PC 06/11/86 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Innes asked if the Vintage Hills Center is about five and half acres. Mr. Swift said less than that. Craig Klein, 535 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, indicated they have marketed the property for two years trying to attract a major tenant and no one is interested in that end of town and they do not feel the density will be there in the next five years. There are more large lots and estate type homes going in the area. There are several problems with the staff report relative to the comparison of other major commercial sites and the fact that the Stanley Boulevard area was not discussed. They feel there will be development available across from the new corporation yard and a major center could be located there. The property has been vacant for twenty years. Commissioner Innes discussed the viability of a 30,000 sq. ft. to 40,000 sq. ft. store and the applicant indicated the property will not handle a grocery store and major drug store. Commissioner Michelotti inquired about the completion date for Bernal Avenue Extension. Mr. Okamura and Mr. Swift indicated it would be at least five years away. Commissioner Berger asked about the density of surrounding area. Tony Sobie, 5619 San Jose Drive, in Mission Park, indicated the residents had met with McKellar and discussed the originally proposed shopping center and all were in favor of the full ten acre shopping center. He indicated high density would overburden the traffic in the area. Commissioner Innes indicated the residents of the area have stressed on numerous occasions that they would like a major shopping center. What if the area could support a smaller shopping center and high density problems would be solved, what do you feel the homeowners feelings would be about that? Mr. Sobie had mixed reactions; he said he would have to talk to the other residents. Bill Northen, 242 Thomas Way, President of the Oak Park Homeowners Association indicated five major concerns: 1) feels high density is inconsistent with present neighborhood and is worried about traffic and noise; 2) quality of shopping center if reduced in size; 3) he and others purchased his home with the understanding that a large shopping center was going in; 4) concerned with traffic congestion in the downtown area; and 5) concerned about the impact on the downtown merchants. Gary Carr, 211 Thomas Way, supports the staff recommendation. He does not feel the Commission should be pushed to make a decision expedient to the developer in the short term, but damaging to the City in the long term. Craig Klein emphasized that they plan to produce a quality store and he would be willing to meet with the homeowners to allay their concerns. - 6 - _ __