Gateway development appeal

This coming Wednesday, June 19, the City Council will hear the appeal for the Gateway development (AKA: TimeShare).  The Planning Commission denied the project because of its multiple requests for variances and exceptions.  Some of those included requests for additional height, intensity of use, parking, setbacks, etc.

TimeShare made no attempt to create a plan more appropriate to Saratoga's character.  Of course, they want to maximize their investment; understood.  However, at great cost to Saratoga residents. 

Over 100 residents have spoken out against raising the height limit in mixed use/commercial areas (Gateway, Azule, Argonaut, Quito) and 2/3 to 3/4 of the over 1,500 respondents to the Restore Saratoga citywide survey opposed raising the heights in those areas.

Certainly, the area between the Star Aquatics Swim Center and the RR tracks could use renovation; that is not the issue.  The issues are significantly increased traffic, noise, loss of hillside views and parking challenges. 

The Council wants and needs to hear from Saratogans on this specific development.  It is not too late to mail previously misplaced, now rediscovered Restore Saratoga surveys!  Residents may also e-mail the City Council via their web page or to each Council member (addresses available on the City web page). Attending the meetings and addressing the Council is also a wonderful way to get your thoughts "out there."

Please come to the June 19 Council meeting, held in the Council Chambers (the Theater) on Fruitvale Ave.