Planners reject a gas station, car wash on L.G. Boulevard
Opponents say gateway location is the problem
By Nathan R. Huff
In the end, it just came down to the wrong place at the wrong time.
Neither planning commissioners, nor any of the two dozen audience speakers could find fault in the design of Errico's gas station/car wash/minimart project on the corner of Los Gatos Boulevard and Burton Road. But that didn't stop the commission from voting 5-1 to deny the project, on the grounds it presented no real community benefit, would increase traffic, and was incompatible with the residential surroundings.
The location is considered a gateway to Los Gatos, just off Highway 85, and borders the large, mostly undeveloped area known as the North 40. A specific plan for the area was in the works, but was shelved until the new General Plan is completed. The future land use in the area remains in debate.
Errico and fellow property owners, Dennis Chegwin and Eugene Gonzales, had hoped to merge three parcels to create a two-story gas station with a minimart and full service car wash.
Errico, a 30-year resident of Los Gatos, argued that his locally owned and operated project presented an alternative to the "tin box," corporate-controlled service stations that dominate the local market. The design, featuring wood and rock materials, reflected a break from carbon copy gas stations, Errico said.
"We were aware the project is located at one of the entries to town," Errico said, "and that's why it was important to us to design a building that will fit the character and charm of our town."
However, audience members repeatedly stated that a gas station, no matter how impressive the design, was an undesirable entrance to Los Gatos and incompatible with current and future uses of the land.
Richard Fox, M.D., part of a community group advocating a children's hospital in the area, said the project was premature in the face of an incomplete plan for the area. He asked that commissioners consider the public input they had received during the North 40 Specific Plan hearings.
"We want a gateway with a theme," Fox said. "The theme is our town, our history, our culture, our past, our future and, especially, our families and children." Fox had close to a dozen supporters with him, several of whom spoke.
Neighbors of the project also made their presence felt, arguing that the project would increase traffic on the rural road, endanger their children, and cause noise in the area.
"It's going to have a real bad impact on my neighborhood," said Dan Thelin, the immediate neighbor to the proposed station. "I don't want to see it for my kids, I don't want to see it for the traffic problems, and I don't want to see it for the community."
Not all the speakers were against the project. Errico had a number of supporters, mostly local businessmen, who said they welcomed a Los Gatos-owned service station that could compete with the national chains. Bonnie View Mobile Home Park owner, Jim Grant, said he believed the project offered "service, sensitivity and sensibility."
But, those voices were drowned out by close to a two-to-one margin. Other audience members said the plan reflected an "automobile-centric" plan for the area, was not in harmony with the Los Gatos Boulevard Specific Plan, and didn't reflect the community's general vision for the area.
Pat O'Laughlin, a former mayor and planning commissioner, was incensed over the proposal, and spoke well over his allotted time. "I think this project is an insult and a slap in the face to all the hundreds of people, who have worked thousands of hours to implement a cohesive, comprehensive plan for the North 40 area," O'Laughlin said.
Commissioners were less critical of the plan, but in the end, traffic and community benefit concerns were at the heart of the denial. Despite the Town Council's rejection of a proposed moratorium on building in the area, commissioners felt uncomfortable stating that a gas station, no matter how well done, did not fit into the plans for the area.
"Unfortunately," Commissioner Paul Bruno said, "we've fallen into a gap between a plan that doesn't yet exist for the North 40, and what exists there today."
Commissioner Lee Quintana was the sole nay vote. Quintana argued that the project would set a high standard for future development in the area, was consistent with other automobile uses in the area and that traffic and noise issues could be mitigated if the project was continued. "I don't think we can hold it hostage to the fact that the North 40 plan was not acted on," Quintana said.
Following the meeting, Errico said he was surprised by the commission's decision, especially since the project was recommended by the town's Conceptual Development Advisory Committee. "I didn't expect a denial," Errico said. "I figured somewhere along the line I'd be sent back for revisions."
Errico said the property owners will appeal the decision to the council, and will work with neighbors to improve the project. "We will address the issues and concerns and hopefully remedy them in time for the meeting," Errico said.
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
