At the council's Nov. 16 meeting, no one came forward during public hearings to speak about the sale. The 2.6-acre parcel at 19848 Prospect Road was purchased by the city in 2002 from the Grace United Methodist Church for around $4.5 million.

It was a property that divided the council and spurred the organization of a residents committee to save the property for public use. The Citizens Committee to Save the North Campus, led by former Saratoga City Councilman Jack Mallory, attempted to raise enough money to purchase the property but could not come up with the funds.

Councilwomen Aileen Kao and Ann Waltonsmith argued against the sale. "I would like the council not to rezone the North Campus tonight," Waltonsmith said. She said she was watching the vote with a "heavy heart," knowing that a majority on the council was willing to approve the sale.

Kao said the city had made a gentleman's agreement with the Grace United Methodist Church to use the property for public use and to house a new senior center and the sheriff's office. She urged the council to honor that agreement and not go forward with a sale. "If it's developed into nine houses, it will just be nine houses," she said.

Councilman Nick Streit said circumstances have changed since the property was purchased and that the sale makes sense. He said there was no groundswell in the community to block the sale. "I think we owe it to the citizens of Saratoga to sell the property," he said. "The majority of Saratogans would approve."

Vice Mayor Norman Kline said the council had worked with concerned residents who wanted the property retained for public use. "We gave them an enormous amount of time to come up with the money," he said.

"We're not talking about nine homes," Kline said. He said money raised from the sale would be invested in such things as sidewalks, hillsides and the Parks and Recreation Commission. "We can reinvest in our community." He said the sale was a bold and wise investment in the future of Saratoga.

Mayor Kathleen King said she regrets that the sale had caused a major disagreement on the council. She said the money from the sale was needed to reinvest in city infrastructure. "It's not sexy. It's not fun," she said. She reiterated that money from the sale would be put into infrastructure improvements that were important for Saratoga.

The council voted 3-2, with King, Kline and Streit voting in favor of the general plan amendment and rezoning that allowed for the sale. Kao and Waltonsmith opposed.

With the decision made, developers can now begin bidding to build nine homes on the property. The council must approve a bid before a sale is finalized.