HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3.2 SupplementalMay 1, 2007
Jonathan and Su Lee
27751 Lupine Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Brian Froelich
Town of Los Altos Hills
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
RECEIVED
MAY 0 2 2007
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS i4U S
Re: Lands of Alon — Hearing scheduled for Thursday, May 3, 2007 at 7:00 p.m
Dear Mr. Froelich
This letter will serve as "written communication" per the request by the Town prior to the
hearing date and to serve as formal documentation to be filed at the Los Altos Hills
Town's record.
We also want to question why we are holding this hearing after the Alons have completed
planting their plants and have nearly completed their fence work.
Do their current installed fences meet the Town's regulation and code? Was this
approved by the Town before it was installed?
Concern 1: Visibility of Easement from Lupine Road Regarding Safety
We want to bring to your attention an inevitable danger that may be caused by the lack of
visibility from the base of the shared easement. Currently, our driveway/easement is not
clearly visible for drivers coming from either direction on Lupine Road due to the fence,
plants, and trees placed at the bottom of the easement. I anticipate the situation will
worsen when all the plants and trees mature. We are especially concerned about children
and neighborhood pets being accidentally hit by a car as they are walking or running out
to Lupine Road; the easement is not fully visible until you are just a few feet away.
Concern 2: Identity of Our Property Will be Lost
With the fence and heavy planting placed close to Lupine Road as well as to both sides of
our easement, our property which is locatedjust above the Alons, will lose its identity.
As it is now (the young trees and plants not having reached maturity), our easement is
already unidentifiable as the road to our property. There is nothing at the base of the
easement to allow emereencv vehicles or our guests from locating our home with ease.
As the trees and plants mature, our easement, entrance to our property, and house will be
completely covered from the Lupine Road viewpoint. There will be nothing on Lupine
Road to identify the location of our home.
Possible Solution for Concerns 1 and 2:
We would like to request their fences along Lupine Road relocated further away from the
street and fences along the easement to be relocated further away from the easement.
Keep the rows of plants along the fence from exceeding the height of the fence and from
creating a solid wall effect by keeping them trimmed.
Install columns on both sides of the easement near Lupine Road to clearly indicate that
the easement is an access to our home.
Concern 3: Italian Stone Pine Trees will obstruct our view.
Our landscape architect informed us that the Italian Stone Pine (Pinus Pinea) trees,
planted right next to the property line between the Alons and us on both sides of the
easement, will grow at maturity to a height of 40-80 feet and width of 40-60 feet which
will definitely obstruct our view in the future.
Possible Solution for Concern 3:
We ask that the Alons replace the Italian Stone Pine trees with another type of tree that
will not exceed the height of 20-30 feet at full maturity. This is an issue which needs to
be dealt with now instead of waiting until it becomes a problem for us in the future.
We have been in communication with the Alons regarding these issues and have not
come to any resolutions as of today. Our intention is to work these issues out amicably
sooner rather than later to prevent future conflicts. We are planning to be present at the
hearing on Thursday to restate our concerns. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jonathan and Su Lee
RECEIVED
MAY 0 2 2007
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
From: Kristen Emery-Sphar [mailto:
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 11:24 AM
To: Leslie Hopper; Mahoney, Phil; Anne Degheest; Mark Vernon;
Cc: Bob Molinari Ph. D.; John Sphar (E-mail)
Subject: RE: Malavalli residence --tree removal & tower crane
Leslie,
My husband, John Sphar and I would also like to communicate that Anne, Mark and Phil
have done an excellent job of expressing our feelings on this subject. We were at the meeting
that Anne and Mark attended in Nov/Dec of 2005 - where the Malavalli s indicated that they
were dedicated to saving the trees. We will be at the meeting this week. Thanks, Kristen
Emery
-----Original Message -----
From: Leslie Hopper [mailto: Ihopper@losaltoshills.ca.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 11:19 AM
To: Mahoney, Phil; Anne Degheest; Mark Vernon; Kristen Emery-Sphar;
Cc: Bob Molinari Ph. D.
Subject: RE: Malavalli residence --tree removal & tower crane
Phil, Anne and Mark,
Thank you for your comments. I will pass them on to the Planning Commission
Leslie
5/2/2007
Page 2 of 3
From: Mahoney, Phil [mailto:
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2007 10:51 AM
To: Anne Degheest; Mark Vernon; Leslie Hopper; Kristen Emery-Sphar;
` Cc: Bob Molinari Ph. D.
�Ul Subject: RE: Malavalli residence --tree removal & tower crane
Dear Leslie,
I too very much echo this concern... trees that can be saved need to be, and grading that will endanger them is
not the spirit of what the Planning Commission wants.
Phil Mahoney
-----Original Message -----
From: Anne Degheest [mailto:
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2007 10:47 AM
To: 'Mark Vernon'; 'Leslie Hopper'; Mahoney, Phil; 'Kristen Emery-Sphar';
Cc: Bob Molinari Ph. D.
Subject: RE: Malavalli residence --tree removal & tower crane
Dear Leslie,
I can only second Mark Vernon's concerns that were so eloquently expressed.
In addition, I am very concerned that there could be a breach of trust between what the owner claimed
they wanted (preserve the oak trees) and what really happened afterwards (the actual grading plan). As
this project will require more discussion on multiple subjects over the next 3 years, it is important that we
enforce the intent of the planning commission which is to preserve the ridge line and large established
oak trees in order to ensure that what was agreed upon always get implemented with best efforts.
Could you also share my thoughts and support to the planning commission.
Best,
Anne
Anne DeGheest
From: Mark Vernon [mailto:
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2007 9:06 AM
To: Leslie Hopper; Anne Degheest Phil Mahoney; Kristen Emery-Sphar;
Subject: RE: Malavalli residence --tree removal & tower crane
Dear Leslie,
Thank you for obtaining the follow-up report from Mr. Coate and sending us a copy.
Mr. Coate states that "I commented that trees #130 and 4132 were both capable of being preserved if the
goal was to preserve as many trees on-site with the minimal level of risk tolerable to the owners" and then
goes on to explain how that could be done.
Mr. Coate then recommends removal of the trees based on the health of the trees "combined with the
effects of the proposed grading" This recommendation is based on the assumption that the owner is not
interested in saving these trees which is contrary to statements made by the owner and the owners
representatives, both in the public hearing and individually to town staff and the neighbors.
5/2/2007
N
Page 3 of 3
The recommendation to remove the trees is also based on the assumption that the proposed grading is
approved. However, approval of such grading would be contrary to the discussion, decision and
conditions of approval agreed to by the planning commission. Fundamentally the planning commission
found that if the proposed construction in any way posed a danger to these trees that the construction
plan would have to be modified. After all the discussion about careful excavation to prevent damage to
these tree's roots, how is it that the proposed grading ends up being so close to trees 4130, #131 (which
has no health problems), and #132 that Mr. Coates recommends their removal because such grading
would surely kill these trees?
It is outrageous that there is now even any discussion of the removal of tree #131. Obviously the detailed
grading plans submitted by the applicant completely ignored the neighbors and planning commission's
concerns about the impact of the project on the existing trees. Further, the fact that Mr. Coate is
recommending a modification to the grading line to protect trees 4133 to #137 if further evidence that the
proposed grading DOES NOT COMPLY with the conditions of the planning commission. Remember the
preservation of these trees is fundamental to upholding the goals of the Town General Plan — the
protection of ridgelines and the preservation of the natural elements that make this Town so special.
I strongly request that the Town and Planning Commission require modifications to the grading plan to
insure the protection of all of these trees. If this necessitates changes to the project design then so be it.
The applicant is making use of a team of highly skilled professionals. They have shown such an
admirable willingness and ability to respond to other issues and concerns regarding the design of their
project that it is somewhat mystifying why they have produced a grading plan so contrary to the spirit of
preserving these trees.
Can I assume that this, and all of my previous correspondence will be provided to the planning
commission or is there something else I need to do?
Sincerely,
Mark Vernon
Los Altos Hills.
From: Leslie Hopper [mailto:lhopper@losaltoshills.ca.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 2:15 PM
To: Anne Degheest; Mark Vernon; Phil Mahoney; Kristen Emery-Sphar;
Subject: Malavalli residence --tree removal & tower crane
Attached is a notice of the Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, May 3, 2007.
Also attached is Barrie Coate's report on the requested tree removal and replacement.
Please share this information with any other neighbors who might be interested.
Thank you,
Leslie Hopper
5/2/2007
Reference: Letter from Jonathan and Su Lee
Dear Brian,
In response to the letter presented by Sue and Jonathan Lee highlighting 3
concerns, we would like to point out the following:
Concern 1: Visibility of Easement:
The exit and entrance to Lupine, which is the concern, was serving the Lee's as
well as our property. Lupine, the main road, at the intersection was only 8-9 Ft wide. The
turn was extremely sharp and narrow supporting only one car, and was blocked by
overgrown neglected vegetation we inherited once we acquired the property that blocked
all views.
The following picture demonstrates the original condition; you will see that it is
hard to find the entrance to the road.
Following a substantial investment we have taken on ourselves, we have widened
the main road, Lupine, to 24 feet eliminating the sharp turn. As illustrated in the
following picture:
RECEIVED
May 3, 2007
Ricki and Zvi Alon
MAY 0 3 2007
27673 Lupine Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
TOWN OF LOS MOS HILLS
Brian Froelich
Town of Los Altos Hills
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Reference: Letter from Jonathan and Su Lee
Dear Brian,
In response to the letter presented by Sue and Jonathan Lee highlighting 3
concerns, we would like to point out the following:
Concern 1: Visibility of Easement:
The exit and entrance to Lupine, which is the concern, was serving the Lee's as
well as our property. Lupine, the main road, at the intersection was only 8-9 Ft wide. The
turn was extremely sharp and narrow supporting only one car, and was blocked by
overgrown neglected vegetation we inherited once we acquired the property that blocked
all views.
The following picture demonstrates the original condition; you will see that it is
hard to find the entrance to the road.
Following a substantial investment we have taken on ourselves, we have widened
the main road, Lupine, to 24 feet eliminating the sharp turn. As illustrated in the
following picture:
W e kept the original signage pointing to the Lee's resident and placed it back in
its new position as illustrated by the following picture:
The new wide road, Lupine, and the access to the Lee's was substantially
improved and presents no hazard to any driver so long as that the driver behaves
responsibly, like they should, when they enter or exit any turn to a side road.
All the new vegetation installed was done In accordance with the original intent of
screening our house - in line with what we have been instructed to do.
Concern 2: Identity to Our Property:
As illustrated by the above pictures the identity has only improved from its
original state.
We would also like to point out that an alternative proposal to further
improvement of the above 2 concerns was made several times and was
rejected by the fee's. The alternative is the relocation of the access road
to a location near the fence that will improve the above and many other
aspects.
Concern 3: "Italian Stone Pine Trees will obstruct our views":
In January 2007, we were approached by our neighbors Jonathan and Su Lee who
requested that we make changes in both the location and types of a couple of our trees.
In our continuous effort to please our neighbors we relocated two Cedars twice and
discussed the replacement choice prior to planting. The new choice, Italian Stone Pines,
was acceptable to the Lees.
These trees are native to the area and integrate well with the natural landscape.
This tree grows an average of 2 feet per year. From their present height and location it
will take more than 25 years for them to potentially cause any obstruction to the Lees
view. We have assured the Lees that at any time in the future, when and if, any of the
trees in question on our property obstructs their view we will comply with the Town
View Ordinance and trim those trees properly.
The following e-mails will illustrate thank you notes from the Lee's following the
relocation of trees originally planted In the same location as well as the choice of the
replacement Italian Stone Pines:
On January 9, 2007, Jonathan Lee sent us the following "Thank you for
relocating and replacing the discussed trees. We appreciate your follow
through -And, BTW, the widened road looks good."
On January 14, 2007, Mr. Lee further stated "Thank you for your reply and
thank you for you generous gesture regarding the expenses related to the tree
situation. Su and I appreciate your concern for our views."
In the good spirit of a good neighbor we have not asked for any compensation, the
original trees planted have been "placed by the Pine trees in agreement with Jonathan.
The following picture illustrates the current size of the trees - about 8 feet tall:
The trees are planted 20 feet below newly planted trees that the Lee's planted in
direct line of site above the pine trees. The trees the Lee's planted are currently
exceeding 20 feet and will reach 35 feet In height. This leaves a 55 feet maximum height
clearance for the pines before they will reach above the trees planted by the Lee's. The
average heights of the Pines are 55 feet which is in line with the clearance. As far as
exceeding the clearance, the city has a very specific ordinance to address ins trimming.
We have tried very hard to accommodate our neighbors' concerns. We began by
responding to the Town's condition to plant a significant number of trees around the
property to provide sufficient screening immediately following the grading. This
condition was in response to original concerns by the neighbors to screen our house
properly. On savant occasions we consulted with Leslie Hopper as to the planting of the
trees and followed the town guidance and feedback.
Based on further feedback from neighbors in our ana; our vegetation and street
improvements have enhanced the street and provided a wider and safer mad in addition
to providing a proper screening.
Thank you for the opportunity to reply.
Sincerely,
Ricki and Zvi Alon