education Center on Dec. 7, and we left greatly upset by the scale of the projects and the sudden, arbitrary way that they are being imposed on the local residents. These projects will affect us very directly. Our home is located on the corner of Pinehurst and Blossom Valley Drive, and our back fence borders the easement marked out for the “Pathway,” while the area for the “Community Garden” is directly across the street.

I will try to be brief, but I would like to explain our concerns if I you will allow me.

The first notice we received about the plans was in the notice of a town meeting about them on Oct. 18, but work obligations kept us from attending. Fortunately, last Thursday, Dec. 7, there was a second meeting, and my wife and I were able to be there.

What we heard and saw there shocked us. Naturally, we thought that the city of Los Gatos would start a project of this scope by soliciting opinions from the residents

directly impacted – but that was not at all what we encountered. The project was presented to us as already in motion, with extensive plans drawn up, including a range of options for the layout of the sites, photographs of various examples of parkland development to compare, and professionally-done landscape drawings.

You may well have seen these same plans.

I can tell you that a number of neighbors attended the meeting (whom we did not know), and almost all of us were utterly dismayed by what we saw and heard. The facilitators at the meeting did their best to respect our feelings and even to console us, but they made clear that their job was to register our input with regard to the various options on the table – but not to evaluate the reasonableness of the project overall.

To put it bluntly once more, we are furious that such extensive plans, which will completely transform the area in which we live, have been drawn up – apparently without any input from the residents who live here.

As for the merits of the ideas being proposed, many questions need asking, perhaps first of all: who exactly are the Los Gatos residents in need of additional gardening space? In a big city, a “community garden” may provide very welcome open space and reduce congestion – but here the opposite is sure to be the result: more people, more traffic, more human and animal noise – not to speak of various kinds of possible bad behavior, from drinking to lighting fireworks – located directly behind our back fences. Of course we are anxious to preserve the modicum of quiet that these easements provide. Who wouldn’t be?
As you may be aware, the vicinity of Pinehurst, Lynn Avenue, and Blossom Valley Drive is already the focus of a lot of traffic and noise related to activities at Union Middle School. Has the city actually studied how much congestion currently exists on Lynn Avenue (on the opposite side of the easement from us), not just from the daily school activities but also from privately-run sports which make use of the field? I suggest you listen to the residents directly affected, some of whom were at the meeting on Thursday. Living near the school, we bear our fair share of city congestion and are naturally upset at the prospect of being sandwiched between school activities on one side and these new parks on the other.

I can only tell you that it was hard to avoid the impression that the planners of this initiative were well aware that the residents of the area wouldn’t be happy about it, and this was precisely why no one consulted with us regarding the initial decision. Could the intention to bypass us entirely also be why the third meeting on the subject is scheduled for Dec. 19, during the run-up to the holidays? Our suspicion is that the answer to this last question is yes – which adds to our sense of betrayal and our anger.

Without making this personal, I first met the individual whom we all believe to be the original proponent of the idea a couple years ago when he was checking out the area. At the time, I thought he might have in mind a row of 5 or 6 planters behind a

chain-link fence, but he and the city-planner people have clearly run with the idea and gone way beyond that.

The plans we saw for both the “Community Garden” and “Pedestrian Pathway” far exceeded anything tailored to fit a residential area. What they were talking about, without naming it as such, was a large public park, with 15 – 20 raised planters and a possible orchard as well, benches, a seating area that could be used for events, classes, and meetings, as well as “native plants” educational tours and art exhibits.

I expect you have seen the site for yourself, but perhaps you should come out and look at it and imagine all that over the back fences of people on both sides – and then imagine it was your back fence! Every person talking on a cell-phone, every pod of teenagers, and every barking dog would be the soundtrack filling your backyard and coming through the windows while you make dinner, rest after work, or sleep late in the morning!
You get the idea so I’ll stop here.

Director Burnham, residents of this area deserve answers on the status of these projects. I expect you'll attend the next meeting on this subject, which will be open to the community, on Tues., Dec. 19 (“5:00 or 5:30,” they said). I know that the neighbors will present a petition in opposition to the projects at that time. This letter probably makes my point of view clear, and of course, like other working people, my free time is very limited, but I would also be happy to speak with you further, on the phone or via “Zoom,” or to meet with you personally.

I know that it’s the job of the city government to consider and to balance many competing interests so I appreciate your time and attention.

Sincerely, Jon Levitow

From: Town PPW <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2023 9:05 AM
To: Marina Chislett <[email protected]>; Meredith Johnston <[email protected]> Subject: FW: Pinehurst Community Garden and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Path FYI~
From: Hamidah Sadler
Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2023 8:42 AM
To: Town PPW <[email protected]>
Subject: Pinehurst Community Garden and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Path [EXTERNAL SENDER]
Good Morning,
I am a resident of Los Gatos that lives on Lynn Avenue between Union Avenue and Pinehurst Avenue. I am on a street that is a major cut through to 4 prominent schools. On the Union Avenue side you have Leigh High School and the Stratford School, on Pinehurst side you have Union Middle School and Alta Vista Elementary. We get about 1000+ students and parents going both directions 2x a day for just school drop off and pick up, that doesn’t include sporting events that happen at Union Middle School on the daily and all weekends. There is limited parking and no sidewalks and no speed humps. I have asked the city repeatedly for speed humps, at a bare minimum to slow these drivers and motor bikes down, especially when we have additional kids walking to school and on bicycles. Sadly we do not have speed humps. I would really like to see speed humps on Lynn Ave and Pinehurst Ave. I would also like to see a proper stop light at the intersection of Union Ave and Lynn Ave to alleviate the massive traffic during school drop off, pick up and on weekends, and it will slow every one down.

I am not in favor of the Pinehurst Community Garden as it will just invite more people and traffic that our streets can’t handle already. In addition, it will invite critters, raccoons, coyotes, wild turkeys, squirrels, moles, etc to eat the fruits and veggies in the garden. It will put unnecessary noise in the backyards of my neighbors, whom live on Pinehurst and Blossom Valley. It will put a strain on our already strained parking and frequently the people who are tending the gardens won’t be able to park near their gardens because of school traffic and sporting events. It also will put an additional strain on our already strained water supply in our area. There isn’t water there, so they will have to drill down to find or create a water source. We already get asked not to water our plants and get high fees if we do for our own yards, it doesn’t seem logical to put in another area in our neighborhood that would add to that strain. Finally, what happens if it isn’t rented and who handles the maintenance and keeps it clean and beautiful. It may end up just a lot with raised planters that are uncared for and overgrown. All of the neighbors that want to grow fruits and vegetables already have enough yard space to do so.

I am not in favor of the Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Path. The negatives outweigh the positives and without living on these streets, it is hard to understand because it looks like a great idea on paper. It will create better flow on Lynn Ave, but you will see many more problems and accidents on Pinehurst between Blossom Valley and Lynn Ave. The amount of foot traffic and bicycles that are going to pour out of that pathway and into the streets to get to Alta Vista Elementary and Union Middle School will create a huge bottle neck. Kids are going to ride there bikes right out into the street cutting left or right and into traffic depending on where they need to get to. We have a shortage of crossing guards already so I don’t know how you would create an orderly way of streaming out of the pathway and into the streets they need to

get where they are going. The neighbors that back to the Pathway and I are not in favor of the pathway because there will now be noise in their backyards, trash, lights streaming in, possibly homeless, and who is going to tend to it and maintain any plants, trash cans, etc? Privacy fences were mentioned but that may block views of the mountains, which we so love. Most of these people have lived here a long time because they love it. I don’t think they moved to those homes to have a park behind them. Light poles will shine into their yards no matter how low you make them. What about safety at night, what time does the pathway close, who is going to police it if needed? We know teens will hang out there til all hours, we don’t really want to invite that either.

If you do decide to go ahead with the pathway, please put a separate pedestrian lane and separate bike lane. The amount of traffic won’t be able to handle both without people getting knocked into.

Additionally, the kids will just ride their bikes on any grass, tearing it up.

Please keep us all informed of you proceedings.

Hamidah Sadler
From: Kevin Arroyo
Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2023 5:28 PM
To: Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]>; Marina Chislett <[email protected]> Cc: Heidi Owens ; Mark H. Zhang ; Elif
Soyarslan
Subject: LG Community Garden/Walkway - Updates & Requests [EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hello Nicolle and Marina - I have a few updates/requests after last night's meeting:
- There is a treasurer with community garden bookkeeping experience and potential Co-presidents interested in running the Volunteer Board so far. Please confirm Los Gatos residency requirements do not apply to these positions.
- I would also like to expand our Board search to local service groups (ex Rotary, Lions Club, etc) to gauge their potential interest in running the operations. I believe they'd bring structure and stability to set up and initially run the program, with the understanding it's on a renewable 5-7 year (hypothetical) basis.
- Is there a plan to create a dedicated seat on the Parks Commision for a Community Garden liaison? If not, how will the coordination occur between the Volunteer Board and Town? - I'd like to install a Town approved sign at the garden site advertising the Volunteer Board positions.

This publicity would be beneficial with attracting qualified candidates. Please advise if I can submit a sign layout for Town approval, or if the Town prefers to create one. - Per last night's slideshow, I would like to continue a productive discussion on soliciting the public's feedback to integrate into the project's design. I would like to post the request on Nextdoor and have

individuals send comments directly to [email protected]. Please let me know if this is acceptable.

Thanks for all of your work!
Kevin Arroyo
-----Original Message-----
From: Tevis Ignacio
Sent: Thursday, October 19, 2023 5:32 PM
To: Marina Chislett <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Easement behind 327 Blossom Valley Dr.
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
To whom it May concern,
Before I submit some ideas for such use of easements (PG&E and city owned part of easement's) in public meeting held on Oct.18, 2023 - I attempt to register this complaint about an ongoing argument over use and authority of subject matter. My brother Tracy did not and does not want to be involved in this subject matter - as he had enough with “governments” in general and want to sell the house and move out of state like so many people have already done.

As I am a recently retired General Contractor that might not have the best reputation with Governments (due to arguments with some “authority figures” that abuse or neglect to act / dismiss complaints / arguments…) after being abused based on my beliefs. Basically I was forced off the House that I built and owned by a corrupt judge that I disqualified from the start of a so called divorce case .. and I went “underground” as I took on this “so-called justice system”
As I attempted to say in the 3 minutes allowed.. (that fell on deaf ears.. ) a history of an ongoing easement (Flooding) problem to the west side of easement properties that should be addressed… and directed at “Valley Water-”
As I also claim to be a prophetic dreamer, and based on a dream in which my Grandfather spoke to me ( I am doing the things I am doing or did ..) as such was brought up in my presentation to PG&E that I submitted to them by email and spoke to an PG&E employee about the subject matter (around June 26, 2023) as legal matter became an issue… I’ve taken full responsibility for the things I did in this easement, (Fenced off portion that my Grandfather eluded that was his / he was a supervisor for 30 years for PG&E and just told me to tell his buddies.. as I submitted such presentation to them..

(To Follow)
Just for the record… I bought and built my House in Cupertino, as it was a 2.18 acre park under my General Contractor name of TRICON CONSTRUCTION.. and I believe the same high voltage Power-lines ran through that property, and I had no problems with PG&E then.. (as this complaint is against Valley Water .. and a flooding issue / ongoing dispute of easement uses… Respectfully Submitted (within 24 hours of speaking before community meeting on PPW issue) Tevis R. Ignacio

RE: Lynn Avenue Pathway and Pinehurst Community Garden
We live on Lynn Avenue. Our property backs up to the proposed Lynn Avenue Pathway in the P.G.&E easement. The Pathway will severely impact our quality of life and use of our property.

We are opposed to both it and the Pinehurst Community Garden. We have a paid permit from P.G. & E. to use the easement from our back fence to thirty feet into the easement.

We feel the residents of the Lynn Avenue neighborhood should have been informed about these two proposed plans before it reached the advanced planning stage that it has now. We think whoever planned these two projects knew that the residents who would be impacted by this would oppose it. Hence, we were bypassed in the initial planning stages. Since the first meeting, there has been no alternative proposed other than that these two projects be completed.

We don’t feel like the town is really listening to our concerns and objections and taking them seriously. We have not been given the option of these two projects being abandoned. Our neighborhood doesn’t support either of these projects. Support from others who don’t live in the neighborhood and won’t be impacted by them should not have a say in what happens. We feel there are better places for the town to spend this money than disrupting the lives of those living in the Lynn Avenue neighborhood. We reiterate again that the person bringing this before the Town Council in the first place did not and does not live in the Lynn Avenue neighborhood.

He did not have support from the neighbors even though he polled us more than once.

We were at the December 7th meeting for the Lynn Avenue Pathway and the Pinehurst Community Garden projects, as well as the October 18th meeting. At the last meeting all that was presented were 3 different options for each project. There was not an option for us to opt for neither project to go forward. The town representatives reporting on this from our discussions at the December 7th meeting didn’t adequately convey the fact that most everyone was against the Pathway and Community Garden. The one man who was in favor doesn’t live in our neighborhood.

Scheduling the next meeting on December 19th right before the holidays when people are either going out of town or preparing for the holidays, seems like a ploy to keep the attendance and opposition to these projects low. We are so upset and saddened that the town we have lived in and loved for over 60 years could be so unconcerned about our objections to these projects and our quality of life.

Submitted by Bob and Judy Bergthold

PREPARED BY: Nicolle Burnham
Director of Parks and Public Works
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832 www.losgatosca.gov

TOWN OF LOS GATOS

COUNCIL STUDY SESSION

AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 12/19/2023
ITEM NO: 1

ADDENDUM
DATE: December 15, 2023
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610) and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway (CIP No. 832-4510) REMARKS:

Attachment 2 contains public comments received between 11:01 a.m. Thursday, December 14, 2023, and 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 15, 2023.

Attachment 3 contains the PowerPoint presentation by staff.

Attachments received with the Staff Report:

1. Written community comment received October 18, 2023, through December 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Attachments received with this Addendum:

2. Public Comments received between 11:01 a.m. Thursday, December 14, 2023, and 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 15, 2023.

3. PowerPoint presentation

From: Hamidah Sadler
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2023 2:15 PM
To: Maria Ristow <[email protected]>; Rob Moore <[email protected]>; Matthew Hudes <[email protected]>; Rob Rennie <[email protected]> Cc: Mary Badame <[email protected]>; Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]> Subject: Pinehurst Community Garden & Lynn Ave Pedestrian Path [EXTERNAL SENDER]
Good Afternoon,
I live on Lynn Ave and I oppose both the garden and the pedestrian path. It won’t be good for the kids, traffic, parking, Blossom Valley Dr or Lynn Avenue.

Secondly, I believe the only people who should have a real say in this process is the houses that back up to the open space. The only opinion on this matter should be those 24 families that will be directly affected by the building of a Garden and Pathway. Please ask them directly and have their votes be the only that count. That is the kindest thing you can do.

Again I am opposed to all proposals.

Thank you,
Hamidah Sadler
From: Gavin Hayes
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2023 3:19 PM
To: Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]>
Subject: Pinehurst Community Garden - Please Approve
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hello Nicolle,
As an LG local and Lynn Ave resident of 10+ years I am writing in full support of the proposed 'Pinehurst Community Garden' on the east side of town.

Would love to see the space activated and also provide an alternative for kids to traverse Union into the neighborhood towards Alta Vista and Union Middle School.

Thank you,
Gavin Hayes
From: Kay Akervik
Date: December 15, 2023 at 9:11:56 AM PST
To: Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]>, Marina Chislett <[email protected]>, Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Special Meeting of the Town Council: Study Session Public Comment Item #1 ATTACHMENT 2

[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Esteemed Town Council of Los Gatos,
My name is Kay Van Kirk and I am a resident of Lynn Ave. My home would be directly affected by the addition of a community garden. Please take a moment to consider the following items and put yourself in our shoes.

Thank you for your time.

Kind regards,
Kay
There are several reasons why you might not want a public garden located behind your house. Here are some considerations:

1. Privacy: Public gardens can attract visitors and potentially compromise your privacy. Strangers walking by or using the garden may be able to see into your property.

2. Noise and Activity: Public gardens can be gathering places for social events, which may lead to increased noise and foot traffic. This could disrupt the peace and quiet of your home.

3. Maintenance and Responsibility: A public garden requires ongoing maintenance, and there may be concerns about the responsibility for upkeep falling on nearby homeowners or the local community.

4. Safety Concerns: Depending on the design and usage, a public garden could potentially attract undesirable activities or individuals, raising safety concerns for the residents. Public gardens tend to be used at first, and then, with time, they fall apart, which brings in some of the least desirable visitors.

5. Property Value: Some individuals worry that a public garden behind their house may impact property values. While well-maintained public gardens can be nice, poorly-maintained ones might have the opposite effect. This neighborhood has ample yard space for each home; this is not a dense urban area. Is this garden

being reserved for those who live in apartments? What is the justification for this need?

6. Environmental Impact: Public gardens might affect local flora and fauna, particularly if the garden includes non-native plants or heavy use of pesticides, which could impact the local ecosystem.

7. Parking and Traffic: The garden may lead to increased traffic in the area, and visitors may struggle to find parking, which could be frustrating for homeowners. (see soccer plus garden impact)

8. Property Access: Access to your property may become more challenging due to increased foot traffic and parked cars. It may also affect your ability to use your outdoor space.

9. Conflict of Use: The public garden might lead to conflicts over its use, such as disputes over noise, hours of operation, or events hosted in the garden.

10. Changing Character of the Neighborhood: Some homeowners may worry that the addition of a public garden will fundamentally change the character of their neighborhood and the reasons they initially chose to live there.

Overall, for the people living behind the proposed garden (none of our neighbors have expressed any enthusiasm for this project, sadly, it is the exact opposite on our street), there will be a reduction in Quality of Life: This can manifest in various ways, such as the loss of a peaceful and private outdoor space, increased stress due to noise and activity, or a sense of discomfort and intrusion caused by strangers regularly accessing the area behind our house.

These factors will contribute to a decrease in our overall well-being and satisfaction with our living environment.

Now, compound that with a major soccer field/facility across our front yard (with several hundreds of kids daily), already impacting parking and our quality of life. This raises several concerns that are further exacerbated by the addition of a public garden behind our house.

11. Parking Challenges will Grow: The presence of a major soccer field and its associated facilities across our front yard has already led to parking challenges in our neighborhood. With limited parking options, residents already struggle to find suitable spots for their vehicles, and the addition of a public garden behind our houses will exacerbate this issue. As a result, people may be more prone to double park, illegally park, or block driveways, making it difficult for actual residents to access our properties and maintain a sense of order in the community.

12. Increase in Traffic Congestion: The combination of the soccer field and the public garden will likely result in higher levels of traffic and congestion in our neighborhood. This could lead to more delays and potential safety hazards, especially if traffic rules and parking regulations are not adequately enforced.

13. Increased Noise and Activity: The soccer field and its events have brought increased noise and activity to the area. Adding a public garden will compound these disturbances, making it more challenging to find peace and quiet at home, ultimately impacting our quality of life. Why must the residents of Lynn Ave be asked to make an additional sacrifice when this garden could be placed elsewhere where the burden can be shared?

14. Loss of Privacy: The garden's installation behind our house will further compromise your privacy on top of the vast amount of soccer players and families that already impact the neighborhood. With people frequently passing by or using the garden, the sense of solitude and security that a backyard typically provides will diminish, impacting every resident's overall comfort and well-being.

15. Impact on Property Value: The cumulative impact of a soccer field and a public garden may affect property values in the area. The potential downsides of these facilities can make the neighborhood less attractive to potential buyers or tenants, which can have a negative influence on property values.

Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610)
& Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Path Design
(CIP No. 832-4510)
ATTACHMENT 3

Overview

Project Overview

Project Development Process
Identify Study Plan Design Construct Open
Basic Analysis Technical Analysis
Community
Engagement and
Preliminary Designs
Completed Designs Construction
Operation and
Maintenance
Define Analyze Outreach and
Preliminary Designs Assemble Funds Assemble Funds Assemble Funds Outcome
Defining and aligning
projects and identifying
limitations
Surveying, soil
sampling, Utility
direction, researching
community gardens
Community Engagement
Delivery of 35%
Design Concepts
Completed plans/specs Built Project
Ongoing operation and
maintenance
Timeline
1 month – 1 year 6 months – 1 year 1 year 1 year 1 year Ongoing

Benefits of a Community Garden
Increase access
to fresh foods
Create a
community
space for people
to come together
In alignment with
goals on the
Senior Services
Roadmap
Promotes
environmental
learning and
education
Increase food
security
Beautifies area
and reduces
littering on
vacant lot
Increased
physical activity
through
gardening
Improve mental
health and
dietary habits

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Existing Conditions & Constraints
Pinehurst Community Garden

Concept Designs: Pinehurst Community Garden
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Concept Designs: Pinehurst Community Garden
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Concept Designs: Pinehurst Community Garden
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Garden Bed Example

Pinehurst Community Garden Image Board

Blossom Crest Trail System
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Existing Conditions & Constraints
Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway
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Concept Designs: Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway
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Concept Designs: Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway
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Concept Designs: Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway
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Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway Image Board

Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway
Levels of Use Image Board

Community Feedback
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Next Steps

Questions/Comments?

PREPARED BY: Nicolle Burnham
Director of Parks and Public Works
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832 www.losgatosca.gov

TOWN OF LOS GATOS

COUNCIL STUDY SESSION

AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 12/19/2023
ITEM NO: 1

ADDENDUM B
DATE: December 18, 2023
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610) and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway (CIP No. 832-4510) REMARKS:

Attachment 4 contains public comments received between 11:01 a.m. Friday, December 15, 2023, and 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 18, 2023.

Attachments received with the Staff Report:

1. Written community comment received October 18, 2023, through December 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Attachments received with the Previous Addendum:

2. Public Comments received between 11:01 a.m. Thursday, December 14, 2023, and 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 15, 2023.

3. PowerPoint presentation
Attachments received with this Addendum B:

4. Public Comments received between 11:01 a.m. Friday, December 15, 2023, and 11:00 a.m.

Monday, December 18, 2023.

From: Kristen van der Molen
Date: December 15, 2023 at 6:30:15 PM PST
To: Maria Ristow <[email protected]>, Mary Badame <[email protected]>, Marina Chislett <[email protected]>, Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]>, Rob Moore <[email protected]>, Rob Rennie <[email protected]>, Matthew Hudes <[email protected]>
Subject: Pinehurst Community Garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hello,
I am writing to you to express my concerns for the proposed Pinehurst Community Garden, and my opposition to this plan.

I am a resident on Lynn Ave and I have just learned of this plan. This proposed garden will be directly behind my fence.

We already experience a huge amount of traffic on our street from Union Middle School. Drivers behaving poorly by double parking along a fence which blocks our driveways, and causes congestion every weekday in the morning and afternoon. We also have congestion most weekends due to the privately run sports programs, and people with rude and entitled attitudes, again blocking our driveways.

I am also very concerned that the proposed garden will lure even more pests and rodents seeking food.

We already deal with a huge problem with rodents and squirrels in our yards and trying to enter our homes.

While community gardens are wonderful in an urban area, we are in a suburban area where almost all people have a yard in which they can grow their own food.

I’ve also been told that the cost to be part of this community garden will be around $120 per year. If this is true, who is this community garden for? That is a high fee for something that couldn’t possible yield enough food for that amount per year.

I have signed a petition that will be presented at the next Council meeting, but I also wanted to write to the Coucil to express my opposition to this plan.

Please listen to your residents who have already been dealing with a lot of congestion, traffic, rude behavior and pests.

Please halt this project from moving forward.

Thank you,
Kristen van der Molen
Sent from my iPhone
ATTACHMENT 4

From: Charlie
Date: December 15, 2023 at 8:07:54 PM PST
To: Town PPW <[email protected]>, Janette Judd <[email protected]>, Marina Chislett <[email protected]>, Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]> Subject: Disapproval of the community garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear all,
My name is Yun Chan Myung. I live at Blossom Valley Dr. Los Gatos, CA 95032.

I'm writing this email to express my disapproval of the Lynn Avenue Parkway and Pinehurst Community Garden.

I have two concerns. One is our privacy. I purchased this house in 2012 because my son doesn't like people look into our house through fence or pass by. Our dogs don't like either.

The other concern is safety. If my fence falls down and pedestrians get hurt, I'd like to ask who's going to take responsibility for those kinds of injuries.

Please don't approve the Community Garden.

Best Regards,
Yun Chan Myung
From: Ephraim Baron
Date: December 17, 2023 at 12:59:33 PM PST
To: Maria Ristow <[email protected]>, Mary Badame <[email protected]>, Marina Chislett <[email protected]>, Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]>, Rob Moore <[email protected]>, Rob Rennie <[email protected]>, Matthew Hudes <[email protected]>
Subject: Pedestrian pathway and community garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hello,
I am writing to voice my strong support of the initiative to create a pedestrian pathway and community garden between Pinehurst and Union Avenue. I’ve been tracking this project for a long time and have been eagerly anticipating its commencement and completion. I’ve discussed it with many of my neighbors, and everyone I’ve talked with is at least as enthusiastic as I am. Many of them who abut the affected area have even talked about expanding the project scope.

So I was unpleasantly surprised to find a letter in my mailbox from an anonymous “neighbor on Blossom Valley Drive” that presented the effort as some sort of shadow project that had been conducted without community involvement. I’ve been aware of it and following its progress for a long, long time. Yet the author claims “The project has been in the works for years without our knowing about it…” and “almost all of us were utterly dismayed by what we saw and heard (at the community meeting)”, and “We are only now finding out about something that has been in the works for years, so it’s time to get involved”,

as though it had been intentionally kept a secret. It went on to say that plans for “a large public park … far exceed anything tailored to fit a residential area.” I have no idea where the author expects a public park to exist if not within a residential area.

What I can say is that the project addresses a challenge that has existed for a long time. My children grew up in the neighborhood and attended Alta Vista Elementary, Union Middle, and Leigh High schools.

When they started at Leigh, they had to cross Union Avenue every day by going down Lynn Avenue.

With cars parked along the street and no sidewalks, Lynn is a hazardous throughway for all the student pedestrian and bicycle traffic. This makes the PG&E alleyway – which directly abuts the crosswalk at Union Avenue – an ideal place for a pedestrian walkway. And rather than leaving it as a dirt path, adding a community garden is a great idea.

The letter I received is NIMBY-ism (literally) at its worst. (The irony is that the result would likely increase the author’s property values.)
I urge you to not let a small-but-vocal minority undo a very worthy project that will provide significant benefits to the community. Please vote to proceed with the Pinehurst Community Garden project.

Sincerely,
Ephraim & Margaret Baron
From: Family Zhang
Date: December 16, 2023 at 9:31:06 PM PST
To: Town PPW <[email protected]>
Cc: Marina Chislett <[email protected]>
Subject: Community Garden - design feedback
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
I'm writing to provide feedback (from a utility point of view) about 3 separate concept drawings for the Community Garden.
(1) Lot Size: 10x20 might be a bit too big per lot. I have a backyard veggie area of 175 sq ft, and that can feed a family of 4, for 90% of the summer veggie need. I'd vote for lots of at least 2 different sizes to fit in different people's needs. One size fits all may not work for all. (2) Bed Size: ideally should be 4 ft, 8 ft, 12 ft, etc. in the standard lumber size. The most popular hardware cloth (for protection) is 4 ft also. Otherwise, we're going to have lots of cut/waste/labor during construction.
(2) The Compost staging area is great, assuming that's for ready-to-use compost. It would also be great to plan a "composting area" where people dump the trimming from the garden to just compost on the spot, rather than having to take them away. A typical size will be 3 section bin systems like this. An easy and great way to do sustainable gardening.

Thanks!
-- Mark Zhang
From: Cullen Bash
Date: December 17, 2023 at 1:16:38 PM PST
To: Council <[email protected]>
Cc: Maria Ristow <[email protected]>, Mary Badame <[email protected]>, Elizabeth Bash <elizabeth [email protected]>, Rob Moore <[email protected]>, Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]>, Marina Chislett <[email protected]>, Cullen Bash <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Los Gatos Community Garden and Walkway
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Resending with Marina’s correct address…
On Dec 17, 2023, at 1:14 PM, Cullen Bash wrote:

To Los Gatos Town Council Members,
We are homeowners in Los Gatos and have lived on Lynn Avenue since 2005. We’d like to register our disapproval of the Los Gatos Community Garden and Walkway project currently under consideration. One of the reasons we purchased our property was due to the PG&E easement behind our property. The easement provides privacy, security and solitude in a congested part of the town. Opening the easement up to pedestrians will negatively impact our property value by destroying the features that make the easement beneficial to those who live adjacent to it.

While we support the idea of a community garden in an area currently open to the public, we remain fundamentally opposed to the opening of the easement adjacent to the properties on the south side of Lynn Avenue and urge you to rethink the project.

Respectfully,
Cullen and Elizabeth Bash
Lynn Avenue
Los Gatos CA
From:

Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 8:08 PM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>; Council <[email protected]> Subject: Public Comment Item #1: Pinehurst Community Garden [EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Los Gatos Town Council:

I am writing in support of the Pinehurst Community Garden. When finished, this project will add significant value to our community by providing a vibrant space for community members to grow vegetables, fruit and herbs. It will also potentially provide a space for individuals and nonprofits to offer classes to children and adults on how to grow, harvest and cook their own food. In our time, people are becoming increasingly disconnected from how their food is grown and how eating nutritious foods can benefit their health. The Pinehurst garden provides a concrete way to combat that disconnection and increase people’s knowledge of and access to healthy food. This space will also provide a much-needed location for community members to come together – to work alongside each other growing food, sharing knowledge and stories, interacting with individuals of different age groups, and more. The mental health benefits of growing food and sharing knowledge in community is in itself a worthwhile reason for building this space. The garden project will also provide a pedestrian walkway improve safety and walkability of the neighborhood.

I have known Kevin Arroyo, the head of this project, for three years. I have joined his volunteer team several times to work at the Los Gatos Pollinator project on Los Gatos Almaden Road, and have seen firsthand his vision, determination, and ability to inspire volunteers to complete a big goal. With his leadership, knowledge and talent for motivating others, a vacant, degraded roadside strip has now been transformed into a flourishing pollinator garden that delights passersby and is a place to educate children and adults about the need to create spaces for native plants to support our pollinators.

I hope you will continue to support the Pinehurst Community Garden.

Best regards,
Karen Rubio

Co-Founder, Plant-Based Advocates
From: Jennifer A
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 4:29 PM
To: Council <[email protected]>
Subject: In Support of Pinehurst Community Garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Council Members,
First of all, thank you for your service to our wonderful community! I am writing to you today to express my enthusiasm for the idea of establishing a community garden in our town, and to request the support of the council for this initiative.

Community gardens have proven to be invaluable assets to neighborhoods across the country. They not only promote a sense of community but also contribute to the overall wellbeing of residents and the environment. Here are a few key reasons why I believe supporting a community garden in our town is important:
• Community Building: Community gardens provide a space for residents to come together, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
• Health and Wellness: A community garden promotes healthy living by encouraging residents to grow and consume fresh, locally sourced produce. It can also serve as an educational platform for sustainable and organic gardening practice
• Environmental Benefits: Establishing a community garden can contribute to environmental sustainability by promoting green spaces, reducing food transportation emissions, and encouraging responsible water use.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year.

Kind regards,
Jennifer Axelrad
Gregg Drive

distance to the Pinehurst Gardens. In addition, a longtime facility for rehabilitation is within walking distance to the proposed Pinehurst Gardens. Many times patients at this facility sit outside in wheelchairs with a caregiver. The garden would be a short walk away and a destination that would lift their spirits and give them joy.

In addition, the Alta Vista Elementary School and the Union Middle School are within walking distance to the Pinehurst Gardens and this would allow the students to have this project added to the curriculum. I envision the young students interacting with the seniors to enhance both of their lives especially for children who do not have grandparents living in the area.

Sincerely, Lydia Norcia
From: Nidhi Mohta
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 8:34 AM
To: Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Pinehurst Community Garden and Lynn Ave Path - Support [EXTERNAL SENDER]
Our names are Nidhi and Ashok Verma and we have lived on Pinehurst Ave for 7 years. We support the garden and/or pathway with a few proposed changes. We have read feedback from all the community members who are directly sharing a fence with the current plot and here are some of my observations living and working and sending my kid to school in the area.

Noise and Traffic
Given the proximity to Union Middle School, the noise is typically on game nights, school events etc and that doesn’t feel like the same demographic who would create additional noise and traffic at a community garden. Same follows for the traffic. When we bought a home close to a school, this was actually a pro for us - our kids can now walk to school. Of course, if you no longer have school going kids, I can see how this may not appeal to you. And most folks who seem to vehemently oppose this plan are probably in this camp.

We traded off traffic at drop off and pick up with proximity to our neighborhood school, one we could walk to. Regardless of the community garden, this traffic at 8 am and 3 pm will continue to be an issue. If anything, the pedestrian walkway may alleviate it a bit.

I’ve observed this to be a quiet neighborhood after 5 pm. I agree with my neighbors that they deserve peace and quiet in their backyards and with a few changes the community garden 🪴 will not be disruptive to their lives.

Seating benches in the community garden
We would propose the removal of seating benches in the proposed plan to avoid the garden be an extended gathering spot for teens, loud folks etc.

I hope this would alleviate some of my neighbors concerns.

Pedestrian walkway
We would love for the pedestrian walkway to have separate walk and bike lanes.

We strongly support this project and urge our neighbors to welcome the community building this will foster, not to mention turning that big eye sore of a PG&E tower into a garden that keeps on giving.

We strongly support this project with the proposed changes.

Thank you,
Nidhi and Ashok Verma
From: Family Zhang
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2023 9:23 PM
To: Council <[email protected]>; Town PPW <[email protected]> Subject: Support Pinehurst Community Garden Project in Los Gatos [EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Council Members:

I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed community garden project in Los Gatos. As a resident of our beautiful town, I believe that implementing such a project will not only enhance the quality of life for our community members but also contribute to the overall well-being of Los Gatos. Specifically,

1. Closing the Gap:

1. Most Bay Area cities already boast one or more community gardens. Some exist for years. By establishing a community garden here, we can bridge this gap and offer our residents the same opportunities for sustainable living and community engagement that neighboring cities provide.

2. 3. 2. Fostering Community Bonds:

4. Community gardens have proven to be more than just plots of cultivated land; they serve as focal points for building strong community ties. In a town where some residents lack access to suitable spaces for gardening due to various constraints such as lot size, orientation, sun exposure, rental limitations, etc, a community garden becomes a shared resource that fosters a sense of belonging and connectivity. My two decades of gardening experience also prove that a well connected growers community achieves much better results and more happiness.

5.

6. 3. Utilizing Unused Land for Positive Transformation:

7. Converting town-owned unused land or neglected spaces into well-designed landscapes, parks, and gardens can yield multiple benefits. Not only does this positively impact property values, but it also contributes to making Los Gatos a more attractive and desirable place to live.

8. 9. 4. Addressing Concerns:

10. I understand that concerns about parking have been raised by some neighboring houses. However, based on my visits to several community gardens in the area, it is evident that these concerns can be effectively mitigated. Creating designated off-street parking spaces, coupled with thoughtful design, can ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding neighborhood. Moreover, my observations indicate that community gardens typically have a limited number of attendees at any given time, minimizing traffic, parking, and noise concerns.

11. 12. 5. Ensuring Security and Privacy:

13. To address potential issues such as trespassing or unwanted gatherings, it is crucial to incorporate a properly locked fence into the garden's design. This measure will not only enhance the security of the space but also reassure residents about the project's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the surrounding community.

In conclusion, I believe that the establishment of a community garden in Los Gatos is a progressive step towards a more sustainable, connected, and vibrant community. I urge the City Council to consider the numerous benefits such a project can bring and to support its implementation, while of course addressing some of the neighbor's legitimate concerns.

Thank you for your continuous efforts to make Los Gatos a better place! Sincerely,
Mark Zhang,
Kennedy North Resident
From: Rob Armstrong
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2023 7:54 PM
To: Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for the LG Community Garden / Walkway project [EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hello,
My name is Rob Armstrong, and I live at Anne Way. I support both the garden and pathway being considered on December 19th. The pathway in particular, as many children walk across Union Avenue to

both Alta Vista Elementary and Union Middle School. They then proceed down Lynne Ave, which has no sidewalk or bike lane between Union and Pinehurst, and which has high traffic at school drop off and pick up time (I've seen many cars driving recklessly in a rush, on the phone trying to have a work meeting while dropping their kids off, or even driving on the wrong side of the street to try to pass slower cars).

It's extremely dangerous for the kids who cross Union at Thomas Dr to try to get to school and it feels crazy to have an undeveloped and chained off area that could easily be a beautified pedestrian path that naturally extends the feel of the existing Howes Play Lot pathway.

I wholeheartedly support the walkway project and also the community garden, and hope to see them approved.

Thanks,
Rob
From:

Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 12:08 PM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment Item #1: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden.
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Honorable Council Member,
First, thank you for your service on the Council. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my opinion about the Pinehurst Community Garden and Passthrough Project.

My name is Brandie Samaripa and I live in the neighborhood around the project. My kids go to Alta Vista and Union. I have lived in the neighborhood for almost 10 years.

I am in support of this project because Lynn Ave. is extremely unsafe to walk since there aren’t any sidewalks. I drive this road every school day since I pick up my kids. I don’t allow them to way since there isn’t any safe way for them to walk home. I have seen numerous near misses with kids on bikes because they the have to squeeze between parked cars and the moving traffic. If the easement was open to public use as a cut through, it would make Lynn Ave. safer for all.

Thank you for listening to my opinion.

Sincerely,
Brandie Samarpa
Forest Hill Drive

From: Lisa Rutherford
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 2:11 PM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: 12/19 Study Session - Public Comment Item #1
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Town Council,
I was excited to see the beautiful renderings of the proposed community garden and Lynn Ave pedestrian walkway. As our town’s population continues to grow, specialized microparks and community spaces like these are an excellent use of publicly-owned land to benefit the broader community.

While I understand some of the adjacent property owners are saying “not in my backyard,” it would be absurd to allow them to dictate public land use.

I trust the Town Council will continue what appears to be a very sane process of research and analysis.

Sincerely,
Lisa Rutherford
Los Gatos Resident
My name is _________ and I live at __________. I support the garden and/or pathway because ________. Thank you for supporting this project.

From: Keri Bailey
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 2:35 PM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment Item #1: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden.
[EXTERNAL SENDER]

I can understand the concerns of some neighbors as this is a change from the current situation but I believe the past years of coordination and efforts to come this far show that it will continue to be a well run effort with active engagement to create a beautiful and positive, productive community space.

From: Claire Kalia
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 5:24 PM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public comment re: Pinehurst garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Public Comment Item #1: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden
Honorable Council Member,
First, thank you for your service on the Council. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my opinion about the Pinehurst Community Garden and Passthrough Project.

My name is Claire Kalia and I live on Blossom Valley Drive. My kids go to Union Middle and Alta Vista elementary school. I have lived in the neighborhood for 10 years.

I am in support of this project because I want a safe walkway separated from cars for my kids to walk to school; I think community is important and a garden would allow people to come together in a quiet and peaceful way and build community unity; I am an environmentalist and know the value of growing food close to home to reduce transportation costs and greenhouse emissions; I am concerned about the environment and know native plant species, like those the Town's talking about including, will help pollinators thrive in our region; I am a dog owner in the neighborhood and would like to see a pretty path with doggie water stations and poop bags for me to walk my dog.

Thank you for listening to my opinion.

Sincerely,
Claire Kalia
--

From: Rebecca Kimber
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 5:55 PM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc: Heidi Owens
Subject: Public Comment Item #1: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Honorable Council Member,
First, thank you for your service on the Council. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my opinion about the Pinehurst Community Garden and Passthrough Project.

My name is Rebecca Kimber and I live in the neighborhood around the project. My kids go to Union Middle and Alta Vista school. I have lived in the neighborhood for 10 years.

I am in support of this project because:
• A garden and passthrough would be more beautiful than the weeds that fill the space now.
• I want a safe walkway separated from cars for my kids to walk to school. • I think community is important and a garden would allow people to come together in a quiet and peaceful way and build community unity.
• I am worried about homeless encampments and community gardens are empirically shown to reduce vagrancy.
• I’ve done the research and know that community gardens increase property values. As a homeowner, I am interested in seeing my property value increase. • I am an environmentalist and know the value of growing food close to home to reduce transportation costs and greenhouse emissions.
• I am concerned about the environment and know native plant species, like those the Town's talking about including, will help pollinators thrive in our region. • I am a dog owner in the neighborhood and would like to see a pretty path with doggie water stations and poop bags for me to walk my dog.

Thank you for listening to my opinion.

Best,
Rebecca

-----Original Message-----
From: Amanda's Gmail <
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 6:13 PM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for pinehurst community garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hi City of Los Gatos,
I am a resident who is in support of the community garden, and wanted to ensure that you have my vote. It is an incredible resource for our community, our children, our seniors, and the overall environment. I am grateful for the efforts of the committee, and look forward to, this wonderful place to be a further sense of community for our great area. Please make this a reality for us all.

Thank you so much,
Amanda Marvel
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Sent from my iPhone, often by Siri.

From: Jessica Lucke
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 7:08 PM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment Item #1: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Honorable Council Member,
First, thank you for your service on the Council. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my opinion about the Pinehurst Community Garden and Passthrough Project.

My name is Jessica Lucke and I live in the neighborhood around the project, on the corner of Anne Way and Union Avenue. My kids have gone to Alta Vista and are now at Union Middle School. Our family has lived in the neighborhood for 11 years.

I am in support of this project because of how unnecessarily unsafe it is for kids, anyone for that matter, to walk to school (or from one neighborhood to the next) from our side of Union Ave. Lynn Avenue is the only route to the schools and it has no sidewalks to manage pedestrian traffic. I've had conversations for 10 years regarding the easement between Union and Pinehurst. Creating a walkway would not only bring immediate safety but improve property value, beautify what now is just weeds and help build community. Adding the community garden is a great opportunity to better the environment and improve the community!

-----Original Message-----
From: Daniel B Snyder
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 10:34 PM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Pinehurst Community Garden
Dear Town Council MembersMy name is Daniel Snyder, and I have been a member of the town’s Transportation and Parking Commission, LGUSD School Board trustee, LGSUHSD Budget Advisory Committee, Los Gatos Rotary Club (noon), along with several other service projects around town. I believe in service and building the great community that is Los Gatos.

What makes this town great, in my opinion, is not the value or beauty of the houses, the hillsides, or the downtown. It is the people and what brings us together, fills the restaurants and town square with music, joy and laughter of children. It is the schools, churches, and business owners who go out of their way to make things better and go the extra mile. It is the JCC supporting those displaced by wars, and St. Lukes aiding the homeless every week.

There is a project in our midst that has the potential to do this for an area that isn’t at the center of the downtown. An area that has been left relatively abandoned because it is towered over by PG&E wires. Rather than a vacant lot, we (you) have the opportunity to create beauty, bring people together, and even provide an opportunity to teach our youth about plants and gardening. The Pinehurst Community Garden could be all of this and more.

What stands in the way? Well, it is like many challenges in the history of Los Gatos. A few people fear change and don’t trust their community to step up and create a thing of beauty. And God forbid that it become a vibrant park with children playing and exploring nature, vs a silent wasteland!
Please support the Community Garden.

In fact, please support more community facilities across Los Gatos! I firmly believe that Los Gatos would support bond measures to build superior facilities that serve our community, whether it be a community center, parks, sports fields, parking, or whatever! A good town-wide strategic vision (and survey) would be a great start.

Thank you,
Daniel Snyder
Los Gatos

From: melissa lynch
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 7:35 AM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment Item #1: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Honorable Council Member,
First, thank you for your service on the Council. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my opinion about the Pinehurst Community Garden and Passthrough Project.

My name is Melissa Moses and I live in the neighborhood around the project. My kids go to Leigh High school. I have lived in the neighborhood for 13 years.

I am in support of this project because
• A garden and passthrough would be more beautiful than the weeds that fill the space now.
• I want a safe walkway separated from cars for my kids to walk to school. • I think community is important and a garden would allow people to come together in a quiet and peaceful way and build community unity.
• I am worried about homeless encampments and community gardens are empirically shown to reduce vagrancy.
• I’ve done the research and know that community gardens increase property values. As a homeowner, I am interested in seeing my property value increase • I am concerned about the environment and know native plant species, like those the Town's talking about including, will help pollinators thrive in our region. • I am a dog owner in the neighborhood and would like to see a pretty path with doggie water stations and poop bags for me to walk my dog.

Thank you for listening to my opinion, Melissa Moses
From: David Singer
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 6:23 PM
To: Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610) and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway (CIP No. 832-4510)
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
My name is David Singer. I live at Westchester Drive, Los Gatos. I am writing in support of the proposed Pinehurst Community Garden and the Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway.

I support the Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway as an improvement to pedestrian safety; I walk the block of Lynn between Union and Pinehurst nearly every day. Walking on the busy street makes me uneasy under the best of conditions - when it’s rainy or dark, the traffic can be quite dangerous (drivers don’t

obey the speed limit and don’t always slow for the turn onto Lynn). Having a pedestrian pathway separated from traffic would be a great improvement. I would prefer Concept A (separated pedestrian and bicycle paths); Concept C (shared path) is the next best; I think Concept B (braided paths) would introduce too much conflict between pedestrians and wheeled traffic.

I support the Pinehurst Community Garden because it would beautify the area (the existing vacant lot is an eyesore) and provide an opportunity for a community space.

Thank you for considering my comments.

David Singer
From: Maithilee Samant
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 4:31 PM
To: Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Regarding community garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hi,
My name is Maithilee Samant and I live at Longwood dr, Los Gatos. I support the garden and/or pathway because it will bring the community together on the topic of healthy living. Thank you for supporting this project.

Maithilee.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Jim Erickson
Date: Mon, Dec 18, 2023 at 10:52 AM
Subject: Erickson family Disapproval of Lynn Ave Parkway & Pinehurst Garden To: <[email protected]>
Cc: <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>
Dear Ms Janet Judd and Members of the Los Gatos Town Council, My wife Elizabeth and I live at Pinehurst Ave, Los Gatos 95032.

I am writing to express our disapproval of the proposed Lynn Avenue parkway and Pinehurst Community garden projects. The streets of Lynn Ave and Pinehurst Ave are already extremely congested with traffic and crowded for parking. Much of this is related to Union Middle School and the activities at the campus sports fields. But it's also compounded by the delivery vehicles that access the Safeway on Pinehurst Ave and all of the traffic that flows through these streets going to and from highway 85 to the Blossom Valley neighborhood. It can be difficult for us just to back out of our driveway on Lynn Ave when the traffic is busy. And our family and friends often have trouble parking on the street when they come to visit. As I said, it is already very busy in this area and we are asking you to not make a bad situation even worse.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration of the people who are living in this area.

Sincerely,
James and Elizabeth Erickson

PREPARED BY: Nicolle Burnham
Director of Parks and Public Works
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832 www.losgatosca.gov

TOWN OF LOS GATOS

COUNCIL STUDY SESSION

AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 12/19/2023
ITEM NO: 1

DESK ITEM
DATE: December 19, 2023
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610) and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Pathway (CIP No. 832-4510) REMARKS:

Attachment 5 contains public comments received between 11:01 a.m. Monday, December 18, 2023, and 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

Attachments received with the Staff Report:

1. Written community comment received October 18, 2023, through December 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Attachments received with the Previous Addendum:

2. Public Comments received between 11:01 a.m. Thursday, December 14, 2023, and 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 15, 2023.

3. PowerPoint presentation
Attachments received with the Previous Addendum B:

4. Public Comments received between 11:01 a.m. Friday, December 15, 2023, and 11:00 a.m.

Monday, December 18, 2023.

Attachments received with this Desk Item:

5. Public Comments received between 11:01 a.m. Monday, December 18, 2023, and 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2023.

-----Original Message-----
From:

Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 11:28 AM
To: Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Community Garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
My name is Dick Konrad and I live at Fairview Plaza Since being a member of the Parks Commission in the early 2000’s, I have advocated for a Community Garden. It supports healthy outdoor living and plant based nutrition. It is also part of the Senior Roadmap approved by the Council. I participated in the community garden at Calvary Church where some of the produce was donated to the House of Hope. Even on weekends there were seldom more than 4 or 5 gardeners there at one time at this large garden. An Eagle Scout built raised beds for the disabled. There was cooperation and great community spirit. Living on Fairview Plaza, there is a walkway to reach downtown across from my house. There is also a small area with benches where people sometimes gather. There have never been problem and it is a joy to share. The Community Garden is a rare opportunity to share the blessing of our community with all residents
cooperation and
Sent from my iPhone
From: Kathleen Conley
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:47 PM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Item #1: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden [EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Council Members,
Thank you for your service to our community. My name is Kathleen K. Conley and I am writing in support of the Pinehurst community garden and passway.

Both the gardens and safe walking routes improve quality of life and are linked to reduction in crime in residential urban areas.

ATTACHMENT 5

Extensive studies on Crime Prevention through Environmental Design over the past four decades have demonstrated that these projects increase community presence which is a first tier deterrent to crime.

I urge you to support this project.

Thank you,
Kathleen Conley
Reside Los Gatos
Work San Jose
-----Original Message-----
From: Eva Buerkle
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 3:21 PM
To: Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Pathway/community garden project
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
My name is Eva and I live at Blossom Villa Way. I support the pathway because I often walk with my two little kids on Lynn Ave. It always makes me nervous not having a sidewalk with cars driving by so closely. I also see lots of kids biking and walking both ways to and from school. At the same time cars rush past them for school pickup and drop off. It just feels like an accident waiting to happen. In addition to being a major improvement in terms of safety a pathway would be so much more beautiful than the current dusty lots and be invaluable in improving quality of live for everyone.

Thank you so much for supporting this project.

Sent from my iPhone

From: Kevin Arroyo
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 5:47 PM
To: Council <[email protected]>
Cc: Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment Item #1: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden.
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Town Council,
I apologize I am unable to attend tomorrow’s Special Study Session, but I wanted to express my support for both the Community Garden and Pathway Projects.

Three years ago, I partnered with Heidi and Christine to petition for these projects after passing by the trash strewn lots on a daily basis. I envisioned the potential to increase community safety, beauty, and togetherness in an arguably more automated and impersonal society.

Together we knocked on all neighbor doors within a 4-block radius to learn about their biggest concerns.

Neighbor safety, traffic, and homelessness were all taken into consideration with our initial proposal and later into the Consultant’s concept drawings. For neighbors still opposed, I requested alternate suggestions to improve the site for the community's overall benefit. But I received nothing.

I’m saddened to learn about the continued opposition to these projects which begs a larger question. If these proposals do not proceed, then what’s the future at these sites? Is it appropriate for Town owned land to forever remain a trash strewn eyesore due to neighbor opposition against any development? These proposals have immense potential to improve the quality of life to a majority of the population. It would also bring additional investment to an area historically underfunded within the Town.

Public Works has done a tremendous amount of outreach with the residents and I applaud them for their hard work. I now urge your continued support for these projects to continue proceeding forward.

Thank you,
Kevin Arroyo
From: Lisa Marshik
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 5:09 PM
To: Town PPW <[email protected]>
Subject: Pinehurst Community garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Mayor and Council Members,

As a former member of the Senior and Community Services Committee, I love the idea of a Community Garden, but feel this location is not a good choice and will not be utilized.

It is on the edge of Los Gatos in a residential area where there are only homes or duplexes; all of which have yards. Therefore, no one within walking distance would be utilizing it.

Anyone interested in it, would be coming from town & driving a car. Parking is a big issue. It is a short block with a stop sign on either end. Union School is on one corner, it is the direct drive route for drop off to Alta Vista & also Leigh High School. In consideration of our seniors, as early risers, they will not want to come in the morning because of school traffic and after the morning school traffic, it can get too hot to garden.

I believe a community garden should be where the people who would be using it are living.

This is typically in an urban environment. In Los Gatos, that would be in our areas that have apartments. It appears that no other locations were even considered. I don't understand how something could get this far alone without any thought to any of this.

Before we spend the money on building a beautiful space, I think more research should be done on a location that is more fitting to the needs of the community that would be utilizing it.

Regards,
Lisa Marshik
From: christine sterpetti
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 7:51 PM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment Item #1: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden.

[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Honorable Council Member,
Thank you for taking the time to listen to my opinion regarding the Pinehurst Community Garden and Passthrough Project.

My name is Christine Sterpetti. I am an East Los Gatos home owner and mother to a child that attended Alta Vista Elementary School and now attends Union Middle School.

The reason that we decided to buy in Los Gatos was because of the tight and warm community atmosphere and the great schools. My family and I strongly support a community garden on Pinehurst. Gardens have been shown to bring a community closer, discourage vagrancy and increase property values. They are quiet and use limited parking space. It’s also a way to beautify a piece of land that is otherwise filled with weeds.

As for the passthrough, this is essential for the safety of our children going and coming from school. The mornings are especially horrendous with both elementary and middle schoolers trying to get to school either by walking or on their bikes. There are no sidewalks on Lynn Ave. Therefore, the kids are constantly having to dodge cars. Cars also have a hard time watching the road while at the same time trying to watch out for kids. This time of the year is particularly dangerous as the sun hits directly in the eyes of the drivers as they head to Union Ave on Lynn Ave during the morning rush.

A passthrough would give the kids a safer way to get to and from school. At the end of passthrough the elementary kids would go left and the middle schoolers would go right.

This would alleviate a build up of kids at the corner of Pinehurst and Lynn.

The Passthrough not only provide safe passage to and from school, but is another opportunity to beautify a piece of land that is overrun with ugly weeds.

Again, thank you for your time and attention to this very important community matter.

Regards,
Christine and Corrado Sterpetti
From: Alex Shoor
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 8:56 PM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment Item #1: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]

LG Town Councilors,
I appreciate you taking the time to listen to my opinion about the Pinehurst Community Garden and Passthrough Project.

My name is Alex Shoor and I am in support of this project because of the tremendous value community gardens can bring to a neighborhood. While I worked for Santa Clara County, I researched the benefits of community gardens, including their ability to raise property values. Just as importantly, they contribute to building community!
Thank you for listening to my opinion and the opinions of so many others who agree on this matter.

Sincerely,
Alex Shoor
--
Alex Shoor
-----Original Message-----
From: Ann Ravel
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 10:37 PM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Fwd: Public Comment Item #1: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
>
> Honorable Councilmembers,
>
> I appreciate your service on the Los Gatos Town Council. I am writing concerning my views about the Pinehurst Community Gardn and Passthrough Project. >
> I have lived in the unique and beautiful town of Los Gatos since 1988. I am supporting this project because a garden and passthrough would provide more beauty to the town. Additionally, having a safe walkway for children to walk to school is very important. My daughter has observed children to walking to school were in great danger of being run over by cars.
> Additionally, a garden will be a wonderful location for residents to be able to grow vegetables, and to bring people in the community together. Los Gatos is definitely a dog

loving town (I have 2 dogs who are walked through town every day). A nice path with water stations would be a great place to walk all the dogs in Los Gatos. > Thank you for your consideration of my view on the Pinehurst Community Garden project.
>
> Ann Ravel
From: Maria Ristow <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 9:23 AM
To: Laurel Prevetti <[email protected]>; Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]> Subject: Lynne Avenue greenway ideas
Good morning,
After the last community meeting on the Pinehurst Garden and Lynne Avenue greenway, I kept thinking about other locations that are similar to what is being proposed.

For the greenway, I always think about the relatively new sections of the Three Creeks Trail in Willow Glen. Many segments are only a block or two long and are great off-street connectors. I’d be curious, at some point, to hear from San Jose how much local resistance was encountered and how the pathway is viewed now. As a reminder, the Lynne Avenue greenway is part of a much longer planned pathway into San Jose.
https://images.app.goo.gl/8bxYti9v62bYmHVbA
What I like about the Three Creeks trail includes paved two-way path with outer sections of dirt for runners who prefer that. The signage is clear, there are a few simple sitting areas, and the plantings are coming along. The crosswalks are also great, as the pathway crosses streets often. https://images.app.goo.gl/QuVqh6G6vggyRkzR8
https://images.app.goo.gl/zhFSzgytexXSVGgx9
Just some ideas. These two areas are quite analogous.

Thanks,
Maria
Maria Ristow
Los Gatos Town Council
To help avoid violations of the Brown Act, please reconsider before forwarding this email.

From: Kay Akervik
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 9:09 AM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc: Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]>; Marina Chislett <[email protected]>; Kay Akervik
Subject: Special Meeting of the Town Council: Study Session Power Point Public Comment Item #1 [EXTERNAL SENDER]
Good Morning Jenna,
Please find attached my 3 minute Power Point presentation to accompany my public comment for today's Study Session at 5:45 p.m.

Also included is a PDF version to accompany the packet materials.

Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Thank you so much!
Kind regards,
Kay Van Kirk

PINEHURST
Shades of Green: Neighborhood Perspectives
On Converting Natural Open Spaces Into Urban Landscapes & Gardens

DIFFERENT VIEWS

ABOUT THE PINEHURST

OPEN SPACE
Against Natural Open Spaces
(Comments from supporters)
“This is not a good look.”
“Just a bunch of weeds.”
“It’s a prime piece of real estate.”
2 For Natural Open Spaces
(Comments from residents that live in the area)
“It is an informal & natural recreation area.”
+ Dog walkers
+ Mountain Biking (beginners)
+ Young nature explores (families)
+ Natural foragers
+ Overseen by local neighbors
“Great natural aesthetics, especially in the Spring.”
+ A place to explore natural ecosystems
+ Necessary for local flora and fauna
“Urban open spaces maintain balance in city life.”
+ Provides a safe haven for people and wildlife
+ Essential for mental well-being and relaxation

A FALSE SENSE OF LOCAL SUPPORT

FOR THIS PROJECT

DISTANT

SUPPORT

PETITION

RESULTS
HIDDEN?

DISREGARD

OF LOCAL

THOUGHTS
The majority of people that
support this live outside of the
affected neighborhood.
(NextDoor.com)
Informal petition: They stated
how many were in support, but
they never released how many
were not in support.

Communities have their own
reasons for valuing open spaces.

External supporters might
overlook these intricacies and
impose their own ideals,
unknowingly eliminating privacy
and recreational areas. Map of where active supporters of this pathway and garden complex live according to Nextdoor.com. Page 93

SAFETY, ACCESSIBILITY, & MAINTENANCE CONCERNS

PATHWAY & GARDEN COMPLEX
SAFETY
+ Privacy Intrusion
+ Security Risks
+ Noise Disturbance
+ Traffic and Parking – on
top of a nearby major
soccer facility

ACCESSIBILITY
+ Exclusionary Nature: A
Pay to play garden space
creates social disparity.
+ Eliminates a natural open
space area close to
community homes. Forcing
people to get in their cars
and travel elsewhere.

MAINTENANCE
+ When the garden losses
interest, who will be forced
to clean up the mess?
+ Droughts in California
come and go, what
happens when the
next one hits?
WHAT A LOT OF COMMUNITY GARDENS END UP LOOKING LIKE. 4

THE TOO OFTEN COMMON RESULTS OF COMMUNITY GARDENS

THANK YOU
WE LOVE GARDENING, BIKE PATHS, AND OPEN SPACES;

WE JUST NEED TO BE SELECTIVE ON HOW AND WHERE
THEY ARE PLACED.

ONE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION:

DITCH THE PATH, BENCHES, AND PAY TO PLAY GARDEN
ASPECTS. PLANT WILD NATURAL SEEDS TO BEAUTIFY THE

AREA AND ALLOW RESIDENTS TO MAINTAIN THEIR
SAFETY AND PRIVACY.
6

APPENDIX

WE ALREADY HAVE PARKING ISSUES NEAR THE OPEN LOT

THE DARKER SIDE OF COMMUNITY GARDENS

THE DARKER SIDE OF COMMUNITY GARDENS

PINEHURST
Thank You

From: Steve Hammack
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 12:32 PM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Public Comment Item #1: Receive a Report and Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Clerk,
Please pass this along to the Town Council members for tomorrow’s meeting. I am sending this via email because I am unable to attend the meeting.

Thanks,
Steve Hammack
From: Jim Erickson
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 11:03 AM
To: Town Manager <[email protected]>; Janette Judd <[email protected]> Cc: Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]>; Marina Chislett <[email protected]> Subject: Fwd: Erickson family Disapproval of Lynn Ave Parkway & Pinehurst Garden [EXTERNAL SENDER]
Sorry, I sent the original to the wrong email addresses. regards, Jim ---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Jim Erickson
Date: Mon, Dec 18, 2023 at 10:52 AM
Subject: Erickson family Disapproval of Lynn Ave Parkway & Pinehurst Garden To: <[email protected]>
Cc: <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>
Dear Ms Janet Judd and Members of the Los Gatos Town Council, My wife Elizabeth and I live at Pinehurst Ave, Los Gatos 95032.

I am writing to express our disapproval of the proposed Lynn Avenue parkway and Pinehurst Community garden projects. The streets of Lynn Ave and Pinehurst Ave are already extremely congested with traffic and crowded for parking. Much of this is related to Union Middle School and the activities at the campus sports fields. But it's also compounded by the delivery vehicles that access the Safeway on Pinehurst Ave and all of the traffic that flows through these streets going to and from highway 85 to the Blossom Valley neighborhood. It can be difficult for us just to back out of our driveway on Lynn Ave when the traffic is busy. And our family and friends often have trouble parking on the street when they come to visit. As I said, it is already very busy in this area and we are asking you to not make a bad situation even worse.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration of the people who are living in this area.

Sincerely,
James and Elizabeth Erickson
From: Kay Akervik
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 10:57 AM
To: Clerk <[email protected]>; Nicolle Burnham <[email protected]>; Marina Chislett <[email protected]>
Subject: Special Meeting of the Town Council: Study Session Pinehurst Item #1 [EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Town Council,
I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to participate in discussions regarding the proposed Community Garden and Pedestrian Passthrough Project at Lynn and Pinehurst in Los Gatos. I truly appreciate the dedication shown by Kevin and his team in their efforts to enhance our community. I've attached the presentation I'll be sharing today for your review. Should you wish to delve deeper into the details, please feel free to reach out.

I also feel compelled to raise a concern regarding the recent direction of the group supporting the full-scale development of this community initiative. Unfortunately, it seems to have taken an exclusionary turn, marked by the use of derogatory terms to diminish those who are simply expressing their honest opinions. Specifically, the group led by Kevin and various team leaders has resorted to labeling concerns raised by local residents as

"NIMBY-ism" (Not In My BackYard), which is clearly a derogatory term. This occurred in the public Next Door group and Facebook group.

The objections raised by residents regarding privacy, noise, and parking arise from genuine apprehensions about the direct impact on their living environment. It's crucial to acknowledge and address these concerns rather than dismiss them outright or resort to name-calling. Supporting community initiatives should strive to balance broader benefits with preserving the quality of life for our neighbors.

I applaud your commitment to community progress and sincerely hope that we can address these specific concerns constructively, fostering a dialogue that respects all viewpoints.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Kay Van Kirk

1. Good Evening, I'm Kay Van Kirk, a resident of Lynn Ave's duplexes, residing right beyond the cherry tree in the middle—a spot earmarked for the Pinehurst Community Garden. As a devoted gardener and mother of two young children, nurturing my own garden with ten thriving blueberry bushes, my heart beats for green spaces. I'm also deeply involved as a parent volunteer at Alta Vista Elementary School Garden.

2. In these discussions, contrasting perspectives surface regarding our natural havens. To some, this proposed site might appear as mere overgrowth, dismissing its inherent value. Yet, to my neighbors and I, it's a sanctuary where children pedal their bikes, where neighbors stroll with their pets, and where budding naturalists explore. Many folks look at these open spaces as a rare opportunity to live in an area away from dense crowded homes and be closer to nature. It's under our watchful eyes and care that have preserved this space, ensuring safety and serenity for our families and homes.

3. There seems to be a fog around the origins of support for this garden and pathway. Social media buzz predominantly showcases backing from outside our community. Curiously, data on local opinions remains undisclosed. Shouldn't decisions impacting our neighborhood prioritize the voices within? Outsider endorsements, while well-intentioned, might overlook the nuanced impact on our immediate surroundings.

4. Transforming this natural space into a bustling hub and trail might erode safety and privacy. It risks inviting unforeseen elements and poses a challenge in regulation for neighbors. With the proposed garden as a pay-to-play model, accessibility becomes exclusive, effectively privatizing what should be a communal asset, alienating some residents from this shared opportunity.

5. But what happens when folks are too busy, lose interest, 200 kids have soccer practice, or its 107 degrees out. Despite dedicated efforts, commitments to maintaining a community garden falter.

As a parent garden volunteer at Alta Vista, despite our efforts of recruitment, many parents are just too busy to commit even an hour. While urban areas thrive with community gardens, our neighborhood boasts ample yard spaces for creating a garden of their own.

6. Our stance isn't against community gardens or bike paths—my family cherishes outdoor activities, we bike and skateboard every weekend. Could enhancements to our current infrastructure, like a dedicated bike lane on Lynn Ave with speed control measures such as speed bumps be an option? With the community garden, could we explore a more suitable location, resonating with genuine local support? Instead of developing a natural open space consider beautifying the area with native wild flowers to maintain its natural untouched beauty while simultaneously ensuring safety and privacy for all residents.

Dear Town Council,
My name is Steve Hammack. I am a long time resident of Los Gatos- my family moved here in 1964 when I was 8 and I have lived here most of my life. Several years ago I retired after teaching for 35 years in the science department at Los Gatos High school.

What I have loved about living here all these years is the small town, community atmosphere. And one of the things I noticed when I was a member of the science department was how wonderful the school’s garden was- it was used by both the students in our agroecology class and also by members of the community. It was great for our kids- they thrived in the agroecology course and it was great for the community. However, what always made me sad was the fact that the community members could only use the garden during summer vacation.

When I heard about Kevin Arroyo’s efforts to start a year-round community garden for the town of Los Gatos I was so pleased to see that this missing element was being pursued- a garden that community members could use all year long. Over the past few years I have been impressed to see all the work that has gone into carefully planning the garden and I am saddened to see community members opposing this project.

I did a little research and discovered that we are one of the only communities in Santa Clara county that doesn’t have a year-round community garden. It turns out there is a year-round community garden in Saratoga, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Campbell, Santa Clara, Mt. View, Palo Alto, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, San Jose has 18.

If most of our neighboring communities can provide a year round community garden for their residents it seems reasonable that we should be able to do so too.

I want to encourage you to support the establishment of this wonderful addition to our community.

Thank you,
Steve Hammack

From: Ctgleason
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 10:53 AM
To: Council <[email protected]>
Cc: Kevin Arroyo
Subject: Support for community garden and pedestrian path [EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hello, town council,

I’m a resident and vice-chair of the LG Parks and Sustainability Commission. I’d like to comment in support the community garden and Lynn Avenue pedestrian path projects, which we reviewed at our recent Commission meetings. I feel that these are important and attractive additions to the parks and outdoor features in the town. The garden will offer opportunities for people living in apartments or otherwise without access to yard space to work with the land and gain benefits in healthy living and eating. The pathway will create a new, attractive open space with more native vegetation which will attract native insects and birds. While these projects will no doubt have some negative impacts to neighbors, I can’t think of any area in town or nearby that hasn’t had a net improvement due to the addition of well-kept parks and open space. I believe it’s always a net positive to offer people more access to nature close to home.

With respect to the pathway area and the areas of the garden outside of the plots themselves, I strongly support appropriate native plantings which will provide better habitat. Along with this I would prefer the pathway area to have as natural a feel as possible, for example using shapes that mimic nature rather than angular features.

Regarding neighbors’ concerns, I strongly support an option that includes a small parking area integrated into the garden site. In most cases, gardeners will be able to park there, avoiding any issue with increased on-street parking. It will also be convenient for gardeners who are bringing plants, amendments, tools, etc. to their plots. Another suggestion is to engage with neighbors as a stakeholder group to identify any features that would improve the pathway area for locals. I suspect in the long run many local people will be primary users of the space, and they could participate in shaping it in whatever way they prefer – for example if a shade structure and/or picnic tables would make it a better neighborhood gathering place.

Thank you very much for your consideration,

Craig Gleason