Who: Ed Storm and Deke Hunter
What: Public comment on the draft environmental impact report for Old Town Center
When: Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 110 E. Main St.
Background: Built in 1923 as a school, the early California Mission-style structure was condemned in 1961 for use as a school. In 1964, it was converted to Old Town Center, a retail and arts hub with several restaurants. In recent years, the center fell on hard times under a series of absentee landlords. Developers Ed Storm and Deke Hunter have purchased the property and plan a renovation and addition across the street with submerged parking. The draft EIR is currently available for public review and comment.
What's at Stake: This project will have a major impact on the downtown. There are implications for economic development, historic preservation, parking and aesthetics. Hunter and Storm are requesting a zone change and a Downtown Specific Plan amendment. They propose to excavate the parking lot across from Old Town and construct a new parking garage with retail commercial space at grade level during Phase 1; renovation and rehabilitation of the existing Old Town buildings are planned for the second phase.
Staff Reports: There are two copies of the draft EIR on file at the Town Library. Public review and comment period closes Nov. 13, at which time there will be a final public hearing.
This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, October 2, 1996.
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