"What is the best value for the money we have?" asked Los Gatos town engineer Kevin Rohani, going through the project scope with residents.

On Dec. 1, representatives from the three cities teaming up for the project hosted a public workshop to discuss the Highway 9 safety improvement project. The 15 Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and Saratoga residents in attendance shared their comments, hopes and vision for the project, and the representatives explained the timeline and thanked the group for its participation.

Together, they hope to create a safe highway, which has been the site of many accidents, as well as a trail for hikers, bicyclists, and joggers.

Los Gatos director of parks and public works John Curtis said the residents of Monte Sereno, through a grassroots effort, helped earn the grant for the town. After the third death in two years on the highway, Monte Sereno residents Joanne Peth and Lana Malloy rallied local residents, passed around petitions and spoke at council meetings, explaining the need to improve safety on the roadway.

Monte Sereno representatives then recruited Los Gatos and Saratoga to join the improvement project.

The grant, awarded by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, was official in July and organizers expect the project to be finished in November 2007. Between now and then, they will need to hire a consultant, prepare an environmental report, consider suggestions made by the public and, eventually, start construction.

Curtis said that workshops are not always used on projects, but in this case it was essential, especially because the residents have played such a crucial role in getting the grant. He said the residents brought up many questions and comments that will help mold the future of Highway 9. The roadway extends west past Saratoga, but the portion most often referred to is the four-mile stretch that runs through Monte Sereno from Los Gatos to Saratoga.

At the meeting, residents requested sidewalks on both sides of the highway and speed signs that set a gradual pace.

Residents also suggested making it only a two-lane highway, since Highway 85 now bears the brunt of the traffic, Monte Sereno Vice Mayor Mark Brodsky said. Other concerns were bike lanes, the number and size of lanes, and how to maintain the aesthetics of the roadway.

"We have the most work ahead of us," said John Cherbone, public works director for Saratoga.

Not only does it have longer stretches than in Los Gatos or Monte Sereno, there are also difficult portions along the highway, with steep drop-offs and narrow roads.

Saratoga resident Katey Kennedy told the representatives that she would like to see sidewalks on the highway. After the meeting, however, she said she was impressed with the workshop, and was glad that they hosted such a forum. But one thing concerns her.

"The budget's small," she said.

Saratoga, Monte Sereno and Los Gatos have also committed a combined $284,000.