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Landowners in Monte Sereno offer open space for access
By Nathan R. Huff
What seemed like a simple issue of asking and receiving permission to use a neighbor's property to access their own has turned into a matter of public interest.
Neighbors concerned about erosion, runoff and traffic showed up at the Monte Sereno City Council meeting Nov. 2 to question the environmental-impact report, which favors Vernon and Nancy Genn's request to install an access driveway from Withey Road in Monte Sereno to their property.
The Genns own 25 acres of rough-cut canyon and ridge land lying completely in the county. They have received permission from their neighbor, George Callisch, to build a driveway running from the hairpin turn on Withey Road, through the Callisch's property, and onto their county land.
The Genns, who have owned the land for 29 years, intend to sell the property to Greg and Becky Atwood. While past development proposals had placed several lots on the currently inaccessible property, the potential traffic impact identified by a preliminary environmental report led to the redesign of the property to include only one 5.24-acre lot, and dedication of the remaining land to open space.
The council decided to wait for Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's evaluation of the 20 acres as possible private open space before taking action. A short section of the Genns' land abuts open-space district property.
The council is expected to make a decision on allowing access to the city street at its Nov. 16 meeting.
Neighbors downhill from the proposed driveway expressed concern about runoff issues. Dorothea Bamford, a nearby resident, said water runs "off the property through an unstable canyon."
Tony Jeans, the development designer working with both the Genns and Atwoods, said the city could minimize runoff issues through its control over the construction of the driveway and any related grading.
"There are a series of benefits we are proposing the city receive in exchange for the right to access a city street," Jeans said.
The Atwoods have offered to upgrade the 80-year-old water supply line, install a fire hydrant on the new line and restrict urban growth by building only one home, in addition to setting aside 20 acres for open space.
"Hopefully, they will see that this is a potentially lasting benefit for the city of Monte Sereno and surrounding residents," Jeans said.
Bamford said an additional neighborhood concern was the definition of "private open space."
Jeans said that, although the actual wording of the open-space easement would be worked out between the city and landowner, the Atwoods would only want to retain the right to clean up garbage dumped on the land from Overlook Road. He added that they would want an agreement guaranteeing no trees could be cut.
Despite the fact that the property is located in the county, the city can require mitigation measures if the land is accessed off a city street. Site and architectural plans will be processed through the county.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
