Portola Valley City Council
April 9, 2025

Outlook
Sending updated map for clarity.

From Kristi C
Date Sun 4/6/2025 10:10 AM
To Christine Boland <[email protected]>
Please submit 4/9/25 and 4/23/25 Town Council. Please replace previous map with this one.

 











 

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April 8, 2025
Alpine Li/le League
325 Sharon Park Drive, #544
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Dear Portola Valley City Council,
Thank you for your thoughFul approach in how to respond to the feedback on the submi/ed Housing Element, parNcularly rezoning to address the HCD Technical Assistance Le/er. We understand this is a complicated process and that many consideraNons are at play. We have also come to learn that there are those that believe rezoning all 7 acres of Ford Field would be appropriate – not just the 2.4 acres that comprise the open space. This would include the baseball diamond and associated parking.

First, we urge the Council to reject any changes to zoning for the baseball diamond and associated parking. Second, if there is to be any rezoning of the enNre space, we urge the Council to guarantee that the rezoning includes recreaNon space for youth sports (baseball) and desperately needed parking to accommodate that use. Of course, we would be open to any plan that includes improvements to the recreaNon faciliNes – and would be willing to partner with the Town to make those improvements a reality.

When the use of this space was first considered in the summer of 2022, Portola Valley Town Council received over 250 pages of comments wri/en by concerned ciNzens and community members from the local baseball community. I urge this group to go back and review those comments that are part of the public record. Any reducNon in recreaNon space – or even the threat of a reducNon in recreaNon space – is deeply unpopular in this community.

Furthermore, it is simply not warranted and would be a great disservice to the community and those that have elected you.

I am attaching the letter submitted to Housing Element Committee on July 11, 2022 from the Alpine Little League Board. The arguments presented there still stand.

We trust the Council will do the right thing here.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
Alpine Little League Board of Directors

July 11, 2022
Alpine Little League
325 Sharon Park Drive, #544
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Dear Portola Valley Housing Element Committee,
Thank you for your work to ensure the Town of Portola Valley has a thoughtful update to its General Plan and the important Housing Element process. As an organization that serves hundreds of families in the Portola Valley and surrounding communities, Alpine Little League would like to provide some input to the Town Council for consideration in this important process.

It has come to our attention that the Town is consideration the use of Ford Field (the baseball field) to satisfy requirements of the Housing Element. As you are likely aware, Alpine Little League has, for generations, used Ford Field on Alpine Road as our flagship Little League field, hosting our highest division, Majors, as well as countless Championship Games, District tournaments and community events. We take great pride in the beauty and history of this field and it is a showcase for our League. Little League teams from around the Bay Area (including Menlo Park, San Francisco, and the East Bay) love coming to play at Ford Field and experiencing its unique and strikingly beautiful setting.

We also use the baseball field at Portola Valley Town Center to provide quality facilities for our younger Little Leaguers. This Spring, for the first time, this includes nearly 150 girls who are playing in our newly formed Alpine Softball League. It serves as a gathering place for our families, newer to organized sports, to enjoy watching their children play on a team and learn the basics skills of baseball and the importance of good sportsmanship.

Youth sports and outdoor recreation are such a critical part of childhood. As you likely know, the demand for fields by youth sports organizations far outweighs the supply on the Peninsula. Soccer clubs, baseball/softball organizations, football teams, lacrosse and other sports are often competing for the limited field space available for all the kids who just want – and deserve –- to play.

Children from all over Portola Valley, and our surrounding communities, can use these spaces equally. Our parks and recreation spaces serve as some of the few remaining truly public places open for ALL to enjoy – whether you live on a 40 acre homestead or

in a 2 bedroom apartment. With the addition of additional housing in Portola Valley the demand for our recreational spaces only INCREASES. We need these spaces to ensure the equality of opportunity for outdoor play for ALL of our children.

As you consider the updates to the Portola Valley Housing Element, we urge you to maintain all current recreation space as recreational space. The families in our community place great value on and have enormous pride in the facilities offered by the Town. They are a critical part of what makes Portola Valley so special. To deprive CHILDREN of these spaces would be tragic.

Thank you for your time,
Jen Sweeney
Alpine Little League President

Outlook
Please add to comments for tonights meeting
From Rita Comes
Date Wed 4/9/2025 12:00 PM
To Mark Linder <[email protected]>; z-PV Town Clerk (Shared) <[email protected]> Dear Council Members
I am writing in the hope that before a decision is made tonight during the hearing regarding upzoning different parcels in Town to help meet requirements of the California State Housing Element. Here are a few items that I am concerns about:
· Item should have two readings since this week is “Spring Break” for the Portola Valley Schools and many families are not in Town
o Portola Valley Little League families are not available to comment o Many new families in Town have school age children and their voices have not been heard much in these discussions
· There have been many comments over the years from PV Residents and those should be available for Residents, Town Council Members and Planning Commissioners to make the best decision
· Minutes from Town meetings are incomplete
· Cost analysis and “buildability” of these locations has not been fully vetted, but decisions are being made that may not be able to be undone.

My request is a double request:
· Please have two readings on this upzoning item
· Please have the documents available so that the Residents can have a “full picture,” of the locations that are going to be considered and what costs/limitations the Town Residents might be on the hook for
Thank you for considering my comments, I appreciate all that you do. When making decisions that will forever change our beautiful Town, it needs to be a transparent decision.

Rita Comes Whitney

Outlook
Re: Dorothy Ford Park and Ford Little League Field
From Christine Boland <[email protected]>
Date Wed 4/9/2025 12:09 PM
To Kristi C
Received.  Thank you.

Christine
On Apr 9, 2025, at 12:07 PM, Kristi C
Please post this one as I had one misspelling.
------
4/9/25
Portola Valley Town Council,
Re: Parcel 77272010 (Dorothy Ford Park)
This parcel includes the Portola Valley Little League Field on Alpine Rd (Ford Field) and Ford Field parking lot, Open Space next to field with 2 Historical trees and town rental land at Ladera Oaks club (basketball court area.)
Please describe the parcel in a more complete way for the public and give the parcel purchase full history. Many past residents worked hard to come up with money to purchase this parcel for an open space park and recreation for the residents of Portola Valley.

Alpine Little League hosts 600 players annually with many tournaments due to its ideal location and beauty of the field. Ford Little League Field draws players from San Mateo County. Little league participation allows for physical skills in baseball as well as responsibility, confidence, camaraderie and team play.

I am opposed to upzoning the Little League Field and the parking lot for the field.

I think the residents need more information on the deed/loan on the parcel including dates! When are the loan responsibilities completed on this parcel by the town? The public also would like more information regarding the intent of the donor/s for the town purchase in 1970 and any Measures and fundraisers involved with that purchase. New residents need full disclosure on this parcel. Educate the public, no surprises.

***Has the town discussed doing a "subdivision map act" to separate the lots on this parcel? Please discuss this option.

Did the Town Council know that this week is Spring Break for Ormondale Elementary School and Corte Madera middle school so many residents are out of town for this parcel discussion.

Reply Forward

  



 




 

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Outlook
Fwd: Town Council Agenda April 9, 2025 Item 6, Public Hearing, a Comment From Christine Boland <[email protected]>
Date Tue 4/8/2025 4:21 PM
To Terrence Grindall <[email protected]>
Public Comment for 4/9/25.

Christine
Begin forwarded message:

From: Betsy Morgenthaler
Date: April 8, 2025 at 3:46:28 PM PDT
To: Judith Hasko <[email protected]>, Craig Taylor <[email protected]>, Rebecca Flynn <[email protected]>, Mary Hufty <[email protected]>, Helen Wolter <[email protected]>
Cc: Christine Boland <[email protected]>, Corie Stocker <[email protected]>, Elizabeth Martelli <[email protected]> Subject: Town Council Agenda April 9, 2025 Item 6, Public Hearing, a Comment Thank you Portola Valley Staff for posting to the Town Council April 9th Agenda, Public Comments
To: Portola Valley Town Council
Judith Hasko, Mayor
Craig Taylor,Vice Mayor
Rebecca Flynn, member
Mary Hufty, member
Helen Wolter, member
From: Betsy Morgenthaler
Re: Town Council Agenda Item 6, Public Hearing
At the Planning Commission March 19th meeting, the Commissioner and Staff discussion focused on the rezoning complexities at Dorothy Ford Park. The Commissioners passed a motion 5-0 that took into consideration the Zoning question but did not directly address another aspect of the proposed Ordinance. My comment takes a more narrow focus on one aspect of Ordinance before the Town Council tomorrow, Wednesday April 9th:

Ordinance No. 2025 - xx

ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF PORTOLA
VALLEY AMENDING TITLE 18 [ZONING] OF THE PORTOLA VALLEY MUNICIPAL

CODE AND AMENDING THE ZONING MAP FOR THE TOWN OF PORTOLA

VALLEY TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES RAISED BY HCD IN THEIR TECHNICAL

ASSISTANCE LETTER DATED OCTOBER 16, 2024
(# 7 Whereas)
WHEREAS, to address the issues identified in the October 16, 2024 HCD letter, the following amendments are needed: (1) a text amendment to Title 18 [Zoning] of the Portola Valley Municipal Code to recognize that a portion of the Dorothy Ford Park site shall be developed as multifamily, high density housing and that owner-occupied and rental multifamily uses are allowed by-right for developments in which 20 percent or more of the units are affordable to lower-income households; (underline and bold, my own)
Portola Valley's Housing Element submitted to HCD in January 2024, and accepted at the time, included Dorothy Ford Park and Open Space. The proposed site analysis and inventory called for an “Assumed Density” of 20 units/acre for a total of 50 very-low-income units (page 121 of the submitted Housing Element). It further noted that “an RFP (Request For Proposal) will be issued to non-profit developers" “to provide 50 very low income units” (page 127). Nothing further was said, and specifically it did not suggest that a threshold of 20% the 50 units would be adequate.

The Town's Planning and Building website, Housing Element 2023 - 2031 features on its front page an Update October 18, 2024 stating:

1. That zoning regulations be changed to make development at the Dorothy Ford Housing Element site “by right”. This would mean that development of the 2.48 acre portion of the site with 50 very low income housing units site could be accomplished without any further land use entitlement. (However, since the site is owned by the Town, no actual development of the site could occur unless the Town Council took proactive action to sell or lease the site.)
In other words, since development at Dorothy Ford Park was initially raised, the Town has promoted an assumption that the potential sacrifice of beloved Dorothy Ford Open Space and its majestic witness oaks was for a public good; it would provide Portola Valley with 50 lowest income dwellings. My question is would the Ordinance, as written, make that aspirational only, while diminishing the likelihood it is realizable?
Portola Valley's commitment to HCD, our Housing Element will have the force of law. “By right” approval is designed to give developers leverage to produce housing with speed. Municipalities have what is written in our Municipal Code and Housing Element.

What the after effects of the Town's potential adoption the proposed language specifically allowing 20%+ lower income units at Dorothy Ford might be is yours to weigh. According to the timeline, the Town will go out with an RFP in January 2026.

Is it possible we’d face a larger problem ahead, potentially setting ourselves up for a response from a willing developer at 20% lower income/ 80% above moderate, while (especially in this economy) no willing developer at 100% lower income stepped forward. Were we faced with a deal we could not refuse, as well as the prospect of a 40 very-low-income-unit deficit, we'd be back where we are today, HCD noncompliant and also having lost Dorothy Ford Park as we know it.

A possible solution if / when Staff and Town Council move forward with Ordinance No. 2025-xx would be to modify the sentence that underpins our intention that development at Dorothy Ford Park will be reserved for lower income households. Eliminating the words, 20 percent or more of the, so it reads, recognize that a portion of the Dorothy Ford Park site shall be developed as multifamily, high density housing and that owner-occupied and rental multifamily uses are allowed byright for developments in which the units are affordable to lower-income households; would be sufficient.

Sincerely,
Betsy Morgenthaler

_______________________________________________________________________________ _
Note
Government Code section 65583.2, subdivisions (h) and (i) as referred to in the HCD Oct 16, 2024 letter relates to the Housing Element and requires that municipalities designate sites for rezoning when necessary and ensures by-right development.

Date: April 6, 2025
To: Portola Valley Town Council
Subject: Council rezoning discussion of APN 007-272-010, Dorothy Ford Park From: Nancy Lund, Town Historian, Chair of Historic Resources Committee As you discuss the future rezoning of Dorothy Ford Park on Wednesday, we of the Historic Resources Committee suggest that you consider the history of the open space area and of Ford Field. Dorothy Ford Park is the first property in town to be designated as open space, The entire parcel can be said to meet the requirements of the Historic Element of the General Plan. We believe an argument can be made that Dorothy Ford Park meets three of the five categories listed in item 2506 of the General Plan. Although much of the parcel remains part of the town’s cherished open space, Ford Field deserves special consideration because it is especially revered by residents.

Listed below are the qualifying criteria in item 2506 of the Historic Element of the General Plan and explanations of how the Park qualifies under each one:

Criterion #2. Be associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the patterns of life in the town.

The entire parcel was the first piece of property that came into existence when a large private donation for open space led to its purchase. This generosity of residents for the acquisition of open space has certainly been a continuing pattern in Portola Valley.

Providing sporting fields for town residents has been a hallmark of the town’s cuture for decades. Ford Field has become an icon of sporting throughout the region.

Criterion #3. Be associated with lives and cultures with the town’s past After the success of that first donation/purchase of Dorothy Ford Park, residents have continued to donate and raise additional funds for open space.

This activity follows the tradition begun with this park.

Providing sporting fields has also been a long-standing town tradition. Surely Ford Field is one of the oldest baseball fields in the area. Youth baseball, even adult baseball, has always been part of our town’s culture.

Criterion #5. Possess integrity of location, design, material, workmanship, and feelings of its original nature
The location of the open space area of Dorothy Ford Park, with its ancient oaks, has remained unchanged for as long as the town has been in existence, and of course, even before that. It quietly announces that people are entering a peaceful oasis away from the hubbub of the peninsula. It reminds passersby of the beauty of nature.

Ford Field is an institution, beloved by generations of residents and is wellknown throughout the area by those who grew up playing baseball. Although it has had some improvements, it retains its original character.

Thus, as you evaluate proposed zoning changes, we urge you to factor into those discussions and decisions, the historic nature of our first open space acquisition and a sporting field that has been present at that site for decades. Perhaps it can be possible to reach some kind of compromise that fulfills the state’s demands and allows residents some peace of mind about this entrance into our town. We know a decision won’t be easy, and we thank you, the staff and all the volunteers for the hard work of researching the options. And we thank you for doing your best to come up with a solution that works for everyone.

 











 

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To: Portola Valley Town Council April 8, 2025
Judith Hasko, Mayor
Craig Taylor, Vice Mayor
Rebecca Flynn, member
Mary Hufty, member
Helen Wolter, member
I am writing to offer input on agenda item 6a regarding rezoning of Dorothy Ford Park and Open Space (DFPOS). My input includes a map (page 2) aimed at identifying and quantifying the area of DFPOS north of the baseball field in terms of both gross acreage and net (developable) acreage for multi-family housing.

I do not have a position on whether or how the Council should rezone Ford Park, and I do not intend the map to support a position.

Based on public data sources I accessed and compiled, the gross area of DFPOS north of the baseball field is just under 5 acres1
. However, the gross acreage is not the relevant acreage regarding housing density for multi-family (R-MF) districts, according to the ordinance amending the zoning code, approved by the Council in 2024. Specifically:

18.04.115 Density. “Density” means the ratio between dwelling units and land, expressed as the number of dwelling units per gross acre (du/ac). For the MU (Mixed Use) and R-MF (Multi-Family) districts, density means the ratio between dwelling units and a site’s developable area, expressed as the number of dwelling units per net acre.

18.04.256 Net acre. “Net acre” is the gross acreage minus areas not available for development, such as: conservation easements, access easements, seismic setbacks, riparian setbacks, sensitive habitats or other similar constraints.

Excluding the access easement and riparian setback from the gross acreage of DFPOS north of the baseball field leaves a net acreage of ~1.1 acres in the interior of the parcel, plus ~1.1 acres within the Scenic Corridor setback2
, or about 2.2 acres total net (developable) area. The 2.2 acres include everything shaded pink in the attached map.

I appreciate the complexity of the decisions before you, and I hope this information is useful.

Nona Chiariello
Open Space Committee (Vice Chair)
Conservation Committee, Ad Hoc Site Evaluation Committee (member) 1 If one defines the northern sub-parcel as bounded on the east by the parcel line, on the south by the baseball field, on the west by the parcel line along Alpine Road, and on the north by the parcel line, the gross area is ~4.9 acre.

Included in the 4.9 ac: the 30 ft access easement, the area at the very northern tip leased to Ladera Oaks (with tennis courts on it), the riparian setback, and the scenic corridor setback. Since Los Trancos Creek is the County boundary, one could instead use the centerline of the creek as the eastern boundary of Ford Park (rather than the parcel line), in which case the gross acreage increases by ~0.1 ac. In the map, most features are publicly accessible County or Town data, but the boundary of the baseball field is approximated from other maps and aerial imagery. 2 “Table 18.15.050: Development Standards – Multi-Family Residential Zoning Districts” (go to page 28 of 59, or 138 of 346) requires a 15 ft landscape buffer within the Scenic Corridor adjacent to the Alpine ROW but apparently does not exclude it from the calculated developable area.

Terrain base image (San Mateo County)
Terrain base image (Santa Clara County)
Parcel boundaries
Top of bank delineation
Ordinance No. 2024-451
Riparian setback
30 ft access easement (driveway)
~1.1 ac
~0.5 ac
~0.6 ac