Neighbors like McCarthy's Guadalupe College plans

By Nathan R. Huff

After several failed--and sometimes controversial--proposals for the site of the Guadalupe College in the foothills above Los Gatos, a development plan seems likely to gain the blessing of the town and the neighborhood.

Developer Joe McCarthy, who bought the old college property from the Sisters of Charity, is proceeding with his plans to demolish the old buildings and divide the property into six parcels. McCarthy aims to save one of the lots for his future home and to dedicate about 25 of the 56 acres of land to open space.

McCarthy has been waging an educational campaign with neighbors of the college, who over the years have seen proposals ranging from chiropractic colleges to a women's prison come and go. While issues regarding fire, water and access to neighboring open-space preserves still must be worked out, residents appear to be happy with the direction McCarthy is heading.

"We're all glad to see a reasonable development there after past proposals," said Heidi Evers, Foster Road resident. "I think this time it's gonna fly."

Evers added that most Foster Road residents are pleased that McCarthy intends to live in the neighborhood, and they look forward to any improvements the development would add to the area, particularly involving fire prevention. There are no fire hydrants or water mains anywhere in the vicinity of the abandoned college

"We're trying to provide some fire protection for the area; it's pretty needed," said McCarthy, who has held several neighborhood meetings regarding his project. McCarthy plans to install a large water tank on the hill, to which neighbors could add gravity lines. McCarthy also intends to construct an emergency-access road to provide firefighters with an alternative to Foster Road.

McCarthy has already begun discussions with county fire authorities and the San Jose Water Co. All new homes will be required to have sprinkler systems, fire-retardant roofs and driveway turnouts for firefighting vehicles.

According to Joe Evers, Heidi's husband, the only long-term concern for residents other than fire is safety. Joe Evers, who regularly attends town Bikes and Trails Committee meetings, said residents want to ensure that there is no trail access from Foster Road to neighboring Sierra Azul and St Joeseph's Hill open-space preserves.

"Our biggest concern is parked vehicles at the end of Foster Road blocking fire trucks, and bicyclists flying down the narrow road," he said.

Although there is no official access trail to the open-space preserves, cyclists often cut through the college property, the Evers said.

As the project moves forward, McCarthy is optimistic. He has paid almost $3,000--in addition to normal planning and license fees--for changes in the Hillside Specific Plan and General Plan. McCarthy also will replace more than 75 trees, including 25 oaks.

The Planning Department will examine environmental documents in the near future, and McCarthy hopes to see the project come before the Planning Commission by spring.

Neighbors are also looking forward to demolition day. "We're certainly happier to have homes there than a college with 200 students," Joe Evers said.

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