HomeMy Public PortalAbout19830209 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 83-03 eting 63-3
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MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
375 DISTEL CIRCLE,SUITE D-1,LOS ALTOS,CALIFORNIA 94022
(415) 965-4717
l
SPECIAL MEETING
I
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Wednesday Las Lomitas School
February 9 , 1983 Cano Hall
7 : 30 P.M. 299 Alameda de las Pulgas
Atherton, California
(see map on back)
A G E N D A
(7 :30) ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF MINUTES (January 26 , 1983)
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
I
(7: 45) PUBLIC HEARING
1 . Request for District Support - The Hill--B. Green
(9 : 15) INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
CLAIMS
ADJOURNMENT
i
Herbert A.Grench,General Manager
Board of Directors:Katherine Duffy.Barbara Green,Nonette G.Hanko,Richard S.Bishop,Edward G.Shelley,Harry A.Turner,Daniel G.Wendin
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MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
375 DISTEL CIRCLE,SUITE D-1,LOS ALTOS,CALIFORNIA 94022
(415) 965-4717
NOTICE OF FEBRUARY KEETI14G SCHEDULE
Special Meeting - February 9 , 1983
There will be a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional open Space District on Wednesday, February 9 ,
1983 at 7 : 30 P.M. in Cano Hall at Las Lomitas School , 299 Alameda
de las Pulgas, Atherton (see map on back) . The primary purpose
of the meeting is for the Board of Directors to consider whether
or not the District should contribute in some form up to 5% of
the funds, not to exceed $250, 000, needed to purchase the property
known as The Hill, and the role, if any, that the District should
have in the management of the property if acquired.
First Regular Meeting - February 9 , 1983
The first Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space District, which would have been held on Wednesday,
February 9, 1983, has been cancelled in order to hold the Special
Meeting in Menlo Park on the same date.
Special Meeting - February 16, 1983
There will be a Special meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District on Wednesday, February 16,
1983 at 7 : 30 P.M. at the District office, 375 Distel Circle, Suite D-1,
Los Altos. The Board will be considering those agenda items which
would have been considered at the first Regular Meeting of the month.
Second Regular Meeting - February 23, 1983
The second Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors 'of the
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District will be held as scheduled
on Wednesday, February 23, 1983 at the District office beginning at
7 : 30 P.M.
Herbert A.Grench,General Manager
Board of Directors:Katherine Duffy,Barbara Green,Nonette G.Hanko,Richard S.Bishop,Edward G.Shelley,Harry A.Turner,Daniel G.Wendin
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Meeting 83-3
February 9, 1983
February 6, 1983
Board of Directors
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
375 Distel Circle
Los Altos California
Ladies and Gentlemen:
For more than 10 years we havefollowed with interest
citizens efforts to keep "The Hill" open, undeveloped, and
public. Current moves to form a "Benefit District" we h ope will
be successful and that we will some day see this hilltop and its
small forest preserved, both for the survival of its population
of birds and other wildlife and also for the enjoyment of those who value
such a place.
The accessibility of"The Hill" from hiking and
bicycle routes and bus lines is advantageous. Within the "Benefit Districtk
boundaries in west Menlo Park and Atherton, the bicycle affords an easy
and non— intrusive form of transportation. Sam Trans bus line provide
access from some areas of Menlo Park and on the route in Atherton along
the Alameda de las Pulgas. For bicylist and walker the hill is about
a mile from thetrails and bike lanes of the Sand Hill Road portion of
a trail loop that continues around Alpineand Portola roads.
For bicyclists "The Hill" is only a few blocks from a
large network
k of well—marked generously spaced bike lanes extending
into the intensely urban Bay plain/: SandHill Road, which has both
bike lanes and also paved paths on both sides from Santa Cruz Avenue to
Freeway 280; Junipero Serra Boulevard with wide bike lanes down its
length to Los Altos, and connections to Stanford; Willow Road down past
Oak Creek Apartments; Santa Cruz Avenue and the Alameda de las Pulgas
out to Atherton Avenue.
WE hope MORSD will find a way to be helpful to the proposed
District if it successful in gaining the support of its constituency.
Webelieve MROSD could aid "The Hill" in planning for the management of
lands that are open to the public for low intensity use and not developed
because of its unique experience with such lands.
Cordially,
Frances spangle
J'6an Rus((moire �xc
�ortoToar�Mal sa� Way
I
trv"IUT"_ OCKAUNICATI%T
Meeting 83-3
CLARENCE E. HELLER February 9, 1983
98 FAXON ROAD
ATHERTON, CALIFORNIA 94025
February 7, 1983
r7
15 rtc /0
Mid-Peninsula Regional open
Space District
Dear Friends:
As a life long Peninsula resident I would like to
enthusiastically endorse your proposed donation of
$250,000 directed to the efforts of many local residents
to purchase the property in West Menlo Park known as
"The Hill." As you know, this beautiful spot is the
last remaining substantial piece of open space in the
area. As one very much involved in the campaign I am
most hopeful that you will make a generous contribution.
Further, I would like to take this opportunity to
recommend that the Open Space District agree to manage
the property when, hopefully, an assessment district is
formed among the residents of University and Menlo
Heights, parts of Menlo Park and Atherton to purchase
the property. MROSD is the logical choice. Your staff
has consistently proved its professional competence and,
in my opinion, is held in very high esteem.
Best wishes,
Clarence Heller
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Meeting 83-3
STANFORD UNIVERSITY February 9, 1983
STANFORD,CALIFORNIA 94305-2493
II
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
February 8, 198i
Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District
375 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022
To whom it may concern:
As a conservation biologist who specializes in problems of
land use and conservation of natural diversity, I wish to provide
my perspective on "The Hill " . After more than two decades of
rapid growth on the Peninsula we are confronted by a situation,
particularly east of the Coast Range, never before confronted by
the human inhabitants of this area--instead of living in a land-
scape where open space is the rule, we now find it the exception.
There would be little point in repeating arguments about the
benefits , indeed the necessity of open space, for our community .
However, it is worth reminding ourselves of the scale of the
problem. As any student of natural history knows , there is little
left on the Peninsula which resembles natural habitat. As profes-
sional conservation biologists are learning, there is a limit to
the extent open space can be reduced or modified and be expected
to maintain any semblance of the natural diversity originally
supported.
Reasonably prudent development has spared the Peninsula
(with no small contribution from the Mid-Peninsula keqional Open
Space District ) from the destruction of natural 'landscape on the
scale witnessed in Southern California. However, even if all
further development of open space were halted on the Peninsula,
the diversity of our natural landscape would continue to decay as
the remnant natural habitats become islands in a sea of human-
dominated landscape. As such, they are subject to the continual
attrition of native wildlife species as a result of invasions of
exotics and insufficient area to maintain viable native plant and
animal populations.
Although not entirely pristine, the Hill should be preser-
ved. Indeed, efforts should be made to preserve all existing open
space. Should we learn in the future that we have more than
enough natural habitat to provide a healthy environment for our
community, the decision to hold the line now, can be reversed.
Since our capability to restore natural habitat is limited, the
decision to develop now is virtually irreversible.
Sincerely,
Bruce A. D.
Research Associate
1 I �
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DRUM, 1
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�.� a�
y Mee' 'ng 83-2
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
f 375 DISTEL CIRCLE,SUITE D-1,LOS ALTOS,CALIFORNIA 94022
(415)965-4717
REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
JANUARY 26, 1983
MINUTES
I. ROLL CALL
President Barbara Green called the meeting to order at 7 :35 P.M.
Members Present: Katherine Duffy, Daniel Wendin, Barbara Green, Edward
Shelley, Nonette Hanko, and Harry Turner. Richard Bishop arrived at
7:38 P.M.
Personnel Present: Herbert Grench, Craig Britton, David Hansen, Charlotte
MacDonald, Jean Fiddes, William Tannenbaum, Del Woods, Alice Watt, and
Mary Gundert.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A) January 12, 1983
j Motion: E. Shelley moved the approval of the minutes of January 12 , 1983.
D. Wendin seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
III. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
J. Fiddes stated the following written communications had been received:
1) a letter, dated January 15, 1983, from Ulrich Kaempf of Los Altos,
favoring prohibiting dogs on District preserves; and
2) a letter, dated January 18, 1983, from Henry R. Hayes of Woodside,
favoring allowing dogs on District preserves and discussing specific
field training requirements for retrievers.
R. Bishop stated both letters had been forwarded to the members of the
Dog Committee for their January 19 meeting, and B. Green requested both
names be added to the dog notification list.
IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
B. Green indicated the agenda was adopted as presented by Board consensus.
V. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no oral communications.
VI. OLD BUSINESS WITH ACTION REQUESTED
A) Program Evaluation foiF-1-9-82-837 and Setting of Priorities for 1983-84
H. Grench reviewed the schedule for the preparation of the Action Plan
for the 1983-84 fiscal year, and he, C. Britton, D. Hansen, and
C. MacDonald, referring to memorandum M-83-3 of December 21, 1982,
discussed the changes in the proposed objectives and key projects
and subprograms
for
and activities in their respective programs Pro 9
the 1983-84 fiscal year.
B. Green stated the Board' s consensus that the last portion of the
proposed objective for the Public Participation and Education Subprogram
Pro P J
be amended to read " . . .. to inform and educate the constituency about
the District' s sites, programs and goals" .
Meeting 83-2 Page Two "
Motion: E. Shelley moved the Board approve the progress report
and tentatively adopt the key projects and activities for
1983-84 . H. Turner seconded the motion. The motion
passed unanimously.
The Board discussed holding a workshop for the Board and staff on
the topic of the District' s next ten years. N. Hanko suggested
the workshop be held in the summer. B. Green stated there was a
Board consensus to hold such a workshop and said she would later
appoint a sub-committee of the Board to work with staff on the
format and content of the workshop.
B) Notice of Determination for a Negative Declaration for the Monte
Bello Open Space Preserve Demonstration Burn
D. Hansen reviewed memorandum M-83-13 , dated Janaury 17, 1983, and he and
A. Watt explained slides depicting the area to be burnt. D. Hansen
noted the short term negative impacts were potential only during
the burn period and that staff had determined that a Negative
Declaration was warranted for the project. Discussion followed regarding the
Environmental Assessment.
Motion: H. Turner moved the Board approve the Negative Declaration
for the project. E. Shelley seconded the motion. The motion
passed unanimously.
D. Wendin stated he felt staff should not allow visual impact to be
the only reason for not conducting a second burn later in the spring
on the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve.
VII .NEW BUSINESS WITH ACTION REQUESTED
A) "The Hill" Committee Requests
H. Grench, referring to memorandum M-83-14A of January 24 , 1983, discussed
the reasons he could not interpret the Board's policies regarding the
acquisition of urban open space of regional significance as being ful-
filled by the property known as The Hill. He recommended the Board support
the local communities ' efforts to preserve The Hill as permanent open space,
but, due to the land not qualifying under guiding District acquisition
policies, the Board not appropriate any District funds for acquisition
or maintenance of the property.
H. Turner reviewed in detail his letter of January 26, 1983 to the
members of the Board regarding 1) endorsement and support of the efforts
of local constituencies and political leadership in the vicinity of The
Hill to assemble the resources and to buy the full fee title of the entire
property from a willing seller at a mutually agreed upon fair market price;
and 2) his suggestion the Board specify a grant amount in the range of
$100,000 to $ 250,000 , according to what the Board believes would be the
most cost-effective use of District funds. He said he felt the appro-
priation of funds for the project was consistent with the Board' s ex-
ception policy for acquisition of urban open space of regional significance
because of the uncommon public support to preserve the property, the
property' s regional attraction for nature study, the property' s regional
access, and its unusual natural value. He proposed that in order for
District funds to be applied, the seller of the property must be willing,
the entire 38 acres must be acquired, and the use of the property must be
publicly accessible open space. H. Turner stated he felt it would be
appropriate for the District to assist in the preparation of a use and
management plan for The Hill, but noted the implementation of the plan
should be the responsibility of a local jurisdiction and suggested The
Hill Committee look first to Menlo Park for management of the property.
Page Three
He added the District should send letters to Menlo Park and San Mateo
County informing them of any District action and the reasons for such
action. He stated that the Board should clearly explain to members of
the public that its actions were consistent with established, previously
existing policy regarding exceptional acquisition of urban open space
and said the Board should strive to avoid the possible misinterpretation
that the District was embarking on a new policy to participate in un-
developed land acquisition in urban areas throughout the District.
B. Green stated the Board might want to attach strict criteria to any
funds allocated for The Hill project so as to preclude other groups or
organizations interested in preserving undeveloped urban land from
assuming The Hill support was a precedent set by the Board.
N. Hanko stated she felt The Hill was an exception to the policy of not
acquiring urban open space because of its inherent open space nature,
possible trail links from Menlo Park and Atherton to a Sand Hill Trail
and perhaps connections to Stanford land. She said she felt the property
had a regional significance since it was in an unincorporated part of
San Mateo County and did not fall under any single jurisdiction. She
said the Board should endorse the efforts to acquire the property, con-
tribute up to 5% of the assessment amount or $250, 000 to the project,
and meet in brainstorming sessions with County representatives to
determine the best way to have the property managed.
Larry Jensen, The Hill Committee's attorney on the establishment of the
assessment district, discussed the financial aspects of the project.
He noted more than $5 million was reauired to purchase the property and
said that, if the assessment were done on a parcel by parcel basis, the
assessment would be in the order of $100 per year for 20 years, or
approximately $700 per parcel.
Phyllis Cangemi, speaking in behalf of The Hill Committee, discussed her
letter of January 20, 1983 to the Board which requested the Board
1) consider endorsing the community effort to purchase The Hill; 2)
consider a grant of $250,000 toward the purchase of the property should
the formation of the assessment district be successful; and 3) consider
very seriously the acceptance of The Hill into the District, with this
acceptance being contingent upon a satisfactory arrangement between the
District and the community purchasing the property regarding the manage-
ment of the property. She noted the psychological effect of a contribution
from the District would greatly boost the morale of the people in the
communities involved who were interested in preserving The Hill.
D. Wendin said he basically supported going ahead with the District
making a token contribution to the acquisition since he felt the District
should help promote organized citizens ' efforts to acquire appropriate
urban open space. He cited the following reasons: 1) the passage of
Proposition 13; 2) the inability of jurisdictions to tax themselves in
order to purchase a piece of property like The Hill and thus having to
rely on the formation of special assessment districts in order to raise
the funds to acquire a piece of urban open space; and 3) the District
was a relatively solvent agency at this time. He noted he did not know
what the proper amount of money was to contribute to the acquisition of
The Hill and suggested the District not makes its total contribution
at one time. He said he was not afraid of any precedent the Board might
be setting in support of the efforts to acquire The Hill since he felt
the precedent the Board was setting was not buying lands like The Hill,
but rather making a token contribution to a local group working on a
well organized local project to acquire urban open space. He said since
this was a local project the question of who would manage the property
must be addressed, adding the District should not manage the property.
Page . Four
E. Shelley stated i-, as too early to make any xinitment on the specific
amount of District funds for this project, noting that if the Board did
approve funds for the project, the amount should be a certain percentage
of the project money not to exceed a specific dollar amount. He added
that if funds are appropriated for the project, tight limits should be
set on use of the funds, and said, from the management standpoint, he
was totally unwilling for the District to make any commitment for any-
thing other than advise on possible management planning.
R. Bishop stated his support for the District contributing funds for the
acquisition of the property because 1) the property had been an important
piece of land to the people of the area for many years, 2) it had a sub-
regional significance to Menlo Park, Atherton, and the University Heights
area, 3) it served to define urban form in the area as a divider of
three communities; 4) the people in the area had supported the annexation
of the area to the District, and 5) the property served as a visual
backdrop. He stated he supported E. Shelley's recommendation that a
certain percentage of money, not to exceed a maximum amount, be allocated
for the project, and that he did not feel the Board was setting a
precedent regarding the acquisition of urban open space since he felt
this was a very particular urban open space acquisition situation. He
said he favored a total commitment of District funds at the beginning
of the project.
K. Duffy stated she could support the project, but noted she felt manage-
ment of the property would be a problem and suggested the District funds
appropriated for the project be used for management of the property
and that the Board brainstorm to determine the best use of District funds.
Phyllis Cangemi stated she felt the people in the communities were looking
for a responsible body, like the District, to oversee what was going on
with the project and stated that, in terms of management,'* a creative
approach to co-managing the property with the people of the community
was being sought from the District.
Ernie Ramires, a District docent, noted The Hill property was very
accessible to members of the community because of the proximity to a
bus stop and said this was of particular importance to senior citizens
in the area.
Discussion then focused on holding a public meeting in Menlo Park in
order for the Board to hear from members of the communities involved
prior to making any commitment of District funds.
Motion: N. Hanko moved the District Board endorse and support the
efforts of local constituencies and political leadership in
the vicinity of The Hill to assemble the resources and to buy
the full fee title to the entire property from a willing seller
at a mutually agreed upon price. R. Bishop seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
Motion: N. Hanko moved the Board agree to contribute 5% , but not to
exceed $250,000 , for the purchase of the property contingent
upon the successful formation of the assessment district.
The motion died for lack of a second.
Motion: D. Wendin moved the Board schedule a Special Meeting for a date
to be selected by the President in Menlo Park to consider whether
or not the District should contribute in some form up to 5%
of the project not to exceed $250,000 and the role, if any,
that the District should have in the management of the property
after acquisition. E. Shelley seconded the motion.
Discussion: H. "wench stated staff concerr- were more directed
toward an on-9 g management responsibil for the District
rather than a one-time commitment of District funds for the
project. K. Duffy questioned whether a public meeting to discuss
The Hill was necessary. D. Wendin noted a public meeting was
necessary in order to gather public input before making a
commitment of public funds for the project and to discuss the
Board' s immense concern for the management of the property.
He noted he felt a majority of the Board members had indicated
that the District should not take on the responsibility of the
management of the property, and therefore, those individuals
requesting the District's support should address the issue of
how they propose the handle the management of the property.
The motion passed on the following vote:
Ayes: D. Wendin, B. Green, E. Shelley, N. Hanko, H. Turner,
and R. Bishop.
Noes: K. Duffy.
N. Hanko noted a meeting was being held at the Peninsula Open Space Trust
the next morning to discuss the formation of the special assessment
district to acquire The Hill and said she felt staff should be directed
to attend the meeting. B. Green noted a great deal of staff time could
be consumed if staff were directed to attend all meetings concerning
The Hill. H. Grench stated there would be staff in attendance at the
January 27 meeting at P.O.S.T.
Discussion then centered on the format of the staff report for the
Special Meeting in Menlo Park. R. Bishop stated he felt the report
should address possible options for management of the property. B.
Green stated she felt the report should address what management alternatives
and possibilities are, what needs to be done with the property, and what
resources are available to do what needs to be done. D. Hansen noted
that recommendations on the management of the property were dependent
upon what type of activities the members of the community were interested in
pursuing on the property. E. Shelley stated that, at a minimum, the
report should address what staff felt the District could contribute in
terms of management of the property and state the District' s position
on management of the property. R. Bishop stated he agreed with E.
Shelley' s recommendation for the staff report. N. Hanko stated the report
should include creative thinking on ways the District could contribute
a use and management plan for the property, but noted that the community
itself should set up the endowment fund and pay for whatever management
is necessary. She added she felt the individuals involved in the project
were not looking to the District for financial support in terms of
management of the property, but rather guidance in order to put together
a management plan for the property based on what the members of the
community wanted.
The Board discussed the date and location for the Special Meeting.
Phyllis Cangemi stated Las Lomitas School in Atherton would be a good
location, and the Board decided the best date for the Special Meeting
in Menlo Park was Wednesday, February 9.
Motion: D. Wendin moved the Board postpone its Regular Meeting of
February 9 to February 16 . E. Shelley seconded the motion.
Discussion: H. Grench noted it might not be necessary for the
Board to hold two Regular Meetings in February.
Motion to Amend: D. Wendin moved to amend his motion to cancel the
February 9 Regular Meeting and to authorize the President to
call a Special Meeting on February 16 if necessary. E. Shelley
concurred with the wording change in the motion to amend.
The amended motion passed unanimously.
The Board recessed for a break at 10: 27 P.M. and reconvened for the
public meeting at 10 :33 P.M.
B) Authorit to Ne qotiate for the Purchase of Surplus Federal Real
V g - -�
Property Located on Mt. Umunhum andIft. Thayer
_
C. Britton reviewed report R-83-4 , dated January 20, 1983, noting the
Federal Government required the adoption of the resolution
in order for staff to commence discussionsto, purchase the designated
property.
Motion: K. Duffy moved the adoption of Resolution 83-2, a Resolution
of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional open
Space District Authorizing the Commencement of Negotiations for
Acquisition of Certain Surplus Real Property Located Within
the District Boundaries (Manzanita Ridge Open Space Preserve
Federal Surplus Real Property (Almaden Air Force Station) Mt.
Umunhum and Mt. Thayer) . D. Wendin seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
Preserve Use and Management Plan
C) Los Trancos , open Space d Management
D. Woods the Los Trancos open Space Preserve Use an
Plan (report R-83-3 of Janaury 6 , 1983) and showed slides to illustrate
various points discussed in the report.
N. Hanko noted the last paragraph on page two Of the report should
when discussing regional trail connections,
include the Arastra property
tion of the Preserve as a -site that was not
and questioned the descrip
highly emphasized.
D. Woods responded the Preserve was in the middle of the range in the
site emphasis scale that addressed of for development, and he
Los Trancos open Space Preserve a "self-sustaini
added staff considered the
preserve at this time.
Motion: K. Duffy moved the tentative adoption of the revised use and
management plan for the Los Trancos open Space Preserve as
contained in the staff report. N. Hanko seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
D) Review of Mid peninsula Regional open Space Preserve Progress Report
H. Turner, referring to memorandum M-83-15, dated January 21, 1983,
stated the Progress Report Review committee had reviewed the draft text of the Progress Report, had given its approval to the basic content
of the draft text, and had agreed to disband.
N. Hanko requested the statement concerning pets on District preserves
be amended to read "Preserve use by pets is restricted so wildlife
natural conditions" . The Board concurred with
can be observed under this wording change. other changes mentioned by members of the
Board included deletion o
including the hire
f the words "pays off" ,
in
of the District' s first Land Manager and Land Acquisition Manager
the 1974 section, and minor wording changes .
H. Grench stated the format and length of the ten year history section
had not yet been finalized.
Page Seven
Motion: H. Turner moved the Board give its approval for the draft
text of the Progress Report with the understanding there
may be deletions or minor editorial changes. N. Hanko
seconded the motion.
Discussion: C. MacDonald clarified for the Board that the
Peninsula Open Space Trust was planning to mail the Progress
Report to all District residents. The motion passed unanimously.
E) Appointment of Board Committees (Memorandum M-83-04, dated Janaury 14 , 1983
B. Green, with the Board's concurrence, appointed H. Turner, D. Wendin,
and E. Shelley to serve on the Budget Committee and R. Bishop,B. Green,
and H. Turner to continue serving on the Legislative Committee.
B. Green stated the Picchetti Winery Proposals Committee and the
Thornewood Proposal Review Committee had previously been disbanded, noting
K. Duffy and H. Turner had been appointed as Board representatives on
the Picchetti Winery and Thornewood Restoration Committees.
Discussion centered on whether the Structures Committee should be disbanded.
N. Hanko stated she felt the Committee should not be disbanded so that
it could review administrative guidelines for rental of District structures.
D. Wendin suggested the members of the Structures Committee discuss among
themselves whether or not the Committee should be disbanded, and E.
Shelley requested the Board, at a convenient meeting in the future,
address the question of whether to disband the Structures Committee.
B. Green stated K. Duffy, N. Hanko, and E. Shelley should continue
to serve on the Structures Committee until the question of disbanding
the Committee was resolved.
Motion: D. Wendin moved the Board disband the Redistricting Committee.
E. Shelley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
B. Green appointed D. Wendin to replace K. Duffy on the Office Space
Committee.
Motion: N. Hanko moved the Board disband the Windmill Pasture Liaison
Committee. H. Turner seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Motion: N. Hanko moved the Board disband the City Annexation Procedures
Committee. K. Duffy seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
B. Green stated she and N. Hanko would continue to serve on the Public
Transportaion Committee.
Motion: E. Shelley moved the Board disband the Progress Report Review
Committee. N. Hanko seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Motion: H. Turner moved the formation of the Rancho San Antonio Open
Space Preserve Upper House Proposal Criteria Formulation
Committee. E. Shelley seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
B. Green appointed D. Wendin, E. Shelley, and N. Hanko to serve on the
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve Upper House Proposal Criteria
Formulation Committee.
Page Eight
F) Revision of Authorized Signatoriesfor District Accounts and Safe
Deposit Box
J. Fiddes reviewed memorandum M-83-12, dated January 17, 1983, regarding
the revision of authorized financial signatories as a result of the
election of officers for 1983.
Motion: D. Wendin moved the adoption of Resolution 83-3, a Resolution of
the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District Establishing Financial Instrument Signatories of the Dis-
trict for Santa Clara County Accounts. K. Duffy seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion: D. Wendin moved the adoption of Resolution 83-4 , a Resolution of
the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space I
District Approving Certificate of Authority of Officers (First
Interstate Bank of California) . K. Duffy seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.
Motion: D. Wendin moved the adoption of Resolution 83-5, a Resolution of
the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Dis-
trict Authorizing Signing and Endorsing Checks and Other Instruments for
Savings Account (First Interstate Bank of California - Los Altos) .
K. Duffy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion: D. Wendin moved the adoption of Resolution 83-6, a Resolution of
the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District Authorizing Signing and Endorsing Checks and other
Instruments for Checking Account (First Interstate Bank of
California - Los Altos) . K. Duffy seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
Motion: D. Wendin moved the adoption of Resolution 83-7 , a Resolution of
the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District Establishing Signatories for Entering Safe Deposit
Box (First Interstate Bank of California - Los Altos) . K. Duffy
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
G) Renewal of Investment Authority (Memorandum M-83-10, dated January 11,1983:1
Motion: D. Wendin moved the adoption of. Resolution 83-8 , a Resolution
of the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional Open
Space District Authorizing Certain Board Employees to Invest
Temporarily Idle Funds in Securities Allowed by Government Code.
K. Duffy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
VIII.INFORMATIONAL REPORTS
K. Duffy stated she had made a presentation about the District to the
Foothill Men' s Garden Club and had shown one of the District slideshows.
She presented the Board with a $100 contribution to the District she -
had received from one of the Club' s members. B. Green requested staff
send a letter of thanks for the contribution.
D. Hansen reported the District had been invited to participate in a
Santa Cruz Mountain trails project by the Appalachian Mountain Club,
discussed recent storm damage on District land, and said BCDC had approved
the Lucky Acres subdivision in Menlo Park.
Page Nine
IX. CLAIMS
Motion: E. Shelley moved the adoption of the revised claims 83-2,
dated Janaury 26, 1983. R. Bishop seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
X. CLOSED SESSION
The Board recessed to a Closed Session on land negotiation and litigation
matters.
XI. ADJOUR14MENT
The Board reconvened to adjourn at 12 :07 A.M. , Thursday, Janaury 27, 1983.
Jean H. Fiddes
District Clerk
Claims 83-2
Meeting 83-2
January 26,1983
Revised
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
C L A I M S
III!a .Amount Name Descjffij2tion
I4001 $ 405.00 Alfred H. Truesdell and Debt Service-&ngey Property
Karen Truesdell
4002 12.00 Amerigas Oxygen/Acetylene Refill
4003 22.31 James Boland Reimbursement-Ranger Uniform
+004 61.22 CA Water Service Water Service-Rancho San Antonio
�+005' 60.17 The Dark Room Photo Processing
4006 20.00 East Bay Regional Park District Training-D. Sanguinetti and D. Danielson
�007 14.09 Ewert's Photo Slide Mounting Kit
08 120.00 Jean H. Fiddes Reimbursement-Purchasing Conference
Registration
09 150.00 Fire and Land Management Burn Consultation Services-Monte Bello
Open Space Preserve
10 1,149.25 First American Title Insurance Co. Preliminary Title Reports and Escrow Fee
11 3,409.35 Frahm, Edler and Carmis Consulting Services-Acquisition
12 17.45 Jacobs Bros. Freight Charge
013 6,416.99 Jeffries Banknote Company Coupon Book Printing 1982 Negotiable
Promissory Notes
14 17.50 Emma Jobnson Reimbursement-Subscripton
W15 21.00 Management Learning Laboratories Training Cassettes-D. Hansen
016 36.88 Norney's Miscellaneous Office Supplies
�17 55.27 The Hub Schneiders, Inc. Ranger Uniforms
1018 27.50 Las Palmas Pool Service Temporary Pool Maintenance
019 180.00 Lauren Langford Typesetting-All-Site Brochure
�020 196.49 Joyce Nicholas Reimbursement-Open Space T-Shirts for
i021 141.67 Orchard Supply Hardware Miscellaneous Shop and Field Docents
Supplies
I1022 2.19 Palo Alto Utilities Utilities-Electricity
i023 370.02 PG and E Utilities-Electricity j
i024 1,138.03 Peninsula Oil Co. Gas for District Vehicles
025 160.00 The Regents of the University of CA Training Seminar-D. Hansen
026 4,000.00 Kurt L. Reitman and Associates Appraisal Services
027 3,925.22 Rogers, Vizzard and Tallett Legal Services-Decerrber
w028 169.24 S & W Equipment Co. Field Supplies Parts and Maintenance
029 37.75 San Jose Art Drafting Supplies
__.�.�Ik�}�j§r }� �y
• ko-a:iid.MJ V 4`®®®...Page L
1-teting 83-2 • Revised
Jan 26,, 1983 .
An, Name De crigtion
MO $ 160.00 County of San Mateo Density Matrix Study
+031 3,301.50 Scribner Graphic Press Inc. Printing-loth Anniversary Poster and
All-Site Brochure
032 22.81 Sears Equipment Repairs
P3 85.00 Sids Custom Upholstery District Vehicle Mdntenance '
034 17.42 Sign.of the Tines Trail Sign-Rancho San Antonio `
iin35 4,000.00 Ware, Fletcher, & Freidenrich Legal Services-Com amication Leases
36 81.94 West Coast Shoe Co. Ranger Uniforms
37 92.50 ' Willis Photo Lab Duplicate Slides
W38 194.11 Xerox Maintenance: Agreement _
039 58.58 . ZZZ Sanitation Co. . Los.Trancas Portable Toilets
4040 58.00 Bruce Hulberg Planning Consultant-Mileage Reinburseme:
�041 . 175.93 Charlotte MacDonald Reimbursement-Printing of loth
Anniversary Schedule of Events
042 224.99 Petty Cash Printing,Private Vehicle Expenses
Local ?deal Conference s , 'Prints
and Slides ,Miscellaneous Office
Supplies , Film-,Duplicate Keys fox
Rental, and Postage L
• .
M-83-17
(Meeting 83-3
A. February 9, 1983)
'V1001
loam 0 MW
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
February 4 , 1983
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: H. Grench, General Manager
SUBJECT: Request for District Support - The Hill
Introduction: Attached is a memorandum (M-83-16, dated February 3 ,
1983) from David Hansen to me regarding site management options
for The Hill. This analysis was done in response to your request
of January 26, 1983. The question of District monetary partici-
pation toward acquisition or a management fund as it relates to
your acquisition policies was addressed by me in my memorandum
of January 24 , 1983 (M-83-14A) .
Recommendation: I recommend that for the reasons given in the
attached memorandum you decide that the District would advise,
if requested, on developing use and management plans for the site,
that the District would be available in a limited advisory capacity
for on-going management, that the District would not manage or
oversee management of the site, and that the District would not
hold title to The Hill (if successfully funded by a benefit
assessment district) . I further recommend that an open space
easement in favor of the District be required in exchange for
any District contribution toward acquisition and/or a management
fund.
P-1-8 3-16
(Meeting 83-3
Al AA. February 9 , 1983)
%k
IVIOF
Avg=41 Lk
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
February 3, 1983
TO: H. Grench, General Manager
FROM: D. Hansen, Land Manager
PREPARATION ASSISTANCE: J. Boland, Operations Supervisor; D. Woods ,
Open Space Planner
SUBJECT: Request for District Support - The Hill
Background: At their meeting of January 26 , 1983, the Board voted
to endorse and support local community and political efforts to
acquire the 38 acre property known as "The Hill" in Menlo Park for
public open space. At the same time, they voted to convene a Special
Meeting in Menlo Park to consider whether or not the District should
contribute in some form up to 50 of the total purchase price, not to
exceed $250,000, and what role, if any, the District should have in
the management of the property after acquisition. In this report,
I will attempt to outline the management options of the property,
including initial needs and costs, as well as long term maintenance
options .
Discussion: While the Board endorsed the project and may agree to
contribute funds toward acquisition and/or maintenance, Land Manage-
ment staff strongly feels that the District should not hold title
to the property or be involved in the actual physical management
or even the management administration by another group of The Hill
except in a minor advisory capacity to aid in completing a use and
management plan for the site.
Several crucial questions remain which need to be answered before
any physical protection plans or improvements are even considered
for the property:
1) If the land is acquired, who will hold title to the site?
2) Assuming the District will not manage the site, what organization
or body will be responsible for long term site management?
3) What agency will provide police and fire protection for the property?
4) Will the site be managed in a manner similar to that of District
sites or will substantial park-type improvements , such as an
interpretive center, parking lots, ranger or caretaker residence,
nt
designed walkways, native plant gardens , etc. be envisioned for
development? Will the site, in fact, require a long term
master plan?
5) What funds are available or envisioned for immediate site protection
and long term planning and management?
6) If the District maintains the site, how should it be incorporated
into the Relative Site Emphasis Policies?
M-83-16 Page two
Indications from Phyllis Cangemi and other local neighbors are that
the primary management needs would be to improve and protect the
land to a condition similar to that of current District lands.
Basic needs and costs for this type of management would be approxi-
mately as follows:
A. Basic Maintenance and Protection
Estimated start up costs, including installation, labor and
materials would be $40 ,000 , detailed as follows :
1 . 1200 feet of rail fencing at Trinity,
along Tioga, at Continental, La Loma
and along Altschul $15,000
2. 3 gates at Altschul, La Loma and Trinity
Drives $ 3,500
3. 5 pedestrian stiles at all entries,
including handicapped entry $ 1 ,000
4 . Signing at all entrances $ 500
5. Gravel parking lot at La Loma Drive -
including fencing, car stops, etc. $20,000
B. Ongoing annual site maintenance and protection
costs: $24 , 000
Detailed as follows :
1 . Caretaker/ranger employed at 14 hours per week
and on call for patrol and maintenance labor
and expenses $15, 000
2 . Upkeep of gates, fencing, signs , etc. $ 5,000
3. Fire breaks/labor, trash removal costs $ 4 ,000
Additional developed facilities as suggested by Ms . Cangemi, with
respective management needs and costs could be envisioned as follows:
Additional Maintenance Costs :
1 . Caretaker/ranger empleyed full time (includes
vehicle and other necessary equipment) $35 ,000 annual cost
2 . Caretaker/ranger residence, rental or
construction $ 9,000 annual rent,or
$70 ,000 build
3. Invasive non-native plant material
removal (and other tree work) $ 5, 000
4. Trail throughout site (as shown on
Ray Smith plan) $ 6 , 000
5. Erosion control, repair, reseeding $ 3, 000
6 . Small interpretive building (basic
construction) $50 ,000
7. Further interpretive signing $ 900
If all of the above were constructed and a full-time ranger employed,
annual maintenance costs would average $43 ,000
M-83-16 Page three
However, these costs could be substantially lowered by community
volunteer efforts and increased local police surveillance and could,
in fact, preclude the hiring of a caretaker/ranger solely for the
property.
It should be understood that the District does not at this time
maintain any lands similar to this, where the site is totally
surrounded by the backyards and fences of three diverse urban
neighborhoods, or with site access points at such numerous locations.
Indications from East Bay Regional Parks District and the Marin County
Open Space District, who maintain urban open space lands similar to
this, is that if substantial gates and fencing to prevent vehicle
use are installed, are well maintained and repaired quickly if
damaged, and if a consistent Ranger or enforcement presence is
maintained, site problems will be minor. one key element, again,
would be to involve community efforts and pride in the site for both
actual construction and maintenance activities. This community
spirit and concern for the property as "our open space" could aid
greatly in discouraging abusive use and substantially lower annual
maintenance costs.
Land Management staff concerns for the District ' s working in this
enforcement and maintenance role as outlined above would be that
this is a substantial change from our current District land management
routines, in which present duties encompass more remote rural sites .
This site lends itself to the intense city type parks maintenance
work, with strong local police protection providing constant site
surveillance and protection, along with neighborhood volunteer help.
Also, from the District' s point of view, the site is well removed
from current or planned patrol routes, being at least five miles
from the nearest District site or trail route and having its own
unique site problems and liabilities. It is a more remote site for
field staff deployment than any of our well-used sites, yet it
would still require an intense form of on-site management for callouts
to curtail illegal uses, especially at night.
The following suggestions and statements are offered to aid in
managing the site, but are not intended as being definitive solutions:
1 . The District should not manage the site, but should aid in the
management planning by offering staff expertise to aid in com-
pleting a use and management plan if the land is to be retained
as open space.
2. A local parks agency, such as Menlo Park or San Mateo County,
should hold ultimate title to the land, with a community ad hoc
advisory committee (Friends of the Hill?) formed for fundraising
for management of the land and for determining the appropriate
site uses and management policies. This committee could also
aid in soliciting volunteer efforts to help in construction
and maintenance of the site. Peninsula Open Space Trust (P.O.S.T. )
could aid in setting up such a committee.
3. Police and fire protection should continue to come from the local
agencies, but with a caretaker/ranger hired solely for overseeing
the property. This caretaker/ranger should be accountable to the
agency having ultimate title to the land.
M-83-16 Page four
A caretaker/ranger may not need to be hired if strong local
volunteer efforts with increased local law enforcement agency
support were forthcoming and well organized through the
community advisory committee.
Recommendation: I recommend that the Board not commit the District
to management of the site, but only to aid by offering limited staff
time to help create a use and management plan, if so desired. I
further recommend that the Board review the suggestions for the
site 's management noted in this report and offer them and any other
forthcoming solutions to the community as methods to aid in the
long-term management of the property.
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RESOLUTION NO. 83-9
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE
DISTRICT SUPPORTING CITIZEN EFFORTS TO
PRESERVE "THE HILL"
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District has asserted in its Basic Policy that "The District
will work with and encourage private and other public agencies to pre-
serve, maintain, and enhance open space " ; and
WHEREAS, residents near "The Hill" and others have worked dili-
gently to preserve this 38 acre site as open space; and
WHEREAS , citizens of the area are now seeking to create a benefit
assessment district to raise funds to acquire the property;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of
the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District endorses and supports the
efforts of local constituencies and political leadership in the
vicinity of "The Hill" to assemble the resources to preserve "The Hill" .
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
District will provide 5% of the purchase price , not to exceed $250 ,000,
for property management of "The Hill" subject to the following condi-
tions:
a) fee title of the entire 38 acres is acquired at a price
agreed to by a willing seller;
b) District will receive an open space easement over the entire
property;
c) use of the property must be publicly accessible open space;
d) District will not hold fee title to the property ;
e) District would provide assistance, if requested, on developing
use and management plans for the site;
f) District will not accept primary responsibility for the
property' s management;
g) the funds provided will form an endowment to provide income
for the purpose of management of the property;
h) this commitment is void, if property has not been acquired
by February 9 , 1985 .
MIDPEENI]NISUIA REGIaRAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
TO: Board of Directors
]FROM:H. Grench, General Manager
SUBJECT: For Your Information
DATED: 2/3/83
VOW
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
375 DISTEL CIRCLE,SUITE D-1,LOS ALTOS,CALIFORNIA 94022
(415)965-4717
January 28 , 1983
Mr. Albert Wilson
1137 Fife
Palo Alto, Ca. 94301
Dear Mr. Wilson:
Director Duffy presented your $100. 00 contribution to the
District to her fellow Board members at their regular
meeting on Wednesday night. In behalf of the Board, I ,
want to extend our warmest thanks for the generous gift.
It was good to hear how much the members of the garden
club enjoyed the District's slide show and its wild -flowers,
which are absolutely spectacular in the spring.
Thank you again for your generous support.
Sincerely,
Herbert Grench
General Manager
cc:MROSD Board of Directors
i
Herbert A.Grench,General Manager
Board of Directors:Katherine Duffy.Barbara Green,Nonette G.Hanko.Richard S.Bishop,Edward G.Shelley,Harry A Turner.Darnel G.VVendin
f
lee-
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
375 DISTEL CIRCLE,SUITE D-1,LOS ALTOS,CALIFORNIA 94022
(415) 965-4717
January 27, 1983
Palo Alto City Council
City of Palo Alto
P.O. Box 10250
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Subject: Lee Property - Reimer Associates Subdivision
i
Dear Council Members:
We have recently reviewed an application for a tentative subdivision map for
the Lee property at 600 Los Trancos Road. Our interest in this proposed project
is the site's relationship to a regional trail system. It appears the site
could provide a future link between public trails to the east, including those
in Los Altos Hills, Hidden Villa Ranch and the District's Foothills Preserve,
and trails to the west within Portola Valley Ranch, Coal Creek Preserve and
Windy Hill Preserve.
The Palo Alto Trails and Pathways Plan indicates schematically a hiking and
bicycle trail passing through this vicinity connecting Page Mill Road to Los
Trancos Road with a connecting trail northward to Arastradero, Road.. The east-
west route was most likely chosen because the valley has an existing direct,
and relatively flat, road passing through it. This project's proposed common
open space area appears to be in the path of the planned trail and provides an
excellent opportunity to incorporate a trail route without interfering with the
proposed homesites.
We recognize that a public connection may not be possible at this time; however,
provision should be made for future trail implementation opportunities. A
portion of the trail does extend through Foothills Park which currently is
closed to non-residents of Palo Alto,
o thereby restricting the regional
ional connection.
It is possible, though, that this policy may change in the future or alternative
public trails may be available in the adjacent Arastra property, which would make
the proposed common open space area of'the site vitally important for trail
implementation. In this regard, it would be of benefit to provide future public
access on both the direct east-west route and the
private road in the
proposed
upland area leading to the Hewlett subdivision and the Arastra lands.
As outlined on the attached map, a large gap is evident between extensive public
trail systems being developed to the east and west of Palo Alto's Foothills Park.
Herbert A.Grench.General Manager
Board of Directors:Katherine Duly,Barbara Green,Nonette G.Hanko,Richard S.Bishop.Edward G.Shelley,Harry A.Turner,Daniel G.Wendin
Palo Alto City Council
January 27, 1983
Page two
In addition, potential trail development in the Arastra property could offer
important southerly routes leading to the Skyline area.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this proposed subdivision and
would like to express our interest in participating in future trail projects
which may 9 9 have regional significance.
Sincerely,
Herbert Grench
General Manager
HG:ej
cc: MROSD Board of Directors
Enc.
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THE CAUFORNIA NATIVE MANY SOCIETY
DEDICATED TO THE PRESERVATION OF CALIFORNIA NATIVE FLORA
3311 Alameda de ]as Pulgas
Menlo Park, CA 94025
January 25th, 1983
Dear Ms. Cangemi :
As President of the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the
California Native Plant Society I wish to endorse the community
effort to purchase "The Hill " for public open space. Of
particular interest to our chapter is its collection of spring
wildflowers and its abundance of young native oak trees. Its
accessibility in a developed area and its tremendous scenic
beauty add to its value as a potential public open space. Were
The Hill to become a legitimate open space preserve many groups,
including our chapter, could use it as a site for educational
field trips.
Respectfully,
John A. Gamon
President
Santa Clara Valley Chapter
California Native Plant Society
FLINN, GRAY & HERTERICH INSURANCE BROKERS
.r nJr al.'ltI
314 LYTTQN AVENUEOUR �1
PALQ ALTO, CALIFORNIACAIIFORNIA 94302 P TELEPHONE 32$ 730
/nsmran�e y ;AGENT
February 3, 1983
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
375 Distel Circle, Suite D-1
Los Altos , CA 94022
Attention: Mr. Herbert Grench
Dear Mr. Grench:
It is our pleasure to act as your insurance broker. Each year ,
prior to the renewal of your policies , we seek competitive
quotations for you to obtain the most effective combination of
cost and insurance protection. The results of our efforts for
the 1982-83 policy year are as follows :
COMPANY RESULTS/QUOTATION
General Accident $28,976
Great American $27 ,570
Royal Indemnity Declined to Quote
Zurich American Declined to Quote
Chubb/Pacific Indemnity $24 ,580
Continental $30 ,591
Fireman' s Fund $26,680
Insurance Company of North America $20 ,249
Because the Insurance Company of North America met our mutual
objective of comprehensive protection coupled with competitive
price , they have been selected to continue your policy for the
current coverage term.
As you may recall , we changed carriers two ears ago from Great
y g y g
American to the Insurance Company of North America because of a
cost reduction.
In comparing costs of your 1981-82 program to your 1982-83 pro-
ram we determined
g ,
the
i
81/82 82/83
Property $7 ,845 $9,661
Page 2
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
February 3 1983
Comment: Rates remained the same. Property values insured
increased from $2 ,359 ,905 to $2 ,992 ,875 , thus accounting for
the premium increase.
81/82 82/83
Liability $1,906 $2 ,072
Comment: Rates increased approximately 2.5%. This plus the
increase in acreage accounted for the increase.
Auto $8,567 $8 ,516
Comment: Physical Damage protection was deleted from the 1976
Ford Courier. This change created the premium decrease.
We trust you find everything in order. We will be pleased to pro-
vide any additional information you may require.
p,rdl ou s ,
N. R 1ph Mclnty e
NRM/bb
Claims 83-3 83-
Meeting 833
February 9,1983
i
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
C L A I M S
ri Amount Name Description
4043 $ 38. 34 Air Photo Co. , .Inc. Aerial-El Sereno Open Space Preserve
4044 14.06 Baker Graphics , Inc. Photo Processing
4045 20.00 Bruce Barton Pump Service; Equipment Maintenance
4046 270. 83 Betsy Bechtel loth Anniversary Coordinator's Fee
and Expenses
!,4647 270. 83 Eleanor Huggins loth Anniversary Coordinator's Fee
and Expenses
4648 15.98 Matthew Bender Book
14649 815.00 California Advocates , Inc. Legislative Consultant Fee-January
4650 400.00 Carolyn Caddes Fee for Photography Workshop
'4651 38. 34 R. Cali & Bro. Trail Repairs-Rancho San Antonio
4652 5. 30 CA Department of Real Reference Book
Estate
�4653 1 ,500. 00 State of CA Filing for Sale of 1982 Negotiable
Promissory Notes
4654 80. 00 Cardillo Travel Systems Out-of-Town Conference-Jean Fiddes
A655 ___ 11. 73 Clark'..s _Auto Parts _,_ . . District Vehicle-,Supplies
4656 213.00 Communications Research Co. Radio Maintenance Service
,4657 300.00 Susan Cretekos Windmill Pasture Patrol Services-Jan.
''4658 211. 89 H.S. Crocker Co. Miscellaneous, Office and Shop .
Supplies
''4659 58. 31 The Dark Room Prints
4660 417. 71 Pete Ellis Dodge District Vehicle Repair
A661 150.94 Jean Fiddes Out-of-Town Conference Expenses
4662 540.00 First American Title Preliminary Title Reports
Guaranty Co.
4663 128.50 First American Title Preliminary Title Reports
Insurance Co.
A664 400.00 Foss and Associates _ . Personnel Consulting Fee-Jan. _
4665 38.25 The Frog Pond Meal Conference with Sunnyvale Parks
and Recreation Commission
-466.6 :_140.50 Harbinger- -Communications Computer Servi_ces_-Openspace Mailing
Lisa i
4667 55.27 The Hub Schneider' s Ranger Uniform Supplies
4668 45. 00 Interior Technology Assoc. Office Space Consultation Fee
Claims 83-3
#gtin�y8ja ,13983
f Amount Name Description
4669 $ 400.00 Dewitt Jones Productions Fee for Photography Workshop
4670 828. 70 Los Altos Garbage Co. Garbage Service-McNiel Property and
Ranger Yard
671 17.11 Los Altos Stationery Office Supplies
672 39.41 Charlotte MacDonald Reimbursement for Folding of loth
Anniversary Flyers
4673 64.05 Mobil Oil Co. Gas for District Vehicles
4674 86.90 Stanley R. Norton Telephone, Copies and Meal
Conference Expenses
4675 2.67 Palo Alto Utilities Utilities-Electricity
14676 35. 75 Peninsula Times Tribune Notification for Monte Bello Bum
677 35.11 Rancho Hardware Miscellaneous Field Supplies
678 44.97 S & W Equipment Co. Field Equipment Repair
679 400.57 Shell Oil Co. Gas and Repair for District Vehicles
680 40.00 Signs of the Times Use of Preserve Sign-Saratoga Gap
Open Space Preserve
681 56.20 Pat Starrett Private Vehicle Expense
682 95 . 00 UC Regents Real Estate Seminar-Bill Tannenbaum
683 12 .00 Western Governmental Subscription
Research Association
684 893.53 Pacific Telephone Telephone Service
685 132. 30 G.N. Renn, Inc. Furnace Fuel-Rancho San Antonio
4686 12 ,048.00 Flinn, Gray & Herterich Renewal of District Insurance
i
Claims 83-3
Meeting 83-3
February 9 ,1983
Revised
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
C L A I M S
# Amount Name Description
4043 $ 38. 34 Air Photo Co. , .Inc. Aerial-El Sereno Open Space Preserve
14044 14.06 Baker Graphics , Inc. Photo Processing
4045 20.00 Bruce Barton Pump Service ; Equipment Maintenance
4046 270. 83 Betsy Bechtel loth Anniversary Coordinator' s Fee
and Expenses
4647 270. 83 Eleanor Huggins loth Anniversary Coordinator' s Fee
and Expenses
648 15.98 Matthew Bender Book
649 815.00 California Advocates , Inc. Legislative Consultant Fee-January
+650 400.00 Carolyn Caddes Fee for Photography Workshop
4651 38. 34 R. Cali & Bro. Trail Repairs-Rancho San Antonio
+652 5. 30 CA Department of Real Reference Book
Estate
653 1 ,500.00 State of CA Filing for Sale -of 1982 Negotiable
Promissory Notes
654 80.00 Cardillo Travel Systems ; Out-of-Town Conference-Jean Fiddes
655 11. 73 Clark' s Auto Parts District Vehicle Supplies
�'656 213.00 Communications Research Co. Radio Maintenance Service
+657 300.00 Susan Cretekos Windmill Pasture Patrol Services-Jan.,
4658 211. 89 H.S. Crocker Co. Miscellaneous Office and Shop
Supplies
IIV+659 58.31 The Dark Room Prints
4660 417. 71 Pete Ellis Dodge District Vehicle Repair
+661 150.94 Jean Fiddes Out-of-Town Conference Expenses
4662 540.00 First American Title Preliminary Title Reports
Guaranty Co.
14663 128.50 First American Title Preliminary Title Reports
Insurance Co.
4664 400.00 Foss and Associates Personnel Consulting Fee-Jan.
4665 38.25 The Frog Pond Meal Conference with Sunnyvale Parks
and Recreation Commission
4666 140.50 Harbinger Communications Computer Services-Openspace nailing
List
4667 55.27 The Hub Schneider' s Ranger Uniform Supplies
4668 45.00 Interior Technology Assoc. Office Space Consultation Fee
Claims 83-3 Revised
.ua y8 ;11983
Amount Name Description
4669 $ 400.00 Dewitt Jones Productions Fee for Photography Workshop
4670 828. 70 Los Altos Garbage Co. Garbage Service-McNiel Property and
Ranger Yard
4671 17.11 Los Altos Stationery Office Supplies
4672 39.41 Charlotte MacDonald Reimbursement for Folding of loth_
Anniversary Flyers
4673 64.05 Mobil Oil Co. Gas for District Vehicles
�+674 86.90 Stanley R. Norton Telephone, Copies and Meal
Conference Expenses
675 2.67 Palo Alto Utilities Utilities-Electricity
676 35. 75 Peninsula Times Tribune Notification for Monte Bello Burn
677 35.11 Rancho Hardware Miscellaneous Field Supplies
678 44.97 S & W Equipment Co. Field Equipment Repair
4679 :ZO Shell Oil Co. Gas and Repair for District Vehicle:: I'i
680 40.68 Signs of the Times Use of Preserve Sign-Saratoga Gap
Open Space Preserve
681 56.20 Pat Starrett Private Vehicle Expense
682 95.00 UC Regents Real Estate Seminar-Bill Tannenbaum: ,
4683 12.00 Western Governmental Subscription
Research Association
684 893.53 Pacific Telephone Telephone Service
4685 132. 30 G.N. Renn, Inc. Furnace Fuel-Rancho San Antonio
4686 12 ,048.00 Flinn, Gray & Herterich Renewal of District Insurance
4687 220.18 Petty Cash Meal Conferences , Postage„ Film,
Private Vehicle Expense,Miscellanec, v
j Office Supplies,Frame for Open Spacv: '
Poster, and Exhibit Materials.
The Hill Committee
910 Continental Drive
Menlo Park, Ca. 94025
.January 20, 1983
Board of Directors
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
375-D Distel Circle
Los Altos, Ca.
Dear Directors;
As you may know, there has been a ten-year long controversy
concerning the use of the 38-acre property, known as The Hill, at
the western end of Valparaiso Avenue in Menlo Bark. The question
over whether to develop or to preserve the land for Open Space has
yet to be resolved.
As I stand before you today, the status of The Hill remains to
be determined by the citizens of Menlo park, Atherton, and unincor-
porated San Mateo County west of El Camino Real in Menlo Park and
Atherton (see attached map). The owner, Blackwell Homes of Campbell,
Cal., has agreed to sell the property to the community for an Open
Space Park at "a fair market value" on the undeveloped land. The
exact cost, which has not yet been determined, has been estimated to
be somewhere between S3 to $5 million.
As you may know, there were two attempts in the past to purchase
the property for Open Space and both failed, though only narrowly.
The first, a bond issue in 1973 achieved 59% of the needed two-thirds,
and the second, a tax-override in 1974, received 46% of the necessary
50%. Unfortunately, a substantial body of citizens directly affected
by the result were excluded from participation in the vote because
they are not Menlo Park residents, in whose jurisdiction The Hill lies.
Perhaps if the vote had been by a "zone of benefit", The Hill would �.
have been saved for Open Space 10 ears ago and a much w t a uc lower
P P Y 9 price.
The present plan proposes the formation of an assessment district
that would straddle the three jurisdictions of city, town, and county
lands in the vicinity of The Hill. (The enclosed map showing proposed
boundaries for this district, and a draft of the "fact sheet" prepared
by the assessment attorney, along with a preliminary plan of the pre-
serve accompany this presentation.)
Admittedly, this is an ambitious project. The realities of cost
and the involvement of three distinct political (and lifestyle)
communities make such a plan difficult to fashion. The success of such
an undertaking would depend on a great deal of commitment by the
citizens of the three jurisdictions, based on a deep appreciation of
the intrinsic value of preserving for the community, such an
"unprofitable" resource as Open Space, particularly in an area where
land is at a premium, and the pressure to develop is so great.
continued.....
I
Board of Directors Page 2 January 20, 1983
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
These efforts need the support and encouragement of all of us,
particularly those individuals and organizations who have shown
themselves to be responsible advocates for the preservation of
Open Space in the Say Area.
I have come tonight to ask the board to consider three main
requests:
1.) I am asking the board to consider an official endorsement
of the community effort to purchase the property in Menlo
Park known as The Hill from its owner, Blackwell Homes, for
preservation as (amanaged) Open Space.
2.) I am asking the board to consider a grant of S250,000
toward the purchase of the property should the formation
of the assessment district be successful.
3.) I am asking the board to consider very seriously the
acceptance of The Hill Open Space Preserve into the
C midpeninsula Regional Open Space District; this
acceptance being contingent upon a satisfactory
arrangement between the district and the community
purchasing the property regarding the management of this
property.
I have read the MROSD master Plan and will attempt to use it as
a guide in my presentation to the board. I hope that this approach
will be of help in deciding on a course of action that will be in
the best interests of all.
The important point to highlight is that The Hill possesses
characteristics which would qualify it as an Urban Open Space of
special and regional significance:
1.) It is a unique and sizable (38 acre) piece of "Native California"
• in the urban setting.
2.) The Hill is extremely accessible, both locally and regionally.
Locally, it can be reached in minutes by foot, bicycle, bus, or
car. Regionally, The Hill is within minutes of Highway 280. There
exists as well the "potential" for a trail hook-up with "The Loop"
system (Alpine, Portola and Sand Hill Road Trails) described in
Rusmore and Spangle's book, Peninsula Trails (see enclosed map).
s both of vegetation
3. It is a microcosm of rich natural diversity,,
Y 9
and small wildlife, particularly birds. The Hill has elicited
excitement from virtually every environmentalist and nature lover
who has seen it. They have all expressed the concern that this
"rare gem" be preserved as a small (in Open Space terms)yet ry
exceedingly rich, natural habitat.
continued... ..
Board of Directors Page 3 January 20, 1983
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
4.) Because of its accessible location and its rich ecological
diversity, The Hill possesses exceptional potential for
educational purposes to school and field trip groups in the entire
area.
S.) Scenic Preservation: The first thing that strikes most people
about The Hill is its beauty. From its base, The Hill provides
the scenic backdrop to an entire community, and is, in fact, an
integral part of the character of that community--so much so that
one could hardly imagine University-lrenlo Heights without The Hill.
In addition, The Hill provides a scenic view for the traveler as he/
she drives through this rustic community along the Alameda de las
Pulgas. From its summit, there are breathtaking views (almost a
3600 sweep) of the entire Bay Area, from San Francisco to San Jose,
from the Bay and the Diablo Range to the east, and from Skyline and
the Santa Cruz Range on the west and southwest --on a clear day, one can see
such distant sights as the Golden Gate Bridge and mount Umunhum.
As if this were not enough, the views from various sites on the summit
provide rich vistas of the varied and esthetically pleasing terrain of
The Hill itself.
Other criteria stated in the faster Plan may be applied to The
Hill as well:
1.) Open Space for the Protection of Public Health and Safety:
There has been serious concern expressed over the potential
hazards to the neighboring communities from increased flooding,
landslide danger to life and property from building on unstable soil, and
decrease in air quality both from removal of vegetation and increased
traffic. There is also the concern over the added mental stress to
the community from increased population density and traffic.
2.) Open Space for Guiding Urban Form: The Hill, as an undeveloped
area, serves as a natural buffer between three communities.
It gives them a "breathing space"; at the same time it
offers all three a "common ground". It also functions as a "traffic
plug" - a built-in prote tion against a possible access route through
quiet residential streets between the peninsula's two main arteries,
Highways 101 and 280.
Other important factors to be considered in this matter are:
1.) Strong past and recent public support for The Hill's preservation
as an Open Space, particularly if it were properly managed by a
responsible body (for the majority of Sharon Heights residents,
responsible, credible management is the absolute key to their willing
participation in the purchase effort).
continued.. .. .
F
Soard of Directors Page 4 January 20, 1983
Tidpeninsula Regional Open Space District
2.) "Composite Open Space Importance of the Area Involved":
Protection of Natural Vegetation.. . .. . . ...... .. . .. . . .. .. . . . .. .15%
Protection of Wildlife. . .. ... .. .. .. . . .. ... ... ... . ..... .. .. .. . .15 VA
Outdoor Recreation.. . . 0 . 0000.9 . .. .. .. . ...0 . 0 ..20%
Low Intensity Recreation {10%)✓
Intensive Recreation (5%)
Wilderness Experience {5%)V�
Guiding Urban Form...... .. ....... .. ...... ... ........ ...... . . ..25¢$ (�
Scenic Preservation. . . • • . .... •... ..•. .... ..r............ ..r..,20i
Scenic Backdrop (15%)
View from Scenic Roads ,
and Highways (5'/4)V
Protection of Agriculture. . .
Total 100
HILL Total. .. .. .. .. . .. ....90
14
3.) "Costs of Acquisition" - The Hill Benefit Assessment District,
a special partnership of the citizens of the three communities,
would be the major contributor to the purchase of a (possibly)
otherwise too costly venture for the District to consider.
4.) "Net Costs of maintenance" - The community partnership is making
provisions for a special endowment fund to go toward the
"development" and maintenance of The Hill Open Space Preserve,
5.) "Degree of Threat of Loss to Development" - The Hill is under
immediate threat of development. The owner, Blackwell Homes,
has been granted a permit to build, and plans to do so in the spring
unless the community can "raise the money to buy the property".
b.) "Location of the Area Involved Relative to Other Publicly-owned
Open Space Lands Including Those of the MRPD." (See map and note
proximity of The Hill Open Space Preserve to Highway 280 as well as trail
link potential.)
7.) "Initiative or Willingness of the owner(s) to Negotiate
Acquisition Terms." Current owner, Blackwell Homes, has reversed
a previous position and is now a willing seller.
B.) "Prospects for Preservation Action by other Agencies." None.
9.) "Opportunities for Joint Actions with Other Agencies." That is not
yet known, but opportunities for joint actions with the community
purchasing the property would appear favorable.
I would like to thank the board in advance for its consideration
of this matter, on behalf of myself, the community, and The Hill Committee.
Yours truly,
Phyllis Cangemi
` 8594C JHHW:SRC:rjj 01/10/83
01/11/83
:elr 01/13/83
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT FINANCING
ACQUISITION •OF "THE HILL" FOR AN OPEN SPACE PRESERVE
WHAT ARE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS?
A special assessment -is. a one time charge levied against a parcel of
property to pay for the construction or acquisition of public improvements
particularly benefiting that property.
WH
O LEVIES
S THE ASS
ESSMENTS?NTS.
It is proposed that the City Council' of the City of Menlo Park or other
appropriate public agency levy the assessments, after a public hearing, notice of
which is mailed to each property owner and pubRished and posted.
HOW IS THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZED TO DO THIS?
The City Council obtains such authority only if petitions requesting the
Council to undertake the special assessment proceedings are signed by the owners of
at least 60% in area of lands proposed to be assessed.
WHAT ARE THE PROCEEDINGS UNDER DIVISION 4 OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE, AS
MENTIONED IN THE PETITION?
These are preliminary actions undertaken by the Council to . prepare
preliminary cost estimates, assessments, and land valuations and to give the
property owners. opportunity to protest and, by majority protest, to stop the
project entirely for a period of at least one year. If a majority protest is not
made, the City Council may proceed with the assessment process.
The petition, if signed by the requisite number of property owners,
substitutes for these preliminary actions. The advantages of the petition method
are that time and money -are saved and, further, the City Council is given some
assurance that there is substantial support for the project prior to committing the
City to the costs and expenses involved in undertaking special assessment
proceedings.
{
i
,„
IF A PROPERTY OWNER SIGNS THE PETITION, DOES HE OR SHE LOSE THE RIGHT TO PROTEST AT
THE PUBLIC HEARING?
No. The petition merely gives the City Council authority to start the
Before the public hearing, written protests may be filed by any
proceedings.
a petition. If written protests are
Nether or not he or she signed p P
property owner, w
assessed, the City Council can
1 to be ass Y r in area of ands >
filed by owners of SQfo or more
finalize the project only by the affirmative vote of at least 4 of its 5 members.
HOW ARE THE AMOUNTS OF THE ASSESSMENT DETERMINED?
The total estimated cost of the project, including estimated acquisition
costs, consultants' fees, bond printing costs and all other incidental expenses,
are calculated by a consultant designated by the City Council for the project.
The consultant then develops a recommended method of spreading the costs
over the ' properties benefited., The purpose is to charge each property in
accordance with the relative benefit it receives as compared to all other
properties being assessed.
The City Council , after the public hearing, makes the final determination.
DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERED{CE IF A PROPERTY IS IMPROVED OR VACANT?
Not generally. A special assessment is levied against land only. Thus, two
similarly situated parcels would normally be charged the same amount even if one is
improved and the other is not. The theory i,� that it is the land that is being
benefited, by having the improvements available to it.
WHAT ARE THE EXPECTED COSTS OF THE PROJECT?
While the exact cost of the project is not yet determined, a preliminary
estimate of the total project cost is $5,000,000. This amount would include they
cost of purchasing the property, consultants and and administration fees the costs
of preparing and issuing the bonds. Under present bond market conditions, and given
assessment dist
rict, this would result in an average
size of the ass ,
h proposed �the
P P n
's assessm
ent is allowed to o to
f roughly
1 700 per If this 9
assessment o Sproperty.asses 9 Y P
bond" over a period of approximately 20•.years, -the annual payment of principal and
interest would be about $90 to $
100.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THES
E ARE ONLY ESTIMATES - IF THE PROJECT COSTS INCREASE,
WI
LL BE GIVEN WRITTEN
TO BE ASSESSED WILL ALSO INCREASE. BY LAW, YOU
THE AMOUNTS 1 S
NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED TOTAL PROJECT COST AND THE PROPOSED MOUNT OF ASSESSMENT T0
YOUR PROPERTY AND YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROTEST AT A PUBLIC HEARING HELD
FOR THAT PURPOSE.
i
2
WHEN WOULD THE ACTUAL AMOUNT OF THE ASSESSMENT BECOME KNOWN?
Until the time of the public hearing, all proposed assessments will be based
on the estimated costs of the project. Each property owner, in the mailed notice of
public hearing, will be notified of the amount of the proposed assessment against
his or her parcel .
Assessments cannot be increased without a second noticed public hearing.
Thus, the consultant will make every attempt to make the estimates generous enough
to insure that actual costs will come in under the estimate.
HOW ARE ASSESSMENTS PAID?
As stated above, a special assessment is in the nature of a one time charge
to pay for a particular improvement. If the property owner desires and is able, the
assessment may be paid in cash•, all or in part, during a 30-day period following the
finalizing of the assessments after the public hearing.
If the owner chooses, the assessment may "go to bond" . This means that the
assessment would be paid over a period of time with interest. Each annual payment
of principal and interest would be included in the County's tax bill or would be
specially billed by the City. This depends`6n which type of assessment bond the
City Council chooses to issue for this project'.
CAN THE ASSESSMENT BE PAID OFF IN THE FUTURE AFTER IT HAS GONE TO BOND?
Yes. The exact- amount will depend one he particular type of bond issued.
Generally speaking, however, the amount required to pay off the assessment will
include the then remaining principal amount of the original unpaid assessment plus
5; of that amount, plus interest on the then unpaid principal amount for a period of
up to 6 months. .
DOES THE ASSESSMENT HAVE TO BE PAID OFF IF THE PROPERTY IS SOLD?
Not by law; the assessment lien remains on the land until paid, no matter if
ownership changes. Thus, the assessment can be passed on. However, many lending
institutions, if financing or refinancing improvements on the property, require
that the .assessment be paid off as a condition of a new loan.
IF THE ASSESSMENT GOES TO BOND, WHAT IS THE TERM OF PAYMENT AND WHAT IS THE RATE OF
INTEREST?
This will depend on the special assessment bonds which the City will issue
to finance the assessments that go to bond. Generally, such bonds mature over a
period of 15 to 20 years.
3 _ �
The interest rate will be the same as the City will pay on its bonds. By
law, the rate cannot exceed 12%. The actual rate will be determined by a sale of
the bonds and the best bid for them.
The municipal bond market has been holding relatively steady in recent
',- r;onths. Under present market conditions, an interest rate in the 10001 to 12,40' range
could be predicted.
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LOS rRANCOS RO
"The Loop"--Alpine, Portola
and Sand Hill Road Trails
a
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Arong Shoving for ,0pen Space ,on the ...'Hill'. y llf.i lk :PVIA tw2 "+ ! ^}:'i f,3/•k�,t.%Y 7'{r" ri�q?rf�i4v.r .�� f }b} . +4� �• '�'j V + �f� ,
By JOIiN IKEDA F .� :,�f;+ hegative iinpacC of the housing project on the surroun- the land,'He said the proposed prolect is compatible
The public hearing session regarding the proposed ding neighborhood. The most common concern ex with the existing zoning requirements.
evelopment of the Sharon Hills (the Hill) project pressed was that the proposed extension.of Valparaiso Heiss addressed three of the Issues—soil,traffic,and
fisted past midnight as more than 30 citizens from would turn the street into a major expressway for storm drainage — which have concerned local residents
round the area came to voice their opinions at last motorists traveling between Sand Bill Rd. and High- ever since the project was first proposed.
leek's planning commission meeting in Menlo Park. way 101. "If the Hill is permitted to have through ac• IIe said that studies show the proposed construction
Public sentiment ran nearly three to one against cess," said Bill Wagstaffe, who lives on Valparaiso, "it methods will adequately mitigate the soil problems ex-
'ne currently proposed project, which if developed, will provide a conduit to carry traffic from the Hill perienced in nearby Sharon Heights. The problems
!ill result In the construction of 80 housing units on a east and west," He said a Valparaiso extension would caused by the expansive clay soil found on the Hill
3-acre hill west of Valparaiso. add substantial traffic to an already overloaded street. will be eliminated by lime treatment and special con-
Residents from Atherton, Menlo Park, and the unin- At least 10 other residents agreed with Wagstaffe, struction methods said Heiss. He said the developers
,orporated University Heights area opposed the project And traffic congestion is only part of the problem they "have gone far beyond ordinary care" to assure sound
,or a variety of reasons. said. The increase in traffic would pose a serious threat housing construction.
There was the question of open space versus develop- to the children who attend one of the five schools In The proposed storm drainage system will eliminate w
Went. Reginald Rice said the Hill "is rustic and bu• the area said Wagstaffe. overland water flow even during severe storms said
:olic," and that development would destroy these He said the street, which does not have clearly Heiss. He said the developer is also working with the
lualities. The open woodland on the western facing marked crossings or stops is difficult to cross, even for city to reduce any traffic problems.
lope is very special said Debbie.Wright, who said she adults. "There's no way for a child to get across the Roy Davenport, like Heiss, said he wants to see the
;-lo afraid that the developer would not replace the oak street, said one woman. Hill develop. Approve building immediately, Daven-
rees that would be lost if construction took place. In addition, the extension of Valparaiso would ruin port told the planning commission. He said that the 12
These park acres that the developers have to donate to
like qualities of the Hill are very impor- the value of the remaining open space said Environ• P P
'.ant to some of the nearby residents. "The Hill re- mental Beautification Commission.member Neil Mac- the city are enough. "We sure don't need any 33-acres,"
AMIL
" said haven ort.
.resents Menlo Park as it was 150 years ago, said Linda neale. The current proposal for the housing project in. P
Magner. "The value of the land without housing is in- eludes plans to donate nearly 12 acres of the site for an He said even if Menlo Park needed the entire Hill, Ong
;alculable.` She said the planning commission must open space park. The extension of Valparaiso would cut the city could not afford a park.
;weigh her sense of the Hill's value undeveloped, against, this park in two said Macneale. He said two six-acre Duncan Madison agreed with Davenport. He said
the value of the land to the developer. plots are less valuable as a park than one 12-acrp site. Proposition 13 passed because voters wanted elected
including Phyllis Cangemi believe The grading and drainage requirements of the Valparaiso officials to spend tax money wisely.
And many people, extension would ruin the open space said Macneale, He said buying the Hill from the present developers in
'she value of open space is high. She said people need order to preserve it as open space will. cost millions of
�pen space in order to maintain a peace of mind."Peo- Some people questioned the logic of building homes dollars. "I am reluctant to support buying a park when
le feel so crowded in they can't take it anymore" said on the Hill which will cost hundreds tf thousand's of we're already having problems with existing parks,"
Cangemi. "I'm not against development," she said,"but dollars when completed. "There are already a glut of said Madison.
it must be done in a rational manner which pays heed to these types of homes on the market," said Martha Around 90 citizens came to watch the planning
the quality of life of the people who already live there." Henry.One realtor asked,"why build more?" commission meeting which was held in the Menlo Park I `
A less esoteric benefit of the Hill was championed by Not everyone at the meeting wanted to have develop• city council council chambers. 1 L
one woman who said she regularly takes her grand- ment on the Bill permanently halted, Bill Heiss,of JMH, Supporters of open space applauded each time one
enjoy the view and nature. She said if the Hill was -a;rivil engineering, land planning and surveying com- of their allies finished addressing the planning com-
developed, it would be "a sad commentary to posterity pury,defended the project, mission, and occas tonally hissed when someone spoke
that this city can't leave open space." This piece of land is not open space, "It's residen. out in favor of development. -
Residents of the ilea also objected to the potential tlal," said Feiss,who represents the developers who own The relatively orderly meeting was disrupted once by
y- Steve Catalano, who accused the planning commission
After the public hearing was closed, planning com-
members of being corrupt, and "on the take." In an mission member Robert Jacobs asked the public why
unsubstantiated, yet forceful rind articulate speech, all you trespassers think that the developer does not
Catalano asked the planning commission for the Identity have the right Ito do with his property what you do with
of the people behind the development — "the Man- Your property. s
hattenizutlon of Menlo Park." "-- Jacobs told the public that they could not buy the
c
He said the development proposed for the Hill will Hill with words or emotions, "You must have hard i
be "an enclave for the rich and powerful," and will not green cash to buy,"he said. : ,,,,.i, .,.,.,. , ,i.
l broaden the housing stock In Menlo Park, r;;ti;at `As the meeting moved past the midnight hour,
OQ
-:I':After exceeding the five minute time limit Im osed
p planning commission member Douglas IIul moved to
FiIby planning chuinnun Ivan Odom W fucllltatq the pro• carry the meeting to Sept, 27, The rest of t too cans.
t,1 •
PI MS of lho meeting, Catalano Initially refused to sit mission agreed, and the topic will be discussed ex- .� a
down, "Maybe I feel like dlsnipting this mentinr," h• rinv1vely •11 111•11 .+,i,• .+.•-i ,, ,,, ..,
F }
rz
by 3-2 -v,qt
The 'Hill"s rep _ Z __apasc
"�•�-. / It though many had advice for the council if construCtlon
� a BY OBYI\E MARTIN
were approved. ---_ -
Final okay of the environmental impact report and r '=
the rezoning for the Sharon Hills condominium Emotional testimony turned angry as the hearing
development passed by a 3-2 vote of the Menlo Park City centered on whether Valparaiso Avenue should be ex-
Council at its Nov. S meeting. The milestone vote is the tended into the site.
culimination of at least 10 years of debate on use of "the Homeowners below the site and along Valparaiso
hill." Avenue argued that the traffic created by the new homes
The 38-acre parcel at the western end of Valparaiso would all come down Valparaiso and turn it into a major '.
`
a Avenue was also rezoned from the standard residential thoroughfare.
— zoning to a special category allowing for the clustering;of
Homeowners in Sharon Heights contended children in
townhouses. the area would be endangered by traffic if diverted into
- Mayor Gerry Andeen and Councilwoman Kay Paar their neighborhood-They appealed to the council to open =�;
''• _f dissented on both votes. Valparaiso across the site so some of the traffic would s
The next steps toward constructiop of the housing move away from Sharon Heights.
- tract are the approval of the conditional development
permit, including mitigation measures,and the approval The planning commission had recommended
of the development plans. Both steps were scheduled for Valparaiso not be extended, principally because L`:e
council discussion this week. streets in Sharon Heights were deemed adequate to
The council approved to the letter the recom-. handle the new traffic. Another reason the commission -
'r` P P Y planning decided not to recommend the extension w•as.the use of the L
,• mendations passed in September b the Tannin corn-
-. mission. tand over which the new road would be built. -
Voting came after an hour of discussion by the
council, including an emotional appeal by Andeen not to According to the developers'plans,almost 12 acres of _
proceed toward development. Both Paar and Andeen ran land would be left in a natural state on the steep face
criticized the EIR and noted several examples in which of the hill below the tract of proposed housing. If the road
the report was vague or misleading.Councilmember Billy were extended,said planning commissioners, the value of -
_. '. Ray White mentioned that criticism of the report had been the open land as a natural park would diminish.
heavy, but, "it is adequate enough for me." At its meeting last week the council did not vote on the-
_ Paar compared the.report to an earlier EIR'ruled *aecific development plan for the project. Therefore the '
hSuperior Court.inadequate by the decision on Valparaiso will come at a later meeting. -
"This is basically the same project and basically the =
same report.That report failed in the courts,and I'm sure _
-�-. we're opening ourselves u for another lawsuit,"she said. "=
Pe g P
w Before voting on rezoning, Andeen reminded the "Hill' purchase plan _
council"this is the place to stop,if you ever want to have
the hill as open space."
g pe g meetino, next Thursda
Councilmembers Douglas Du nand Pe Gunn µere _
sparing in their comments, saying that they had heard b
and studied enough evidence on which to decide. -=
Before council discussion, the officials heard three One of a series of meetings in homes to discuss the'Ns`
hours of public testimony from residents of Menlo Park, Proposed assessment district to purchase"The Hill".is set. G
Atherton and the unincorporated area of University for Thursday, Nov. 18, at 8 p.m. at 1145 Kosefield Vr'ay;F=
Heights which is just below the proposed construction site.
Menlo Park.
For more information call Eileen Norback at 325-35;7 tt
Most speakers were against the proposed project, t
I _
• �Chf'7.$K1Gi 1 1j+�(� t V� �Kti7 e-
"• r
of
e HUB will n to:
r By Phyllis Brown ,. chased the property to develop it and that "We bought the property for•develo
Times Tribune staff he would not consider selling The Hill ment," he said.—If the community wand
ct r1 .
MENLO PARK Aft r months of ar_ under any circumstances to and has the capacity to buy it,I will sell."
guing for the right to build on his proper- But this week Blackwell changed his. it. In the meantime, we are proceeding=
ty,the owner of The Hill said this week he mind. with our plans to develop the property
v-would be willing to sell,the land instead of "Blackwell Homes would be willing to ; Blackwell said the fair'market value
:develop it. % '='�` _• -
,., , p t'�s,ai sell The Hill for.Its fair market value pro- would be determined by an appraisal a
roup demonstrat- ceptable to his firm. c
r Jack Blackwell; owner; of Blackwell : viding the (interested) g •
Homes of Campbell, said he''would self' ed the financial ability to,purchase the . The Hill is a 38-acre, oak cover. knoll
��yThe Hill to any party'that can,t4owlt has property,"he said. at the western end of Valparaiso Avenue.;!
k;the money to buy i `: '; ";Y, Blackwell stressed that,while he is will- Blackwell has proposed building 75 to
ing to sell the land, he is proceeding with. _
!�y..In the past, Blackwelf spld .he pur- plans to develop it.
- f -
n-L.A s
_ •� - ;t: ""' . Please see H
■ - +i yl
■ H AV...
chase the land and make it Into
an optaspace park.- -
The proposed assessment district
�. ;' Continued from A-1 would encompass parts of Ather-
ton, Menlo Park and unincorporat-
t'S houses and five single-family ed San Mateo County adjacent to '
•t-homes on the site. The Hill. Those living within the �
'The Menlo Park City Council re- district would be assessed a•yearly
"So S. " s fee to pay for the land.
�Cently approved that proposal The value of The Hill's undeve-
i.i^ Some of The Hill's neighbors, loped land has not been assessed
however, do not want to see the for some time. The full cash value
a •land developed. They are circulat of the land when developed with
a •:•Ing a petition to establish a special homes has been estimated at ap- .
assessment district that would pur- proximately$32,375,000. -
nin7. fLT .1�1�1�rl I ' `i i�'V Y tilt.,�t l `'` I,�r' 1' ,t�,: ,".4�. •,f tt;�:.' �:' �*.,t; ti..,l
r"e tC.01 111�• n. ,.; .,i' � c ,j l l ':y C r5% .e+`'ti t ."'+1 `5.�, r •',' 'f
:V" I(1 tiji+„
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.�f' `'f°ai t^I'�' 11'y � , 1 11 ., ., I �I �. I, �; t /., i' `��i} _,. .yt7'I� �f• S t
' •a V: r�4 L,� r t 4, I �t' '� 4 i 1 � t t +i+ �' 1r'{!�4••, r ''�.,` ,! r+'. ,y i .,a jK,
+7.; i IRt1M �' cI :rI'F I' 1 � .L �w S � :�.•,,•�'�.ti .4;••`�• 1' 'I +!.
Y ( 1
co+�h-�Yy 1"��,ana� — w�. �•a.��t.p,Yr, s�, 1g$3
I -
Hill condos move ahead; council wants Stamford meeting
BY ROBYNF.5IARTIN tersection of Valparaiso Avenue and Alameda de ]as summary of public comments made at council meetings. `
Pulgas. Blackwell Homes will also be responsible for The Menlo Park City Council would like to make a formal I,
Another step toward construction of condominiums on some development of an open-space section .of the presentation to the Palo Alto City Council regarding the
the parcel known as"the Hill"was approved by the Menlo property, which would be deeded to the city as a park. proposed development. 1z
Park City Council last week. The Tentative Subdivision At the same meeting, the council appointed Yolanda Councilmember Peg Gunn sent a letter to Stanford
'Map of a proposed SO-unit townhouse development was Irigon to the Arts ComWission. Iron, who lives on Del University President Donald Kennedy, asking him to �
approved 3-1 with Councilmember Jack Morris dissen- Norte Drive,' w'as the only applicant for the position. meet with representatives from Menlo Park.
ting. In other action, the council returned to the Planning "We weren't getting any response from the planning ','
' Morris said he disagreed with the Planning Com- Commission a denial of a Use Permit to allow residential level, so we decided to go to the president," Gunn said
mission's findings relative to the proposed subdivision property at 612 Cambridge to be used as a commercial Gunn hopes such a meeting would convince Stanford
and called them "inconsistent with the development parking lot. The lot would serve the adjacent Oasis and Palo Alto planners of the overwhelming disapproval
permit issued by the city."Councilmember Kay Paar was restaurant which fronts on El Camino Real and has of the development displayed by Menlo Park citizens at 14
absent. always had a parking problem. The•rest.aurant and a meetings last month.
The land in question lies between Sharon Heights, the neighboring apartment building currently violate city Also scheduled for Jan. 25 is a discussion of a street
Town of Atherton and University Heights at the western standards for parking, and the Use Permit would make tree maintenance assessment district. This topic has
end of Valparaiso Avenue, both buildings comply. plagued the city staff for four years. City-owned street
The conditions accompanying the approval included .At next week's meeting, the council will review public trees have gone without proper pruning and care because
some permanent improvements on Valparaiso Avenue, comments made about the proposed Stanford West the city's zero-based budgeting has allocated no funds for fit
A the city decides ever to extend Valparaiso Avenue development.The high-rise student-staff housing complex a maintenance crew.
t, i the parcel, the street would need to be widened is proposed for land adjacent to Stanford Children's Voters turned down a measure on last Novembeow
bct. ,ten Altchul Avenue and Alameda de las Pulgas. Hospital, across San Francisquito Creek from Menlo ballot that would would have funded such services. Now
The developer, Blackwell Homes of Campbell, is Park. the council will discuss raising money by assessing each
required to pay half the cost of a traffic signal at the in- The council asked the staff last month to prepare a, parcel in the city.
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d
Conservation Notes Birding Classes
lCr.oices for the [!ill Two classes of interest to birders will be
offered by Sequoia Adult School during the Winter
Residents of the west ttenlo Park-Atherton quarter.
area now have a last chance to choose the
fate of The Hill, which lies at the end of WINTER BIRDS OF THE BAY AREA--AN INTRODUCTORY
Valparaiso Avenue. Though the Menlo Park CLASS FOR BEGINNERS
Council on Nov. 16 approved the owner's
application to build 77 townhouses and 3 Class sessions will cover general natural history a y
indicated
single family hones, the owner has Ind identification of common wintering land and
e would be willing to sell if he could •ater birds to be seen in the Bay Area. Paine lec-
h -ures and five field trips. Starts January 12.
et the fair market value, which is estimated
as probably over its last assessment of $3 ectures: Senior Centayser
7:30-9:30 at the San Carlos
miilacn and under a maximum of $10 million. Senior Center
Field Trips: Sundays 9 AP'l to noon unless indicates
A petition to fora an assessment district
for its purchase and maintenance as managed
public open space is now being circulated �-
under the leadership of SAS member Phyllis
Cangemi. The proposed district will., include
the area west of E1 Camino Peal between
Stockbridge Ave. on the north and San
Francisquito Creek and Sand Hill Road on `
the south as far as Highway 280, and comprise
parts of Menlo Park, Atherton and unincor-
porated County, including roughly 5,000 BIF+DS THROUGH THE SEASON--WINTER 1983
households in its boundaries.
A locture-field trip series for more advanced
Besides other arguments against the birders. Sessions will include information on
development, such as greatly increased bird behavior, distribution, natural history, lo-
traffic, dangers from unstable soils, and cal research projects as well as help on special
drainage problems, loss of a prime birdina bird 40identification problems. Nine lectures and
area would be of part five field trips. Starts January 10.
Audubon mernbers. Those owning property in Lectures: Mondays 7:30-9:30 PM at tienlo Atherton
to proposed assessment district boundaries High Sch-101 (Teachers Lounge)
t who have not already done so are asked to Field Trips: Saturdays, 9 A14 to noon unless---
sign petitions for transmittal to the • otherwise indicated.
Board of Supervisors and the City Councils
o: Atherton and Menlo Park. They can be maryann Danielson will be the instructor. The
obtained from Phyllis Cangemi, 1331 Ameri- fee for each class series is $35 with registra-
can Way, Menlo Park, tel. 325-6971- Any tion taking place at the first class meeting.
members willing to help circulate the For additional information call the Sequoia
petitions will be welcomed. Adult School (415) 369-6809 or'the instructor
Ruth Smith (415) 342-6919. pp
U H rl N
>9(92 — v9�'s
+ U 8 O
_+ < a a 5
OFF ICFRS 4
President Richard B. salyd 574-106 - .�..
Y ice Pres E.P. '+c Elhany 34i-021T The Sequoia Newsletter is published mnthly except July O Q-- .-+ T
S ec rotary Jean IT.r ink 741-8381 and August. Send infor^ation to all offices and chair- r
Treasurer Frank J. Collins 349-0503 persons (Lncludln} exchange bulletins) to P_O. Box 1131
DIRF:T`RS ' Burlingame, Ca 94010. Subscription to the Sequoia News-
Past Pres Wit— Rockman 366-3434 letter separately is $3 per year.
T`-,e-rear Terms Ending
J,me '83 Myrtle Johnson 728-1916
Dorms Kirsaclo 592-7688
June '84 Frank Allen 344-9339 1r�The SEQUOIA NEWSLETTER deadline i6 the Jat o6 the
Ksa Chal—kar 592-9279 Incnth boa the doLCowirtg month. e.;
]use '85 Geo rgla Perkins 583-7815 �!
Ruts Saith. H.D. 322-5279
STA»r6G CON`1rTT=Ts NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
F1cld Trips - _
''
(—kend) Kathy Craves 368-0037 + .,EmbeTship Application �•? i
(aid week) Jean Allen 144-9339
m S-
..nbership It,. Allen 344-9339 ❑YES t n+r a.a-,N-1n the Not.onu(Audubon Sorne and my -+ O
a.,•✓t
9ospiealiey local Chaptc,Swrt tar lwbcnpnoa to.Audubon.wpa;tne and stnd my p
Lee Sillltan 692-2070 p
F Saance Frank Allen 344-9339 mrmhrnhtp card (l'hiptcr U517)
Land Acquisition charl 697-3601 _
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fa oserwatlon - open A.1,1..•. _ P-i U
7:ograo John Sil lisan 692-2C70 (-� S..m Zr "J -4
V; Vilna Roc)—n 366-334 sn.uv a-un. � 1.,•°11.1•a,l t' - 7"' O f .)_?�3
Pobllclty Jerry Perkins 587-7A1S s, Ot.,.nJw.+ < E ' -
Coastal sill Johnson 728-7916 C71•J,.J..d'S: \ d1: O'—f'-asn dT X M ,/
.`.:ist�s Dicd Count ❑Fw�d•if 1200 01s+ :f'.l'a 04+.+('.n;aJSa ct rJ O 4+�"'
F ras'+. A11en 3+4-9339 O Cr.:a•rn�550(Yy n OWS1,4V A` Srn,•Gn;.n "'i
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02
MENLO - ATHERTON
MI?
Serving Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley & Woodside for 58 Years
Newsroom: 361-1155 Classified: 326-5580 Display Advertising: 361-1045 Circulation- 677444
er Year
Vol. 59, No.4 640 Menlo Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025 Tues.,Jan 26, 1982 25c Per
Hill's Bea Praised At Forum .
Residents concerned about the Two biologists, an environmental.
future of "The Hill," a 38-acre parcel ist, and representatives of two open
of undeveloped land in Menlo Park space groups made their presenta-
that is rich in animal and plant life, tigns to approximateiy 75 people at
met Sunday night at a community St. Bede's Espiscopal Church in
forum to bear its beauty extolled Menlo Park. Moderator Phyllis
and determine what can be done Cangemi of Menlo Park organized the
to preserve it. meeting to gather support for the
eventual purchase and conversion of "
The Hill into a permanent open
space preserve.
"The Hill cannot sit in limbo any
longer," Cangemi said. "Motor-
cycles and four-wheel drive vehicles
will continue to tear it up. It has
been badly damaged and over a Iong
period of time, the wildlife won't
survive."
Cangemi said that the purpose
of the forum was to convince people
that the land is "special enough and
extremely accessible and can be
managed for something besides de.
velopment."
The current owner of the prop-
erty located at the western end of
Valparaiso Avenue is Blackwell
Homes of Campbell, and its assessed
value is $2.9 million, according to
the draft environmental impact re-
port on the proposed development of
The Hill. Blackwell Homes has said,
however, that the parcel is not for
(Please turn to page 12)
12—Menlo-Atherton Recorder,Menlo Park,Calif. Tuesday,January 26, 1982
The Hill
(Continued from page 1) with it."
sale at any price. Harry Turner, who serves as the
Harry Turner, district director of MROSD director for Menlo Park,
the Midpeninsula Regional Open Atherton, Portola Valley, East Palo
Space District (MROSD), said -that Alto and Woodside, said the job of
his organization would not attempt the open space district is to find
to buy the parcel because it does property of regional significance and
not conform to district acquisition benefit and to go where cities and
guidelines. The open space Aistrict counties don't go" in terms of pre-
owns and manages more than 10,000 serving open space.
acres of Peninsula land for public He suggested a "multi-party ap-
use purchased for an average of proach" comprised of private dona-
$3,W0 per acre during the last 10 tions, federal grants and participa-
years tion by Menlo Park, Atherton and
The Hill is home for a myriad San Mateo County governments in
of bird and insect species as well as attempting the land's purchase. The
more than 30 varieties of flora which Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
live in delicate, interdependent ba- District might contribute between
lance, according to biologist Susan $50,000 and $100,000 towards the
Sommers, who made a recent field acquisition under such circumstances,
he said.
survey the area. "We need the leadership from the
Menloto Park environmentalist Linda Wagner described how the topog- Menlo Park City Council. No other
agency will come in without leader-
micro-climate of the parcel creates a unique ship from them. Personally, I'd like
micro climate for a wide diversity to see the Hill saved," said Turner,
of plant life. a Ladera resident.
"Even though none of the plants Apart from its high cost, Turner
is rare, their occurrence together on said the district could not consider
38 acres is rare,"Wagner said. buying The Hill because it does
The Hill's floral diversity provides ,
an important educational tool for not meet the districts acquisition
people to understand the patterns criteria.
He said the criteria used include
in nature,she said.
Stanford University biologist the lands:
— value as a trail link to other
Bruce Wilcox warned that the ex-
open space preserves and parks;
tinction rate of various species is
known to accelerate when surround- scenic value to the region;
— importance as a habitat for
ed by man-made development.
Wilcox said that his research of endangered plants or animals;
butterflies on nearby Jasper Ridge — historic or archaelogical
significance.
and in Edgewood Park has shown
that development increases the pres Turner said that the open space
district would contribute its exper-
sure towards extinction because it tine the development of acg
disrupts the distribution patterns of tion plans
parties.
the insects. by other interested paies.
The final speaker of the evening
"There are probably dozens of
species in these grasslands alone director was Robert Augsbector ,of the Peninsula
executive
dsula Open
that are going extinct because of Space Trust a non-profit land
man's monkeying around with the p p
p conservancy that works with the
population structure,"he said,
He said that biologists don't Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
know precisely how extinction oc- District, public agencies and private
curs "but the answer is that if you individuals towards the preservation
don't know, you don't fool around of open space.
panelists at a nuclear anus proltter into a nuclear excnattge. J
r would favor a "moderate, non. Farley said he supports negotia•
ati ;,----•gym held Wednesday at Holy tiques of the current arms race, and sees a neeu wr •aN.,,. + ••
,Trinity 1±)piscopal Chu ch in Menlo recommended alternatives. Lions between the United States and P a n n E::-�,a
The church had planned to have threatening, defensive military estab the Soviet Union. The Soviets "are
Park. an.advocate of nuclear weapons on lrshAno her round of the arms race The Menlo Park City
1c,,,Jyy 'ys not necessarily ac' the panel but at the last minute, a concerned about nuclear war in the has authorir. d a
! curm.;atlnt; weapons and spcndmg rc resentative from Lawrence Liver- will result in greater military same, way we are for the most basic
money on military programs, said P arsenals- nuclear and non nuclear- reservation,"he said. traffic study to help evaluate
o Philip Farley, senior research more Laborntories wasn't able to on all sides,and we will be less secure reason rhev US. will "enter only Into pact of proposed developer
Dr. Stanford Anc attend. cat than if we proceeded with more veriticd;' establish a data base for the
associate of the „We have to look with �" mode he said. agreements that can be
Control program, who opened the glamorous new I,e said, but "tn tail to'
work with lion of environmental t
second of three sessions ort world skepticism at g • them where ttterr� arc things that can ports,
OIL he done concretely isn't punishing The study would be con
• . '� gg g city staff Hnd volunteers at
NizenS
• � � �„ y� them, it's punishin ourselves sections. I or lratile cc
�� ��� �® and you do not have to stop object����� � •'hility of in to what they do on human another 3'J interscclious, tbex lore the pOsst g
i�. sit hls." hire a private firm that s
By S'I'l1AR'f GOFtt)ON laded last Monday by the Recorder, ttul.tin u P a barrier at the site t" , ts. t;;e purposes of our economy'• in traffic data gathering.
saki "that property is not ins sale contrc i loitering and keep Out krt A eombinatic,rr of purr
S Local residenr.. �'iio oppose dc'' at any price. authorized motor vehicles. the iivagc of thr U.S. in the world,
")pment of "The hill" are spear. 1,`Ve bought the property to The Sharon Heights Home"n- and even from the narrowest security the city's gas tax account ;a
view, "the U.S. will be better off Improvement fees account
Sing a move,l�ent to purchase develop homes there and that's the cost of the study,
`. ,.,,at 38-acre parcel at the western what we intend to do," he said ors Association had complained about without an at,ns race," he concluded.
teenagers driving motorcycles and
firmly. 1 on The Hill. The result, Dave McFadden said he agrees to Lauren Mercer, director
end of Valparaiso Avenue in Menlo good Works and City L•'nbtneer.
Park and turn it into a permanent }llackwell said he had not yet theyrsay, has been increased vandal• nuclear weapons are not a g The traffic improveme
i open spaee reserve. been approached by the group of
purchase of the ism and burglaries in Sharon Heights. defense, but he is also concerned
fTned p
Phyllis Cangemi of Sterling Ave- residents about p Association President Les Barry about the economic impactro proposed collected from developers
r nue said stir is working with mem- property. Reagan administrations p p mar\, purpose of assisting
hers of the University Heights group Please turn to page 1�.) defense build-up. traffic impruvements mad
group Cangeml also said the 6n P ( The Soviets "arc going to stay by increased traffic goner
Homeowners Association, a g p even with the U.S.," he said, '•even
t opposing development of Tile Bill, development.
} rurchase ILA.. . +r'�^,f ough the primar
to raise the money to 1 account is to ft�
the property from the present own !nients, it could
er, I3lackwell homes of Cwnpbell. 'ffic studies to
The group is loo;::ng to raise the reprover;vents net
money from a combination of cor• _ T���- �----=-~'
poste and individual sources in the _ _ -- _. __ __;- -•- ._.�-- .___r---____. __.-� ercer said.
i stapes of the t
t community,Cangemi said. P r T �� paid for by Inc
t ' Aithoul;h the movement is in its �`1, t� �� - I,� I I I ►-�.� — t R, I
fc + i
d�,, •�, � 1. ..� �"�' � charges develop,
initial stages, it has gatliered a lot r ,1 --^
p nl � f � i � �� and atoning
Of support from area residents, she j �,< F' - f
said.
"We. are still in the feeling-out
stage to see just how much interest bc't i a :, � y •�
there might be for this idea," she da� f _--� �- � r
said at, Atherton, Portola Valley 8 ^loodside for 58 Years
o cht Serving Menlo Park, - --•
value of the prop- T -s-� 9-^•T^"r .':=t �r ircui,tion:3G7 14<;•1
The assessed -� - s .h.,. <.W_ �r:y.._-- -�� , .
err} is $2.9 million, according to the ago e
draft environmental impact report
Nowsrcom: 361-1155 Classtfrad: 3�1 10.5 Display Advcrtis,n9: 3G1.10 +� C 12 Paf Ycar i
on the development project pre- cot
Nolte and As Vol.Jot• 59, No. 50 G4U nlo Ave., i�lr.nlu Park CA 94025 Tues.- Dcc. 15, 1G81 25c Per Copy-
pared by George S. Nol du s -
sociates of San Jose.
� � �� 9 �,�';i:1'r2,
Efforts to purchase the property, t -•� <;'
the nb� w19.dnrvaeron area t_evelop• extension critical, he said, because r� �u i,
however,might prove futile. +
ment Commission (13CDC). several Peninsula cities now use the ) i�d �'t ,;j�• J7J '";`t
Developer Jack Blackwell, con Marsh dump.
The plan to keep the dump openY. "r.. e
11 Firnal
would alsoextend the life of the1n �lary IU public dumping facilities by' about18 months.The dump is set to close to then Wonder Oak Knoll kindergarteners
to USA. For pictures, public Dec.31,1982. '�►"'*����ti "% j
Tuesday, December IS, 1981
The Hill
{Continued from page 1) "We've tried to keep unauthor• for Sall Mateo and Santa Clara tour- ing to get pledges from corporations
,} is said development is seen by mem rr.ed vehicles off the property in ties, the Trust has acquired about and individuals before approaching
bers as a way to eliminate the prob• the past, but it hasn't worked. 1�'c 1100 acres valued at approximately 131ackwell Homes about the pure.
lem put up large wood posts with cables $5 million for open space reserve. chase of the property.
` Cangerni said some sort of fens• stretched between them, but they Land acquisitions have come "We will be trying to raise what,
were all torn out by vandals or the through gifts, as well. Some of the ever it takes to properly recom
ing might also correct the problem „
is""r + �{' while the develo anent project goes cables cut, he said. It- money for its purchases came from pense the present owner for the
x , through the City of Menlo Park's Cangerni said she and other resi- resale of acquired land to public land,"she said.
dents have met with members of agencies.
approval:process. The group has already received'`
Cangerni suggested the commuil- the Midpeninsula Regional Open "On several different occasions a pledge of a $100,000 grant for pur•
it}• might pay the"cost of fencing the Space District, a public agency, we've approached Blackwell Homes chase of the property for open space,.
• ) ; area. I and the Peninsula Open Space • . .to determine whether or not she said. She refused to disclose the.
'I'rust, a private non-profit cor- it might be possible to acquire the donor'sidentit
Blackwell called the fencing idea y.
+'
a losing Iosition.
poration in Menlo Park. � m
property from the , and we were Cangemi emphasized that as part
Y prol
0.• llarry Turner, a member of the advised that the property was not of "a properly managed open space
l�%e 'ell then, and still do, that a district's board of directors, said he for sale," Augsburger said, reserve," problems involving unau-
a1 •t public acquisition of that property He said the Trust "is not playing thorized vehicles and loiterers could
advised Cangerni that "it would;;r�: ;,• � �� would have to be a multiparty az- , .
t be feasible to manage that property advocate' in the issue of The Hill's be controlled.
rangement — in other words, have as a park in an undeveloped state. . . development. In 1973 and 1974, two city bond
, . several sources of funding — and And the district would be quite "Our role in that issue is to at- elections were held to purchase the
•: " need the initiative aria leadership willing to lend its advice and ex- tempt to facilitate a resolution of the site for open space. Both times the
of the Menlo Park City Council.t� conflict b working with both sides. proposals failed to gain the support
f. c "I don't think any public agency peruse for developing such amen- Y (; g PP I
Mtn"� t would enter Menlo Paxk's sphere agement plan." ,� It's not our role to say that property of the required two-thirds of the
Turner said the district had been shouldn't be developed," he said. Menlo Park electorate.
of influence without the active contacted in 1976 by opponents of But, Augsburger admitted, "by The project
support of the council." p 1 proposed by the
The Hill's development for advice our very activities we are obviously developer calls for the building
Responsibility for supervision of on developing strategies for keeping P space advocates." of five single-family homes and
er' an open space reserve at the sight p' g open s ac
g the property open space. t� Callgemi said she will be attempt- 75 townhouses on the site.
would depend on who owned the
new ,. jwood City Blood property and subsequent arrange- At the time, he noted, the crea-
q g lion of an open space reserve did not PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE lave a pint of blood. In at- ments with other parties and agen RECYCLE!
it administrator of Sequoia ties. 4- have the support of the Menlo Park LEGALNOTICE
t The City of Menlo JOINT PIJRLIr. NEARING
of the Peninsula Memorial "In principle,it might be the,Men. to eep it undeveloped,"said Turner, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the San Mateo
e Blood $ank, and Mario to Park Parks and Recreation Corn- who was elected to the board from Park has a free curb- County Board of Supervisors and the San Mateo
�d City station, a branch of mission, the County of San Mateo or, side pick-up service County Commurrlty Development Commisslon will
.hill be open every Tuesday possibly but rot likcl the Mild- residents in the Menlo Park, �400d- for all your re-cycl- hold a joint public hearers of January 1f Super.
}+ side, Portola Valley and Atherton visors,
11 a.m. In the Chambers of the Board of Super-
peninsula Regional Open Space Dis- abtes — glass, metal, visors• 401 heariMarsng
all Street, Redwood City,time to
P area. rla; said hearing may be continued from time to
trict,"he said. j- , C and newspaper, time until completed. Any person desiring the op-
- -` the districts area of concern in. portunity to be heard will be afforded an oppor•
He noted,however, that the group eludes preservation of open space For pick-up tun Ity to do so.
Opposing development "really hasn't along Skyline Ridge and the edge schedule informs The purpose of said hearing is to consider the
Re-
decided yet what they are going to development
amendment to the er Palo Alto Re-
g g of the developed urban areas. -� Lion, Call 858-3470. development Plan, herelnatter called "Plan."
try to do." y Peninsula Open Space Trust has said Plan was adopted by San Mateo County Y
In monsow Ordinance No. 2087 on March 23, 1981. The
The district has never taken an
advised the group on sources of fund- Plan, also known as "Redevelopment Plan,"Official stand on development of ing for such a land purchase,accord- PUBLIC NOTICE authorized the undertaking of a redevelopment
The Hill. project pursuant to the California Community
"But we have willingly lent our tog to director Robert Augsburger. Reoevelopment Law.
Floor FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
Since its inception In 1977 as pri- NAME STATEMENT The general objectives of said Redevelopment
advice to people looking for ways vate land conservancy organization (File No.46385) Plan have not changed as a result of these amend-
_;ring Specialists
- The following person is pose of the amendments to the
Q Redevelopment Plan are to Include the area do.
I /�y �►}� q ,els7e man s. no
•— "X oSt _5�lleMi2l:.. ...s.�l..,- Coln,;business as:
_ MENLO - ATHERTON ,
y _
Serving Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley & Woodside for 58 Years
Newsroom: 361-1155 Classified: 361-1045 Display Advertising: 361-1045 Circulation:Cion: 12 Per
Vol- 59, No.3 640 Menlo Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025 'cues.,Jan 19,1981 25c Per Copy-12 Per Year
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Debbie Wright of Menlo Park stands beside a fissure on The Hill, a 38-acre
parcel at the western end of Valparaiso Avenue that is the target of a con-
troversial townhouse development. The rift is the result of erosion caused
by the killer storm that lashed the Bay Area Jan. 11. Wright is a member of
a group that claims the soil on the Hill is not stable enough to build on.
MENLO - ATHERTON
i
Serving Menlo Park, Atherton, Portolo Valley & Woodside for 58 Years
Newsroom 361-1155 Classified 361-1045 Display Advertising 3tit-1045 Circulation 367-7444
,Vol. 58, No.48 640 Menlo Ave., Menlo Park, Ca. 94025' 'Tues., Dec. 1, 1981 25c Per Copy—S12 Per Year
Tough Questions Raised over "roe Hill'
with the cla stone soil of The Hill.:
The Menlo Park Planning Com- that information in order to make clay
stone
has recommended that the a viable decision. I just feel the con- The process, called lime stabiliza-
consultants writing the final en- sultant should incorporate as many lion, has been used in other Cali-
sources of information as possible fornia cities on similar sites.
vironmentaI impact report (EIR)
+ in the final EIR,"he said. The commission also suggested
on development of "The Hill" that the final EIR should include
take a closer look at soil stability, The commission also asked the
storm drainage, sewer capacity and consultant to include a defnitive information on where and how suc-
i
the city's legal liability in the project statement on whether building on cessful lime stabilization has been
the site contains "an acceptable in other cities.
The commission closed its dis• Walnut Creek is one city that
cussion of the draft EIR last Monday amount of risk."
and probably will not take up the We would like to know what has used the lime stabilization
issue of The Hill's development again is meant by an acceptable degree process in the past in development.
until the final EIR is prepared. of risk," said Commission Chair- According to Terry McCloud,
man Ivan Odom. "We would like a Walnut Creek Building Official
Commissioners made several sug- and Chief of Code Enforcement,
gestions to the consultants preparing to hear it stated that building on
the final EIR, George S.'Nolte and The Hill contains a normal level of the process requires close monitor-
risk, that it's a safe and sound ing.
Associates of San Jose.
Commissioner Wynn Dahlgren prospect.
. Failure to locate a layer of Bent
recommended that the final docu- The greatest hazard posed by onite (a highly expansive clay soil)
ment should include the results of building on the site, Odom noted, at the site resulted in approximately
soil stability studies on The Hill is the expansive quality of the Sl million damage at one develop
done by Stanford University and the claystone soil which could cause ment,he said.
U.S. Geological Survey. shifting and cracking of strut- The commission,concerned about
He said the consultant and the tures• future damage from soil expansion,
city have not looked at those studies, Carol Thompson, a representa- requested the final EIR contain a
which could shed light on whether tive of the consulting firm,said the statement on the city's legal liability
it is definitely safe to build on The draft EIR already contains a declara- in the event of a lawsuit involving
Hill. tion that building on The Hill in- homeowners.
"I think the commission needs volves an "acceptable level of risk— Commissioners suggested the con-
in other words, no greater level of sultant include background about the
risk than building anywhere else in history of similar litigation in other
Menlo Park —provided the mitiga- California cities and the outcome.
tions suggested in the EIR are ob- Chairman Odom said, "We've al-
served and carried out." ways been assured by the city attor-
The commission, she said, is ney that the city would not be sub-
apparently looking for a "more ject to retrospective legal action,
clearly defined statement." would not be liable."
One of the mitigations suggest- Commissioner Jack Morris said
ed in the EIR involves mixing lime (Please turn to page 6.)
6—Menlo-Atherton Recorder,Menlo Park,Calif. Tuesday,December 1, 1981
The Hill
(Continued from page 1.) The proposed Blackwell town- the property since 1980. Previously,
he thought the draft EIR did not houses to be built on The Hill will it held an option on the property.
"sufficiently address the problem probably sell for from $400,000 to The assessed value of the proper-
of storm drainage" for the propos- $t5Q000 each. Because of the finite ty is $ 9 million, according to the
ed development. sewer capacity, The Hill develop- craft EIR.
"The final document needs to ment as proposed could preclude John Higham, president of the
be more specific about run-off the construction of more afford- University Heights Homeowners
amounts from storms.That informa- able housing in Menlo Park. Assocation, a group that opposes
lion could be used to help decide Commissioner Raymond Smith, development of The Hill,said he is
whether additional mitigation mea- an architect with Kingsford Jones, 'more optimistic" that The Hill
sures are needed,"he said. a Menlo Park firm,said the develop- will not be developed, after last
Morris said the consultant sould er's building site plan in the draft Monday's Planning Commission
consider the design of a storm EIR "is not designed in accordance meeting.
drainage system capable of handling with the state's 1978 Solar Rights "'Ire question of whether The
run-off from a 25-, 50- and 100-year Act." Hill can be developed seems to be
storm. "The EIR has to address the still totally up in the air.I feel there
The draft EIR only considered fact that the project is non-con- may be a high probability that no
the design of a drainage system for forming with that section of he building will occur on The Hill,"
a 10•year storm,or the kind of severe California code,"he said. he said.
storm one might expect to occur The Solar Rights Act requires
once every ten years. structures on all subdivisions be
Morris noted there has been prob- situated so as to take advantage of
lems with flooding of homes located `,passive solar heating,"Smith said.
%at the bottom of The Hill after
storms. Bill Bocook,an architect with
"The EIR didn't consider whose Hoover Associates of Palo Alto,
responsibility it is to maintain and the firm that designed the Black-
upgrade storm drainage ditches on well townhouses for The Hill,
The Hill. Whose jurisdiction would said he had not `looked into the
that be,the city's or the county's?" claim" that the building site plans
Commissioner Dahlgren also sug- are in violation of state code.
gested the consultant study the ef- "But, even if they are, it would
fect of the proposed development only be a matter of shifting the
on the city's limited sewer capacity, orientation of some buildings slight-
"A major development of this ly,"he said.
type has to be equated with the Blackwell Homes of Campbell
housing element of the city's has proposed building 80 units on
General Plan. Does the develop- 38 acres of The Hill located at the
ment address these goals or not?" west end of Valparaiso Avenue.
he asked. Blackwell Homes has owned
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'The Hill"
Susan Sommers (left) and Debbie Wright investigate the meadow Menlo stet serve as food for birds on
in Menlo Park.Wright is taking a "bird census" at the 38-acre West
Bird
Census Takes Place on 'The Hill'
From the way Debbie Wright stays glued to her bino- Rockman said.
d by culars, people who spot her,on her rlo}count morning
walks There is along-runnl is ing contra ersylover its future.. Black-
on "The Hill"might think she is therewell wants to build homes there, but many Menlo Park
She is. Andeen would like
The Audubon Society is doing a "bird census" at residents including new Mayor Gerry the firm is
Edgewood Park and several ;Menlo Park residents de- to make a park of for Blackwell said Friday
cided to do the same on The Bill. The park
acre plot west A'happy to permit the bird census, as long as no vehicles
of the Alameda de las Pulgas is not apark —it's owned are driven onto the Hill,and no garbage is brought in.
by a developer,—but the birds don't seem to care_
i "The Hill happens to be, for the size that it is,
extraordinary in its capacity to attract migrating birds,"
Phyllis Cangemi of Menlo Park
"said. She called it "a
major flyway for migrating birds.
The Sequoia Chapter of the Audubon Society is
taking a bird census so it can supply specific information
to San Mateo County and community planning agencies
about how development could effect birds.
In the long run Cangemi said, the data may be used
in national efforts to create treaties with neighboring
countries about protection of migratory bir'i habitats. '
The United States has treaties with Mexico, Canada,
Japan and the Soviet Union about hunting limits for
migratory birds, but there is nothing in writing about
preserving the food and nesting places of the birds.
The issue is very complicated, since development
one area can effect a separate plot's bird population,
by cutting down on insects, changing water supply, or
in other ways. "When-there's no food, birds go some-
ilace else," Sequoia Audubon chapter president Wilma
7
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C j Times Tribune staff photo by Jean Dixon
Del Clean-up crew
Val P
aft ►Debbie Wright was one of several neighborhood residents living near the hill at the west end of
.va Valpariso Avenue in Menlo Park who combined efforts Saturday to clean up the area. The hill
-often Is littered with trash and debris, but neighbors are protesting development of the hill and
want It to remain as open space.
5353C
P E T I T I O N
FOR THE ACQUISITION AND CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS
PURSUANT TO SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AND ASSESSMENT BOND ACTS
AND WAIVER OF PROCEEDINGS UNDER DIVISION 4 OF THE
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE
THE HILL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT
To the Honorable City Council To the Honorable Board of Supervisors
City of Menlo Park County of San Mateo
Menlo Park, California San Mateo, California
To the Honorable Town Council Board of Directors
Town of Atherton Midpeninsula Regional Open Space Dist.
Atherton, California 375 Distel Circle
Los Altos, California 94022
Honorable Council and Board Members:
The undersigned respectfully petition and show that:
1. They are the owners (as shown on the Assessor's Roll, or in the
Assessor's records, of the County of San Mateo, on which general taxes are
collected) of lands constituting assessable property within said county and to
be further described as provided by law in these proceedings.
2. You undertake special assessment proceedings and issue assessment
bonds for the proposed acquisitions and improvements described in Exhibit "A"
attached hereto.
3. You assess the costs of said acquisition, together with the
incidental expenses of said proceedings, upon the proposed direct benefit
thereby, the boundaries of which shall be determined in the manner prescribed
by applicable law.
4. The taking of proceedings under Division 4 of the Streets and
Highways Code in regard thereto is hereby waived.
5. The signing of this petition In no way waives any rights to file a
protest in the special assessment proceedings.
Dated , 1983. Respectfully submitted,
Assessor's Parcel No(s) . : Owners)
Print Name(s)
Signature(s) of Owner(s)
r
JHHW:SRC:rjj 10/08/82 5355C
The acquisition of the property commonly known as "The Hill," comprising
approximately 38 acres and situated at the end of Valparaiso Avenue and
bounded generally by Sharon Heights in Menlo Park, University Heights in
San Mateo County and the city limits of the Town of Atherton, said
property to be held and used as open space, together with the acquisition
of all lands, easements, permits and licenses and the construction of all
work necessary to complete and accomplish the above-described acquisition.
EXHIBIT "All
THE HILL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT
I
t <p
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Date: January 26, 1983
To: The Board of Directors
From: Harry Turner
Regarding: Requests by The Hill Committee
in its letter of January 20, 1983
I am keenly aware that The Hill Committee is asking the District to take
actions that are beyond its fundamental goals for the preservation of
regional open space. The possible consequence of repeated commitments of
our limited resources to acquisitions of extremely expensive urban open
space would be an impairment of our ability to achieve the purposes for
which the District was created. We all know that our policies do allow
for occasional departures from our primary mission that involve acquisition
of urban open space. In this case I believe that an arrangement can be
structured that will be consistent with all of our policies and that will
assure a cost-effective use of the judicious commitments that we make.
I do support the essence of the Committee's requests, and I submit the
following recommendations to you for your review and approval.
1. Endorsement. The District Board should endorse and support the
efforts of local constituencies and political leadership in the
vicinity of The Hill to assemble the resources and to buy the full
fee title of the entire property from a willing seller at a
mutually agreed upon fair market price.
Note that the City Council of Menlo Park, which has a sphere of
influence over the unincorporated area containing The Hill has
recently denied a similar request for endorsement.
The most likely specific result of this endorsement will be
encouragement to circulators of petitions to create a 5000 home
Benefit Assessment District in an area involving portions of Menlo
Park, Atherton, and San Mateo County.
This action would be consistent with a basic District policy to be
an advocate for open space and to encourage other entities to
preserve it.
2. The Grant. As to amount, I suggest that the Board specify an
amount in the range of $100,000 to $250,000, according to what it
believes will be the most cost-effective use of District funds.
This range corresponds to a cost per acre range of $2600 to $6600,
The Hill Committee 4uest 2
amounts that straddle the current acquisition prices being paid by
the District.
I
In return for the grant the District should receive an open space
easement over the entire 38 acres.
I believe that this appropriation will be money well spent and
consistent with our exception policy for the following reasons:
Uncommon public support. By policy, the District includes the
amount of public support for an acquisition among the factors
that affect its land acquisition decisions. There has been
persistent, broad support for the objective of keeping The Hill
in open space. The first attempt to do so failed, not because
of lack of support, but because of the financing method
selected. The second Menlo Park election demonstrated a
near-majority support for the project. I assure you that today
a substantial area of Menlo Park strongly supports its
preservation. The one exception is unincorporated Sharon
Heights where the support level is not uniform and many
residents are wary of abuse of the site and of their privacy
and security if The Hill continues undeveloped. However, on
balance the public support is extensive and enthusiastic. This
claim will be tested once again by the petition circulators.
If they fail, our expectation that the public support is
sufficient to justify the grant will be denied. For this
reason the award of the grant should be contingent on a
successful formation of a Benefit Assessment District.
Regional attraction for nature study. The Hill does provide an
array of three native California biotic communities in one
compact area. This uncommon feature makes it an area for
nature study that can appeal throughout the entire region. It
is reasonable to foresee the District docent program including -
The Hill in its regular activities. The San Mateo County
Audubon Club advocates preservation of The Hill for bird study.
Regional access. There is easy automobile access to the site
from throughout the District's region.
Unusual natural value. The open space has uncommon beauty and
appeal. This Hill provides "room to breath" close to the urban
congestion.
As to purposes for which the grant can be applied, I suggest that:
- the seller must be willing;
- the entire 38 acres must be acquired; and
- the use of the property must be publicly accessible open
space.
3. Property Management. I recommend that we advise The Hill Committee
to look first to Menlo Park for management of the property. This
would be consistent with the principle that government is better
The Hill Committee uest 3
when it is administered locally where information travels short
distances and is not pubject to distortion or incompleteness, and
where local elected officials are readily accessible to the
property's neighbors.
A proper role for the District would be to assist in preparation of
the use and management plan for The Hill. Implementation of the
plan should be the responsibility of a local jurisdiction.
4. Governmental relations. We should be aware that this property is
in Menlo Park's sphere of influence and that the Council has just
awarded a building permit for the property. Our actions should
include letters directed to Menlo Park and to the County that
inform them of our actions and of our reasons for taking them.
5. Public information. It is important that we clearly explain that
our actions are consistent with our established, previously
existing policies regarding exceptional acquisitions of urban open
space. We should strive to avoid the possible misinterpretation
that we are embarking on a new policy to participate in undeveloped
land acquisitions in urban areas throughout the District.
Summary
The Hill is a unique open space opportunity within the District's area of
responsibility. The Hill is undeveloped land with "unusual characteristics
of sufficient natural value and importance to transcend its relevance to
the immediate locality." If we take the steps I have outlined here, we
will be cost-effective with our limited funds and we should be able to
avoid making future grants to acquire parcels of urban open space that do
not satisfy our policies.