Silicon Valley's REALTORS® had the opportunity to listen to local mayors discuss housing affordability, growth, traffic, all major issues impacting their communities. Meeting with members of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® at their Los Gatos REALTOR® meeting last month were Saratoga Mayor Manny Cappello, Campbell Mayor Jason Baker, Los Gatos Mayor Barbara Spector and Monte Sereno Mayor Lon Allen.
Baker said the lack of housing, low housing affordability and traffic are all tied together. Baker noted the affordable housing issue is not just about affordability and housing, but it's about the survival of businesses and employees.
Cappello said Saratoga has no room to build more housing and does not have any intention to do so. As a result, the city is struggling with how to comply with state mandate for cities to build more housing.
"This is a regional issue. We would love to provide the funding for our partners to do so, but Saratoga doesn't have many jobs, nor are there signs of growth anytime soon," said Cappello.
The Saratoga mayor said according to findings from a recent survey, residents are happy with their downtown, but would like a gathering place where they can mingle, more of a park-like atmosphere. This feedback will lend itself toward future development decisions, said Cappello.
Campbell's Mayor Baker is okay with "a little bit of density in the right places." He said Campbell has done a nice job "putting density where it makes sense" by placing housing units in the downtown area and by the Pruneyard.
Allen described Monte Sereno as a small community with only 1,000 acres and 1,248 households. He said the city is encouraging the building of secondary units or granny units of up to 1,200 square feet to alleviate the housing issue, while trying to still maintain its small town atmosphere.
Spector said traffic in Los Gatos has exacerbated, especially on the weekends as people drive through the town's downtown to bypass a portion of Highway 17. She said the town plans to place signage to encourage people to stay on the 17. The town also has been receiving complaints that Google employees who take the buses to the campus are parking on residential streets.
The Los Gatos mayor has observed rising opposition to more growth. She said residents are especially opposed to construction of more housing and there is concern about school overcrowding. The general opinion is more housing brings more students and more traffic to the town.
One project impacted by the anti-growth sentiment is the North 40 development plan, a 44-acre portion of land waiting to be developed. Discussions about the nature of the North 40 development have gone on in Los Gatos for years. The town finally adopted the plan last year. Spector said because of traffic issues, community feedback toward the plan has been negative.
Spector announced a joint study session with the town council, planning commission and affected school boards will be held on June 15, 6:00 p.m. at the Town Council Chambers. The study session will provide an opportunity for staff experts to answer questions about the North 40 Specific Plan, housing element and environmental impact report. Questions on housing, traffic and schools will also be addressed.
According to the town's website, questions and comments may be submitted prior to the study session. To submit questions about the North 40 Specific Plan, please email North40.question@LosGatosca.gov. To submit comments about the North 40 Specific Plan, please email North40.comment@LosGatosCA.gov.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
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