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19980318 - Agendas Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 98-06 (2)
PETITION TO THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS 9-yft/-7----------------- Q?9 tl----------------- ---------�- N4 --------- - ---------- _ yt�U-r�-t�____4q=�a-------- �&2GjC4_ �[VL,? ---�? 1 � � 13 1----------- -------------- - -------- ----------- ------- 1 J_ - ------Z s L ----------- ---------- - ----------- - -- -- -- - -- �' _ --------�t2_ - --- - --------t- --- ----------- =---------_�.�:1�_ --1-`�-���°------- Tp r;�t S-------------�`�`-�Zt_�In_ lI.c.v��_--�-� ��="-=--�4----�.5 e_�------- Q\,1F-_ V-1 -----------Vi e_ _`t_A'-1 ____�°``'� - � r ------------------------- I---- ------------------------------------------------------------ 4 - - J PETITION TO THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOS to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS ZP ski----S o Ic U--'--------yo64o l_S_fi_ 3/ oaf -� r -------------/------ -D itr - _6o k---------------------�czTu__ I'arkWo�yl_ r_#�__�u��e����r�� c4_9b �1. L4 ez,,,sr_4__LZ-,v-4aL------------------ CLd RdPI-i�N X-J- a - z-�` 9�4�y - k=°a a- 4t-14 5- -'U -f K- -----------------� __� - - r -----1_ ------- ------------ - lac --------------�Z2_I _ _ _ v 614 Ld a"41-----------�L-:a I- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------r____--___-_--____--.--------------- -------------------------------------w ---------------------------------r-------------------------------------------------------- I PETITION TO THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS ----------_________..__---_-r-----1--------------_------------------ __ ---OL.- -1 ----nLtQ---'- ---------------------------�t'faH �C9f,'h z �0 ---C NAe' Mi4Tc 4K 3a i O PU �e zte/'W--exa------- 7_s !?ee ,oj t�-Zj dd 7_�(Z sa,�_Ic� "/" -- 9 tiv a, ke, w'eir 13 7 9 9 a "°4 o m se-, ;E'er ---------- --- ---- ---- --------------------__----------------------- ---------- 4leka', W/'e 4i'av`?c��-�Z, 2194 �s^ee r # �. -4 --- _-�-- T------- j_ . , p� ,[ J_ - eII',., ((,� '',, �� em�ss,, y --------------f--------------------------- ------- -------r--- ---- (' 2 --- ---------- 1- �-1--- / - ----- -- - -- -------------- - ------------------------------------------------- --------- j-��---;-,-���, i V" j, 0---------------I-a--�-�-----Te-2-W---4�-------W--P--r--Jt�15: A29 e�0-61� &4-1- A2 0a' ;�Z� tl�i�,ZA L ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ f PETITION TO THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE-DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS /h-kkf ij'!� Fcce,Pek? a t/e- /,(A - -Vf'et.,- ---------Aljjq�� 1�a 2 Jq- -------- --------------------- ----------------------------------------�`°i ------------ - ------------------------------- ------ -------------- __ll`0.i SA-- °'��► ------------765-Sa...,_ G .b_ _ Q� a bo_ cA-9Y�D'3 i �I ------- ----✓1 _R �__�JF' -------- l �d✓J Cf}_`�St7SI-lb/O _C'oryfll¢,�z 'r_ T tt - --- s9- ------- _1=: L - �1-�--g-�'-S� -----_�28' 6_�,s_a-_., 1�j__ Leaf 414s lhlls,_--Q---------- _ r�ia_fk - -- ---------3ok_S t je r1p ,ay----- VPc lZ a CeA-)9,4 C-A � >V s� ------------------, -it s_�_� �__ ��ato C�`� �----------- ul - ---- --- --- ------------------- --- ---------- ----------`-- - PETITION TO THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS 2 2 Z_1 z �U �I�ZC�`� IP cl E�C 1 1�/06?� _ -------------------------------------------- r------- --- --------------------- ------ - - r J�'� ���`1.Lti L�- i �� t �"l�'1 --- ------ --------------. __� -r ---- -------------- ��o ^ 2s �,� 9 4 r 2 2-_ -- -- -- -----------------------�------------! -------y--- --- --- _. _ ---- - - ----------------------------- ° -_ _- ------- ----- -- ----- ----t _ --------- Iky SF � q f ----------L!�--� ------ ------ -- --- - �_ � --------------------------------------- -- ----------------------------------- - __ - -------------- ----------------- ---------------------------- --------- PETITION TO THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS vi' Ijrte_C�rk u� lac:--=-----2-W Sa" 14,11 Curct4- _ Q A1-U Rz4_I.4Z� - - ---- - - - ---=-- - C o US -------- -Qk -------------- ----------"- ----------------------------- -- ---- ---------- (_, j, '70..------ ------------ ---------Y--------------------------- non� iZr ,_ q4o� ------------- ---- -- ------ Z-- 2 .ssQ _--- -'-y` '-��- t------------ ------------------- �r_rt5t.__ - ----- --`{ 3 a�- - ��-- ------5 / ��-__�v�21 - - -- --- - - �1 �� ti L ---- ----�!�-=------T q---------------- -------- ---°�'=�.?�--- le -Z L'a-- -- - -------------- ---------------- fe��, t;� -%k -- -- _ P�4rn-A g a---------�`�� r' 1, I zy PETITION TO THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS Z-�>1,-r I -7"-7 ,4 C-* QSa 7-0 --------�------------------- --------------------- ----------------------------- X4t---- ---------0 �J- M0.� ��Eti- __-_-OGi�-Pt/A —_Grov_�-r- 808 - -----i�--__cruel - Q_ _ g' r _------------ -- =`'e"` `l0 6 2 -------------------w�- -� --�---` ------ -----e- 0. ---- ----- ------------------ - ----- -------- -- -- -- ---- ----- ---`=° ----l (�-�- �`--Rut--q�h ,___�'`' - -- � -------- =- -�--------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------- -- ------------------------------ ------ v -Cam'=cr _�a� 1 �_�iE,- swc_ C _9--o2s G-ice' f1 -- --- ----------- 2iZ /Sc(1Z t, A,e. 4•e-r< < �c(Gr � -�hft -- -------- --- 01 vim. ------------------------------- ------------------------ ����--rh,_ �--. � =_------ i PETITION T,,- I'HE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Tin-, Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady o Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against sai, property. NAME ADDRESS �-- �- -------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ � --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- <1 PETITION T(- �'II MIDPENINSULA ItEGIONAiL OPEN SPACE DISTIUCT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to INOT intervene with the Fin- Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady c,, Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against saji property, NAME ADDRESS ........0-01___ 4- cr c ------ _ _ ----+- - 2A---- ----------------U -A ---15Te�--- -- - -- - --- - -- - - - - �j PETITION TO THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We} the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS ------ ------------------- -- may`` ------ -------- --- --- J Pip �-------------------- -- - fyf.`' --� -_Al t�__v_�``� ----- 1 YL------ ----- -------- _�C_IV(ze, _ `l$$E• DUrr7 AJ� SUN�� _CA-9 4------- -- - - - ------------------------------r------ --- -- _--j- --5_ _. 1.111�-(ctl_- -- yf1l1L`�S1.r _�.Y.fI � --- - - -----------3Y3o /�Esrq�fY C�,4� ��uC2�`ta2 -------- S /G ���lGt lua�u�9f �v o ---- - -- ----------------------- L---- ---------� ----C `- --------------------`----------------------� `---- -- --��------ Qa? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- i ----------------------------------------I------------------------------------------------- . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------T PETITION TO THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS ----------- -------- ------------ ------ -- ---------------------- I , , _ --- - - -=- -� -----( &--- -- - - - -- ---- ------ ----- ---- - - ------------------�� - �n}o�--- -s--- s-� - --G- - - • --- - ----------- 5 1/e�.f �` �`e-=�S -M `--------(-- -- 447 -- - - --- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------py-------------------------------------- -- ° J - - � 5�v-------p� ---5--_' � -S��-5 -- �12 ---------- --------------?_�' --3�-v-- ''�-- --glLl1-0----------------- --- - --- -------------------- -----__-�1� ---- - ----- ----- -- - -- ------------1 a ao=-3a--� - --------��-�_----� ------ PY may' _T PETITION TO THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS --- ------ 1 CO, -ov --------------------- -- -- - -----------------------��A "F�tNt_�------------------------ i ��Y = ='-------= '-Per'=� --_---- ---. ------- . --------------------------- ----- - -------- - ----x--- -�y----__ -------------- -'-'r 0� 7 _--_ --- ------------- ------- - __ __� --�-_x� --------------------------------------------------------=-"----------'--- �-- -r ---------------------------------------------- --------,-------------� ---—'-------------------------------------L --`�-/-� V------/�� .1..+r'----------------� -.1_L':.-�`f._ -�_ -- -- f - - `r_�.L h` r - ------------------ 31--�uw�_- -�c(M?�l_� t r Cf A C �1(rLLLC�r---------——�'-�---_-------� �(,� �-_C�t?Q-�� Lea_ 1� __ - I_ r-----------------------'-- -=----------�-=---`----=-----__' rc� -- r - -j- - =- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- �1 / --------------------------------------,------------- c---------`---\-,`----------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------_------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----- y- '--------------------------1 R lYUI S -�-� ---- im - d,-w�-------xL) - ,- -9--�------------------------- r PETITION TG DL 1VIIDPIININS�LA REGIONAL j T GIONAL OVEN SPACE DISTRICT � We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the F hi- Developemeut Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady cl Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against ."Sai, property. NAME ADDRESS JV t��-�_ �l_E-S S_-----------330 c, F oC So r� 5*-------- CA 6741tto -_ -- -_- -----------------_ t' D______-____/ --_, (� _7 _ L- - -- ----------- -,AA --------------4- ----- ------------------------------------- - -------------- -------- - ----- ------------ ----------------------- 2� __ �f�«_ --------- -- __ 7XI __ _- -- -------- --- - ---S ---------- ------ Mows-- -------------�-------<-y-y------.------------ --. ?! '-2 E J ylj. ------------- PETITION TO rHE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We,, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developcmcnt Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS ------------ Vly --.�--y�--------- ------- --- - --C4H.:t._ 7y0(?ASk� sJ_ forrvr- CA VVr 65- ------- - ----- &2c -----NCH g`�--y erg, 1�✓ _ ©� ��' C� �U6�� ---_ -- - --- -- ------ ---- --f_. L-W-------------------- -------------- ---------------3`� _------------ `1-`---% L _ _q q 70 6--- __ -= -�--------- ----L$- 1%,d_i Asra�- L�rc --- O-Z��.�o.+_L c.4 -_ 9:t 6 3------ _ _-_____-----_--------_--_-------- Elie _ --!-- ads�� g'ul< I a© - �� ti_ --------------------------_ = 2_ ------------------ ' PETITION TO THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and N _ OT to proceed with any condemnation process again st said property. NAME ADDRESS 1 --------------- �- c -- --' -------zZ- r � � 4 � i _ f -- ----------- ------------- --1 =?f-- �� 1�__ __ _r -- (�'--- ----SS- - ------1�= --- -Q-� _ _� ?�_S F �,`�p -- ---- - --- -----------� A'l _4_a,Q�e_ &Mcvu -------s` `=�-- --Q'y'` -mac_ �d_�= ----- - - --- --- /7 � g C f-el--- --- ----- -.9 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ j ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ PETITION TITHE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Fin Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against sa: property. NAME ADDRESS ------------------f y7� -4' ------�-- - -- ----- ------ --- -- ------ iss--------� --yam--- - - --------- -- ------------- 1 �_ ---�------� ------ -y---------------------_�aarUH �16�---------- Y PTA _ 7 -- ---=--------- ---------' -��-'�.53Z � �ZX l� --------------------------- --------7 z15 _ ��/�w G ��/� _ H,•l_lr dal l - - ------ - ---- --------- --------- --- -- -- - --C'g--�- ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- /9_ _�` �:---------`- s rZs �'�---�-��riz 1�I1_lam �'� �l �__ = --- S r /�? �✓ �r i r1/ J re�✓ •/ 1 1 W t� G c� ✓l/ra ----------------------------------{----- -------------------------------------- al- ---- -- - ee------------------------- �0_� --------- ---o o ff'-1�o��Gw_f U-- �u �, ,� (()A. �s- --- Z� PETITION TO THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS u'Yer, e-__ o �i!_[ -----� �sse k_,S'-/,_-_,QPt f��--�fl 1�� ------------ g."/-1------------------------ J--------------- ---------- ----------------------------------------------- ----- J O / (�� -�__ _1- ---��1_I!% L�_✓ �---�4�1/1 'keCr(QgYp-r�P ±`t - ;T �s Z--------- a _ 6or--�� ��_ _CX 9---77 ----------a l_ ---f--o r_ r_ `7_LPc7h ro __�'��__-- `7 -- ------- --- �--------7. - --- --- ------------ CA 3479 - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------ ;G4�� eV 94rxo/ --------------------- ---------------------4- ----- ------- r i I . , ,� 717, PETITION TC �&'HE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Fin:3 Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady o Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against sai, property. NAME ADDRESS ----- ✓ - ? [ - --- -i��_ -- - ----- --Ql ------ ----� ---�Z'--�C-- ----=-�- ----- - Ica (^g:.. __�z;��f.�.������_�/O�G�Ya`l_�tiro.��_�`r�,_nDrS!_.,�5_�1�i✓�c'j��e,�__l�—_, � -------- ---- -- - o_------_avc_S---_--- `s_-- -- ---------- Z-lam S, -B ---- -- --c, s cam--- ----�`--------- ---- -----------t'----------------------- _- - ----------- ----1 -A- ' V 71---- �-��- v --- ----� �90 ---- l' G� ' .�- -----------7. `q -/--T e 'Y`z''� � ��'s� 9y/1& ------- ----_ _---- -------- --------------- -- --- ------- -- - ------- - T -- - ---` 4------ ------ ----------------_ -;-77 ce�'�° �2af�c__2�_ _ _ r ------ ------------------------ ------------- K��'�� ----------------------------- ---------------- A ------ -- ut S- ------------- 22 PETITION TO THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. N ADDRESS ---- - =- _ -- --- ='�---------------- - - - ��� -w_c - - - - -------- ------- -- - - - ---- --------------------q?--s ---- -------z--�2 - --- --- -------------------------------I�-��� _-- = --fix_`__-------�- Cep 9�fso�, ------- - - -------------------------- 2 �-� -P _ Z31� -� -- - - --------------------------3'�- �.� _1 �.�_� n c�4_ gYSI (g S 2 f.PWAL tiny ,t#,�i A,*7 C r gy rs� ----------- --- -----------------y ° � ZL f�ti�, �Lc�eelTa 9'�S'v�o - - -------------Z?��--•1 ila�` rr r2 S' -- - --- ------ - U ------------------- -- -- ---- ---��- --- ---- -Qvt�et ��1�' �-1'_1_� � 51�T�S� -===--- -- -- - ---------------133 PCLJCAN L:oP----PIYTsBu.24_ .�►� -------------------374- -- -- - -- ---------------------, 'S _y_'1841 (�OZ__ �-CdJbz.�7 G4j- ' �r -- ------------ -- I -- - - -- -- ---------------------=�D��tP���=-`='=1 �_�gy[✓r r v±__SS��Yl__— --`� - ------------------------J3�'-;_Ni�t' 1 ___` .:�-�-- --1�-iS1i------------------- WO STiAIEL 5 --- --- - =�----------------------/p ---r-��----(�LJ�` C-9L-N_ _ G�--- i S PETITION T IIE 22 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS 1Grur� -------------------/�Ua 6 �YS 33 --- ��_- --�------------------------------ - - -------------------���� ---- -- - - -------------- a _C�� --Qs=" z�------- --- ---------------- y 'i- ------ - - - - ------------------------7- ��1f -�_-�__ -- - -----------------------1'78 b .�,I1Q�Q-----------_ '�'�=-- =qs�gZ___ --- ----- --- ---- ---------- 0� �r ---� -r �---- -�..a .. --�- - ---------2Q32 s uz� --`---- ----�`-� - -u--- -- -- ------ ------73NZ_c0ns10,�¢_ (0,L1,� __ _ -- -----�c`-�---- ti0 G'�'a,�/.Ln -w COS g-119'3/ - fi - - --- ----------------- - - ---- -- - `= ------------------------------- - - -- ----- --------- C -- -- ----� Y���---6------------ - ------ -- ----------- - G --- -�- -- ------------ - -- ---------`------------��3-`�--s u y►,�c�_C� Z 1,U c __ /lC��jHr/�' ur�--- � -� = ---- -x -?D�- cvfl w°� �_ -(,vet _- ��t�i,�r_� `--23_ FOP&01� - C ) PETITION Td&E Z`� MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS CQ- Alt kvla4 — Z�O`� Cer✓ Qn�.tCreG�r . -------�--- ------ --------------------------- --- --- ---------------�9_ ��� -- - ----- - -- ---- - ---- --- ------------- -- 4� `-- e_=✓_�ra v�1_��.�h�= 0 3_ -7- ,� - - ------- �a� _ s�_� ��tti.lL��►gm_All --- ----- 0--5__ o Wood ��_}w¢l.nrut-C7_ tz4 q _--q 5a $------- ----------& - --- -----C41A ------- _ - - ---------------------���u �2__ ► �- _- ------ - � =---- ----------1�'�---��Y �--- 3.._l�ri������4__CL__U_�26-------- /2 K(0_4L C.4 -o ti 7 - -- -----------+- ------ --------- _�_ �LUUIA----- alt^ _ ss�v_ _ _ �- -- ------------=S-��h'l fir_ ��i ' _ Lvvu calef 614 —D - - - ---9---- -------- ------ ----------__ d 4��zoc1 �SrOG O�nG ls'✓�� ovK ���ig Cree Ins 2 de 'Zr. 4' 2047 Uc/ oQi Creek CI) YXX✓C 1 00 (Z PETITION TO THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NA ADDRESS _ 1- m00 %4e7. xf_ Y j - �- - ------------------- --- - - -- ------ --- - - - - - - --- - - ----------------------- V-- - - -- ------- ----- --- -�� ------------------— 1_-----7a --- -- - -------------�` - -- c�.r. _1 C_-- _ 11 1 - . _ - -- - -----------l l S— --- -- --------- — - ---- 9 -----�- - --- a�_------ �Z-- �c�- r-------- -�_e tTTS 3L07 �►2 _ ©rCkD I2 .C. �L k4b ( �`'� - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PETIT ON TO THE G l �MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT De} the Ub vi igued4 PWtion the NI! OSD to' = irer"" with the Final; P'erWtt for the proposed RuWan C n. t of 01jr Lady of Vladlip'.ii-. ' alid to 'proceed with fifty condemnation )process a propert gainst salsa` y. NAME ADDRESS w._ .:e """—rr_r l •'-J,tiJ ... s ,'�• 'S��r�� {jP J/ r'• �� .}! } . 14/ __._ _}rr y�.—__. •r ww_w�6�` .y r.e �a i� �`..tf�l.�,.f'" � _ 1 , •�� .1k+...�. ,•t--—— ——__..�._. ��i �.i�.��i i�>,i��.1� =�ni�n..l�...t�... .:_.�.-,.F r,I.+i•i�.l�L.�/ �;'J���!/��`�,,,;„ ' �e ^7C � � IT uA_'L�...,��Ty.. •^f .'s...w —..... ~ — __. _.�....._.._......_ ...w'_ `_ _ ff�� _M.1. R,l jV Yy �'t_•/�� '�1 �• ��J4../r,M�.•yL.i.•'.14.r•... _,y.,y� �.y��-Y)1.1�"54.. r....— -_ --) �J !�� ,.� f f � // I rr--_—. —__. .._.-....ti.. __.__ • -._--_..._._—ww_.. — -- — ---------- �— �........Yr•n. —_—_..—___— i w rw__r_ r,►.Ib�Ih—.. rYrr rl�--- ----_— ------ w_r---�..a+..n�-..•wr./^w rTT._i.rrw�-r-w—+ar,rrr.rr_...__r r —w rw.w_..,...:w.—rww�rr...w.....��—'+w Y.ar ._----------- ----------- .. i..T.ww wyr_ srwwrrr r ------ .. -- -'N'_ rrrwrr _ �1,r,Sr_w. ----------------- . —Mr -.. W._..r w— --w....r'w .. .._w.�. ..---_----- Mi+----w__--_ -.+••M__w�..nr -r-_rrr_r r. r--------4 . ---r--._—_ -+ ...rww w.w Yam..-..___.wl ryy r._ '-I�_r—♦—r�'IarwT.�wj•:a.._.-iww.rr_lw.r+n• ..r�M— r. .wrr- r-_w'y4.r.rrrw- —__--_• .rwr._...�._ ,r__ .._—_ --- •a--r—r_--r_ _—r PETITION TO TH MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, g the undersigned, petition the MRSO-D to NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady o f Vladimir, and to NOT proceed with any codemnation process against said property. ' NAME ADDRESS --- • ----`--- - ------------��O- - - -- - �=---- / ---- -�-- ---------- qe, _ ��.2a _ _ ______________��sG _� ___•__modoo �__�__C ___ __� __ ---- - - ---a--- --------------- sroJ2 JAWCR50A' Qr-l1 Gc.Ejgm4 l ,DR, ReDw000 C 771Y 9Y661 ---- _ _ �------�s _ -o, Lo_R-_v, ___ C)46( Nl bt ---x���--�---Mtn--S�-� vnC i), s� a� -C� �ys"a3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ♦ PETITION TO THE ' MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Final Develop6ment Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - } -- ---------------3`� tc� �� h cT_-- ----------- I ` �— — °✓t�=�-=-------------- lc�u _ `^^ .G �`_� Gt47_I 11��G_``,P`�'/ �1 `ty/0 --------- �z__ft--t�s--- =---=-=---c-----------=------2'� -----C----------- - ------`--- --------------- 7 ---� Z ---- l r- -- c----- ` �r tt ---- -- -- ------------3 ---- L=`=`—`- r 57---'>--'----OS+--_----i-i_--`�__ --- — ---p = '=---------- _�'�—zs---------------- a 6 u -------------`� p-�-- 2--------------------------- _7\---G -- ��-----�-------------:�-- --I r---------- ----- fJ �--( -XL �_ _�,_� LIZ ------- - Cj ------ ------ ---12dl----- ------ yc� ------------ ye- - ---- -- � — G -- _ 2 - S-3 9 C 1Q131 i T JZ ��/ L!N�/�'Y�2p, G',►�- 6��� 1 ` I .� � ���� .�`��,�, �+r,� ��'d' bra.,,. `� • . �`^'' � ��""�."`� quo�'7 ��� � �'�' �� d L� 9 � E3 D�1.t.o J s c-�- �t` �y� '�..�a� � � A..�� Q-.4 �'Y� � � PETITION TO THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MROSD to NOT intervene with the Fins. Developement Permit for the proposed Russian Convent of Our Lady o Vladimir, and NOT to proceed with any condemnation process against sai property. NAME ADDRESS ------------ ------ -- e 7- lYl -- -- -.l--_- -C-- -v-ra---------------- - -- ----------------------- - --��=--� -Ct --- ------------ a -- =? -=-- -- 'y�f ---- e 33 f Z W #2 SF c-A 9 2 l - ---Ike ----------J----------------------------------- ------------- `�r5 _ ap�z _hr �o✓ ,Z,3S T—ce Vall4l ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ II ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PETITION TO TIR 17 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We, the undersigned, petition the MRSODto NOT intervene with the Final Developement Permit for the proposed Russ*an Convent of Our Lady o f Vladimir, and to NOT proceed with any co4o emnation process against said property. NAME ADDRESS //,/"w------------- - ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------- - 7Z�M-Pji. - ---------------------/_�i ---------VLA _-Tti_4199,22 _- J--Z _-------�---�� tir 7---------------4`�-Los -9,V--— _----- i ----_-9u z_-- ---------- ------------------------- ---------------------- -------- --- --� ------------------` o�.o s�.-- oS -------------- ------- -1 ---------� ------------- ------------ - ----------------------------------------------- f�iP,.�1S�G'Yky ---------„2l� T_SELBY' Ln-- /��17�/DD�STY y-06----- � z-----------7 ------------ILDBY-CA--)--�L------ - - -VLa - - --------- j �% �i�/ l�r y�,c.�._ _Y_r� ------ ----------------------- -- Sis�CRs bF 1�C_`�_C7Ely 2300 4PEA,41/VE Z0,RUA241NG6 VE �Y4/U all 1 1. 1 I �1 ,� .� - �• `` 1 r im • � , � . � is ''"�•-s�+�,, � , ..� i r , , �� �"+ '-��T r. ��t ..r:� I '�i =� ^►1 �.i �.i •.a � f •`. _; •� :- "- ' `_ _ , �-_-. .` r_ :;.fir , , ''�f � # � r � '�., +: x � f AN IF Q {,,,fit , "�-, ' t . ,► t F',i , ' �44 �;j '-�� � :o .•Jl�. ?� - 't'. :"t„`` �-3Jtiy`s- , # — i •r• r - T - L s - � . ,,,, r l (J• i �. r_1 �f / k ~1 '.1 :'_ - i _.Y _ _ -_. - __ _� � � .k^��� - �`-�� - y'• '• ram•..- ' A is...-.•�-.a t3:.tvl::u :tea.:.......,•s._.+.i.�.:k:.in.�.,�c. •_ _.-. .-. .. __. _._ .. -.. .. . �- -:-. _ ..._ .... .ts....�•...,. j- . �St.v:.� ._ � - ..... .. Yc.� _-_ _ .. _ -. s. - � II I NSULA REGIONAL OPEN 'I'itICT We,. ire nn vied, pe tion the M D to 01i With the FinaV: Devie �t roi��t . the proposed R �n' Convt ' a�f Our Lady of VIadj t, a to Proceed with any a Enm't :; ►vicem' against saidl propettEy. ._ 4i�4'��d� __ T;wc.,.!�C,sL'11�Lf .S. � �.�1 !Crr J i °i�'3f l�ti ._ _____-_--__- 64 t 'Z ram :)i+,r�1 ' ���.�+_r�V�yr'Y_ �f my � ,.'�?}YrVl.l.�irys.%4.__..___-__—. 1- ww _ w_7?�_.y t _ ---------- i .71 rE�-� w;: ---- F f- `. +aY�,,i fdf+lwKs .w ► :� �':. OV Co �,r( 70( �A 7 .7 Lpf Jwi u, AS". _4L 31 w rvr ..r�.�fG .r..- i�...3.ivi•.�wr�: J,r.._-.�i.+ .b�`_�•i:'�Yp� .. - ' -f ' _-- 4. Am U -c _ � -14 -'R ."I if- Y..f' _•w..rw •_a.r-._r ------------- G �`�3�a via. ' --y,�... __w� r.r r�..�� _:.r.?.Ty �'?'�4M�,I����.U1r f'fC=`'�` �'�•`�wr f`.'�r�t....-.- 1 1_..___� J;. ILI ---___'- '-_-__—� '`!-�:_ 't.._, �_ ,v- _.. o�C.; ► -�' r+s1► �X.' tom=fi ��' S' �� _.--_w----,- i P -' IMN TO Tft 3 I ri uLt , REGIONAL OPEN SPACE D051 ICT We, un fined, Vladi petition the D�t1E OSD to. .� nee with. the Find, Dev ement, ]Pert mit fir the proposed Ru n Convert of Our Lady n vmtr, and N-1 to proceed with ally candemnatfod prf.wess against esis�,:` propor,ty— p00N QUALITY DOCUMENT DSS JN.! .�'>•/' '.a +.- }}>t,rt!: '. ��,. `f JG�. �'1`•i1f:��1�r4� f��TGw�:iR'� ' �f��!X�i �fl�j 7ir�^ MfY l../ — r •...s .. . -1.._r..—_'wpr�r—_ lY• i '!, �: �� ./I�4-M—/f, .`.� nln,�.n riw 1r r .. ^.� -T •wr Jr... ..vr r—..__rr.�� .:Y `Qr�.r7R',E?t�r.+.'�:�: f,.��"li''ri'.:+',w.1C�L"�X•.:_._.....��•�__�,.>�i,{l t:�..r 4�'`'�'�:,:_ ✓t'-! ��" ..- ti. 1�,1!''��;�i._��_"`r�J T��p ;-:' r��—��'>...+_ k ``��'��r.1'r��,n+w 4Mi+.r an�[�,Y�,��:...r�r.X�.4«` tv�,rt a.��f � ��4 Ji/Jl� *': r.�� �� •-_ v 4,�. i l"���,�'6_..� 9�+17 ..,�,#�.�i:__._....r..,�.,_ �_ 1�..,c��L':x;�`�.ri"•��'��[.�:��Kr ��•'�'� �r�;' 7If,1. bn'f'.� ,'�i�i ����/)``f��,.� ��+ . _�+.�►Ili.h.!'.�r..�'• r.�;'•y¢.+aZ"`�7t►.:. r.� _».•..._'Ertel! ` � i',r.'��'LT•'�...1ir�'►�.'`N[�.f�' n--lL�.�lr�.. .a� =*tw..�a...(��� � '� ' v � A .e�+wti..w':,, \sLs�f�' r.i'«,�: - •' � it ^'•'y.','�.r.�..' r i'- :�:!%f �� +` /f.. ' r :. J �L' 21 3 .,f azl ,� �"..f"i4%r. _,,,]S�- � � � K� 1 •S % ►�. ll ' ..LYr — ' r" y JJt,I 'i•' r�p1J -. •rf �.�.r n— __rr.— .� � 4°��1rT , ���'r .. .��..r K� tit ' ��''•��a�+€ �,'n��� '�'"�� �J�7 ( �r rye/�(/ Jr- / � JI.. r J1.+ f.r�►�'— w•�ti.. •r�.R'�'ri,•t.✓�i'Ci r�Y�i11f�i t,4.!i V..r ��.Y.i r V.r _.� s' r .C/*��s —r�G��r�J"ae^�b�� ��i ill' �.,,;,.,�. �W :^j./'Y�►i'�' /./r �•� ,�¢J�^ � � • y...r:S' .-r. Y.r.r'�i�r...r w r r,, fL�•I I I=fir//% + '��=� Tr�..�./Z' Y; �iof+ L —w—��_ •lA.r w.. rrl.�.'ir_rr r..rrr _----------r ry I,.. .. »r...._ -.y.r------. _rrr_r wrr r .,�-- —•f.!r`�.n _r__rrr. w.�rr.wti r—r—r---- n wr —•.._rr_Mr...rJi,.r• _ur tiv-.....---r�..—_—�. r ---r_.R crrw.lwwNwwirr•.r•rr-r—rr•wrM.w rw✓..1.•rTM.Jn.Y Lr rr_rr_—r_ _ ---._---- � rnwJ/rrr rWr?r—rr r� wi1/'—ir_�ww'r rrr ryr..w,�__-- PETITION TO T .IDPE INS LAB;` REGIO `AL P SPA.0 DISTRICT We, tbo mW0004sed, petffloim the 11►fROSD to N01 inter'"Me with the Final Develvp~.6t -' `twit for the ' proposed Rumbku Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, and ;Q to proceed with any eavtlemnation process against said proper, �y POtR QUALITY DOCUMENT ikD-DHSS r ------_--- rw__ —car- ►-r ------------ __ N •T� T i.w_.�r�.r a r__r/ ./w.. _— .w. r —,G�. n �-—•� �//��� •4` J r(•R �(�(ir'r/h i f+�T _ l i—: • � �� V I;y Q ,r' y ry �✓`''��r��''(/.�""11C��-� ' Q ✓�w( —-— _ ,�! ___ _—A wrF1�". ___ ... �'I.w�+�_.I�r.-�•----_-- .J .- ,r_." v��. w'r• .r,r.T_�._� .�.+'r v_ r..�'_ ..i�:��+_w_.rw4 .t 4� �r ., r`'..1 •. f�. l r..,�... a C.r} +ice �1�3r"*w+T��.�'.✓? ..f�r.R�.;r�.- _..�.....:�_«..... '+r_�r_r � �s'•�i�-G�"_ �J..r..a.� _i•.�_....._���FJ'f�Y_d �y r_rrrafrlt.-.,-.T.:. ..�•.•+�.♦ .+ rwrw..w w_ss1w wn +.w.r_ r-r rw«r. ------ ----- ti..w_q.. - lr � _./ } tea TZ 4rt �l i +.t J i� `�•i'Y�!� l'IIb ()Ui1 j'�� C �fi�/:✓Ff+i'',.:'� f�',v..'G"w�"1�+L4ir«....LJ�1����.:..�/4��L` i�r. �S�"�•.L�rY+�,r} �•�.,. .. t[-.r.wa-.�.._"-_-__- L - ��.SL.Yw:'.�_S� r�'-� r� c� Al ,� - or«�.. r_ _rw.��.'t._r_rrrw_ ry_, ... w.•rwwl[r_..�_�_ rr _--- -- -- -r - . —.^_.� �,K r,yir� -_�-----_----- zAl +..a.rt ,ijer .. r_ rYr rr_ 1.. ,.r+•.� ,. r_r -rr� ..•. sr,�.n r Y. _r �L f���Lj •' ------- 7--f a_ w-w-- :--- -lr,�L��r.M�i.�q%---- ______ rw�ir+r►rr�r__r «J¢w r_rrrr__.....rar.:-..__r •r-r«a _ --.r.:-:..+'r PETITION Those persons signing below, who live in San Mateo County, are against the condemnation through eminent domain of the rural property on Skyline Boulevard owned by the Russian Convent of Our Lady Of Vladimir by the Midpeninsula Open Space District(MROSD), a public agency. -------------------------------------- ------------ -- --- ----------------- NAME Zt .- -- ---- ADDRESS CITY ------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------- NAME - /= j — ---- ADDRESS �hi � z--P— Cmr �`r� ------- ----------------------------- - -------- -- - - ---------------------------------- NAME -- -- ------------- ------------- ADDRESS --� - - r— =---- ----- CITY --- ---------------------------------- --------------A/----------------------------- NAME - `� ADDRESS -----L-� g_ O.��l/o e. crrY _ -=�----- ' ----------------- ------ ----- ---`---`-------------------------- NAME ADDRESS CITY -------------------------- --- ---------------- -4--------------------------- NAME __�C - -- -- ----------- ADDRESS G _ CITY _ _ — -- PETITION Those persons signing below, who live in San Mateo County, are against the condemnation through eminent domain of the rural property on Skyline Boulevard owned by the Russian Convent of Our Lady Of Vladimir by the Midpeninsula Open Space District (MROSD), a public agency. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME --- ----- ------ ADDRESS --- �I P etg-e�l U✓ ✓ _-------- -- - CITY --------------------- ,p�-�---------------------------------------- NAME ADDRESS 620 _—_ CITY --- �S�C��. -- i ------------------------------�-------j- -----�------------ NAME ---- ADDRESS CITY -�� -- —��-- ---- -------------------------------------------------------------------- - - -- NAME 9 -- _-- ADDRESS CITY ---- ---- ---------- ---------- - ------- ------------------------------------ NAME — �Q w v1�-Q_M _ — - --------- ADDRESS Ad--------------- CITY Qfd -- 5 V-ZQ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME -- -- ------------- ADDRESS CITY PETITION Those persons signing below, who live in San Mateo County, area ainst the condemnation through eminent domain of the rural property on Skyline Boulevard owned by the Russian Convent of Our Lady Of Vladimir by the Midpeninsula Open Space District(MROSD), a public agency. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME ---- - �r-z- ----- ---- --- ADDRESS ---------.-- CITY -�.6.�b-F +�� ------- ------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NAME --- `/�� .�l ----- ----------- ADDRESS CITY ------------------------ -------------------------------------------------------- NAME —_ ADDRESS cmr 2 6 _-- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME ----- ADDRESS CITY _— ------- -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME ADDRESS CITY _-- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME --------------- ----- --- -- ADDRESS CITY -------------------------------------------- I PETITION Those persons signing below, who live in San Mateo County, are against the condemnation through eminent domain of the rural property on Skyline Boulevard owned by the Russian Convent of Our Lady Of Vladimir by the Midpeninsula Open Space District (MROSD), a public agency. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME ADDRESS y 2?5 E1� L ik Al a [Z. 7�'r'- 1 ✓c-' CfTY �"v o o .�Si �J� C�'� Sf 4,pd �- z ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME -- ADDRESS —_ CITY __-- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME ADDRESS CITY _- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NAME --------------------------------------------------- ADDRESS CITY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME ------------------------------------------------- ADDRESS -------------------------------------------------- CITY ------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME ------------ ADDRESS --------------------------------------- CITY -____-- PETITION Those persons signing below, who live in San Mateo County, are against the condemnation through eminent domain of the rural property on Skyline Boulevard owned by the Russian Convent of Our Lady Of Vladimir by the Midpeninsula Open Space District (MROSD), a public agency. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME �C� �o X AA ADDRESS -3C' CITY 0 -------------------- - y,1V��a-------------------------------------------- NAME -- ADDRESS 11 ''`` l __ CfTY ------------ \' 30 's`I W -- --------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME -------- -------------,-- --------- ADDRESS CITY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME ADDRESS CfTY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME ADDRESS CITY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAME ADDRESS CITY ----------------------------- Clara County Meridian Ave.Suite 266 Santa �y San Jose,Ca 95118 408-279-5000 w�iation htip://wvrw.webpage.comltaxpayer r�/3f Statement of for the Santa Clara County Taxpayers Association The Santa Clara County Taxpayers' Association has concerns about the possible exercise of eminent domain by the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District against a 284-acre parcel of land currently owned and occupied by the Russian Orthodox Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir. 1. First, we are of the understanding that the Convent offered to put 90%of its property into permanent open space. Assuming that the purpose of the Mid-peninsula Regional Open Space District is to preserve the pristine environment, we want to know why this offer was rejected. The Convent wants to build a convent and a retreat center on less than 1% (18,000 square feet) of the 284-acre land, and it is willing erect environmentally safe screening around these buildings. Furthermore, it has agreed to accommodate the Bay Area Ridge Trail on this property. How are these provisions incompatible with the overall goal of open space? 2. We are of the understanding that the Mid-peninsula Regional Open Space District has the authority to designate some assessed property as "surplus property." Such lands can be sold by the District at a later date to developers. This appears on the surface to be much more �r incompatible with the overall goal of open space than the Convent's recent offer. What is the process by which certain property is designated as "surplus property?" Is this the plight of the 234-acre parcel being purchased from the Convent? �� 3, Furthermore, we are of the understanding that the Mid-peninsula Regional Open Space District has a questionable past with regard to the just compensation of property owners over which the District has exerted eminent domain. We do not know whether the District has been indeed heavy-handed in its exertion of eminent domain. Nevertheless, it is our understanding that a few grand juries have investigated the District already in the past few years, has the Mid-peninsula Regional Open Space District assumed any internal mechanism by which it will insure against any unjust compensation of property owners? 4. Finally, we are of the understanding that the Convent purchased the property from the Archdiocese of San Francisco in 1996. Had the Mid-peninsula Regional Open Space District already assessed the property for open space at that time? Was the trails plan altered in the lastAmonths that required a move at this time of eminent domain? If so, did the District follow the Due Process requirement, as manifested in the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution, of proper notification of the appropriate property owners of this assessment? 5. We are requesting a comprehensive audit of at least the last five years in of-der to assess the Mid-peninsula Regional Open Space District's ability to pay for the 54� maintenance and upkeep of the present properties and the ability to Purchase more properties. We would also like to ascertain the amount of property tax revenue that will be lost due to the removal of the property from the tax rolls. We further request that you delay your action in order to clarify the above concerns. We would be pleased to have your answers tonight, but we respectfully request a written response and any correction of the facts as we understand them, Santa C(ar-a County Taxpayers'Association 4718 Meridian Ave. Suite 266 San Jose, Ca 95118 Pauline Lord 530 Menlo Oaks Drive Menlo Park, CA 94025 President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 March 18, 1998 Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board I first want to express my appreciation to you for your commitment and hard work in the protection of the Midpeninsula's exceptional open space. In this matter over the development plans by Our Lady of Vladimir Conv71q, I istrong further appreciate your efforts to assist in finding the convent another site I strong Y L, if that endorse maintaining this site entirely as open land, even if means acquiring domain. I know that you consider this action only as a measure of last resort and under circustances that do not remove people's homes. I bring to the Board several questions that arise from looking beneath the surface of the development proposal: What are the near and long term prospects for Our Lady of Vladimir Convent? As of 1985, there were 20 nuns in residence. There are now fewer than 10. Is it true that the average age of the resident nuns is 72? Does the Convent project the same rate of attrition which it has experienced in the last 13 years? Does the convent have a program to attract younger nuns, and if so how? What is its success rate? Why does such a small group require permanent residences for 22 people? When pilgrims come to stay, will the convent expect financial remuneration? Will there be a donation requested of them? What size donation? The convent anticipates two annual pilgrimages of up to 80 people, most of whom will "locate in overnight accommodations off-site." What is the location of these lodgings? If this order is not replenished with younger people, what plan does it have for the use of its churches, including the one proposed for Skyline, after its members die? Could it be sold for non-religious purposes or would it be maintained as a large religious icon? How would its upkeep be ensured and financed? What ironclad guarantee exists that it would not be some day sold and subdivided and initiate the urbanization of Skyline? We are told that the Convent's nuns require a peaceful, contemplative place, away from the hubbub of their Mission District church in San Francisco. However, I understand that they already own one other church. It is not in the din of downtown, but in lovely, quiet Moss Beach -- the Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov. Why do these nine nuns require another peaceful, rural site? Among the Convent's religious objectives is to "interfere as little as possible with existing biotic species and to restore and maintain a harmonious relationship with the natural surroundings." Is this objective not at odds with the imposition of a large, visible, fenced- off development, particularly since the convent already owns a church in a rural setting? The open lands along Skyline are very precious to the public and essential to the wildlife of the Midpeninsula. Whatever the answers to these questions may be, the impacts to the Skyline area are far too severe to sanction this development, and I hope you will proceed with acquiring the land for its preservation as natural, undeveloped open space. SiqWely yours, Lei Pauline Lord 2140 Santa Cruz Avenue Menlo Park, CA 94025 March 9, 1998 Betsy Crowder, President MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 Dear President Crowder: As a long-time resident in the MidPeninsuta Regional Open Space District, it has always been my understanding that the district only uses the right of eminent domain as a last resort. I recall reading a letter to the editor by Craig Britton, your executive director, affirming that policy. When I saw the article about what the district is considering in regard to the land on Skyline Boulevard, owned by the Russian Orthodox nuns, I was shocked in light of the above. Upon further investigation, I found out that 90% of the property would be kept in permanent greenbelt upon completion of the monastery project. The whole thing just doesn't make sense. Why would the district want to acquire this land and under such circumstances? I am sure that the convent's compromise proposal could satisfy all of the open space goals of the district. Why not negotiate the best possible deal for the public and save precious tax dollars to buy other properties in the Skyline Scenic Corridor? Thank you for reconsidering this action! Respectfully, Doris Nelson Harry Pierce 2140 Santa Cruz Avenue Menlo Park, CA 94025 March 10, 1998 Board of Directors Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 Re: Russian Convent acquisition Dear Board members: There are always two sides to the issue. The press accounts have fairly presented both sides. I am an objective reader with an open mind on such issues as open space and development. We all want pristine open areas protected. For that reason, I cast a yes vote when the ballot proposition to create the open space and recreation district (former title) was before the public. in terms of acquiring the lands of the Russian Convent, 1 would urge you not to take this property against the wishes of the landowner. I have no religious affiliation with the Orthodox Church and believe this issue goes well beyond government vs. religion. The case for using eminent domain here is quite weak. The idea of building a convent vs. several single-family homes with long driveways on the property seems rather obvious, if such a choice were to be made. The low intensity uses related to a monastery should be applauded not denied because a few vocal neighbors "like it the way it is." I hope the Board will graciously withdraw from this land-use battle and not take the property. Aimost all of the iand can be preserved in its natural state when and if the County of San Mateo approves the Convent project. Thank you for your careful consideration. Sincerely, 'arty P4- rce MAR-18-98 04 :58 PM P1P. PP1t4T1"G 3750671 P. 02 1001 Hiioh Road Woodside, CA 94062 March 17, 1998 President Betsy Crowder MROSO 330 Diste! Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 Dear Resident Coowder: Apparently, 41he end justifies the moons" when it comes tv liking the Skyline property of the Russian Convent of Ou* Lady of Vladimir! While your public relations parson was quick to point out in the press that tI,C district is not a totalirarian government and that 11 will pay fair market value for III('. property, I remain unconvinced as to the "public necessity." The district appears intent on condemn" this property agains, the will of the nuns. Why, I asked myself, and answered, perhaps the district Uvligves its open apace objectives can only be fulfilled by ecqu�ring all the property. A little research demonatrated that by trying To dafend such r po*itiorl, you make the "ultimate reach!" I he fact Is the convert's latest plan would apow for puUllc itucass mrd recreation 89 well as opei spare and ecological protection on this scenic land, and at no cost to the taxpayers of the district, Including my wife ond me. Please rethink your plan of action and work out a reasonable plan that will BaoVy for the Convent project anip go percent of the land to be kept In permanent open specs. That would be the best end tairost deal for all Ujirties cninceried. sincerely, N2 Oor� ,*Iq 1-.# - 0 �14�C Lawrence H. Shane Mar-18-98 05:42P P.01 BERTHA Ti. SANCHEZ 15 No, El Dorado Straet San Mateo, Ca 94401 March 18, 1998 MidPeninsula Regional open Space District Attn: Board of Directors 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA. 94022-1404 FAX: (650) 691-0485 RE: Consideration of Adoption of Resolution of Necessity for Acquisition of the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir Inc. Property. I am unable to attend your Special Meeting tonight when the above will be discussed. Unfortunately, I have two other meetings back to back. I would like to make some comments and express my concerns. It is a sorry situation when the Regional open Space District cannot negotiate with the Nuns to allow the building of a retreat on six (6) acres out of 284 acres. Evidently some neighbors who raised the "hue and cry" over the proposed building have influence the Region District Board greatly. These same neighbors have been walking/using the land in question for years and they seem to think of it as their "private domain" . Tell me, what would happen if those who object to the convent center want to build on their own land or sell their land? Would the MidPeninsula Reg. Open Space District use eminent domain to stop building or selling of those same lands? It is grossly unfair for the MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District to wa ve the specter of Eminent Domain to get their own way. The District Board is being autocratic! 1) Most of us won't get a chance to use the land owned by the Regional Open Space District. Whose money paid 2) Where is the money coming from to buy this land? 3) Surely a compromise can be reached. The Nuns have offered to "not build or sell" 170 acres. 4) If bond money was/is being used to acquire land for the Open Space District, maybe these funding should be re-thought! Let the nuns build their convent/retreat center. Landscaping can be used to make the buildings blend in. WHAT Is six acres out of 284 acres. This order will not cause a lot of noise. Lastly, what motel would want to build in that area because how would they get guests to rent their rooms. I hope that the Board would use common sense and not get over zealous so that you would be branded as "zealots" . Sincerely yours, i Page 4A Redwood C 0 P11 INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER GROUP TED FANG JOHN T. C. FANG MARc BURKHARDT Publisher Publisher Emeritus Managing Editor EDITORIAL argument unbelievable ar An g Wfind it absolutely ludicrous that the demands for open space and still build on their idpeninsula Regional Open Space District property, but the open space district has rejected would argue that its public hearing March 18, to their offer. discuss evoking eminent domain powers against We find the actions of the open space district the 280-acre property owned by the Russian reprehensible. This property has been sitting on Orthodox Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir,would the top of Skyline Boulevard for years,and nobody not be an act of confiscation. Malcolm Smith, a at the open space district made any effort to buy spokesman for the district,says that it is willing to the land until the nuns came along.Then the dis- "pay fair market value,and therefore no one is tak- trict got greedy with taxpayers'funds and decided ing anyone's property." that it had to have all of the property and that it Smith and the open space district are behaving could not live side by side with a cloistered reli- like some totalitarian buffoon in putting that spin gious order. on this project, which is the dream of a small The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District order of Russian Orthodox sisters who want to is exercising the kind of arrogance that converts build an 18,000-foot convent on Skyline ridge in environmentalists into opponents, using their the hills in the Kings Mountain area, west of power to trample on the rights of others for no Woodside in an unincorporated area of San Mateo good or apparent reason.And we resent the open County. space district talking to the residents of the The nuns have offered to sell 170 acres of the par- Midpeninsula as if we were ignorant. cel to the district for $300,000, and to place most The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District of the remaining portion in a permanent open is not satisfied with the use of 90 percent of this space trust.They also agreed to accommodate the land for the public. What it wants is simply a Bay Area Ridge Trail, should it link through the power grab of all the property defying common property as planned. sense. It is an outrageous and egregious use of its Another proposal would be to erect a wall of public authority and a reckless expenditure of tax- trees that would block visibility of the buildings, payers' money.The public hearing on March 18,at and to maintain accessibility along with open district headquarters in Los Altos, should be space on 90 percent of the property without sell- attended by everyone who cares about the envi- ing anything to the open space district.The nuns ronment and the future of the Open Space District have attempted to satisfy all the district's in the mid-Peninsula. OLIVE MAYER 245 JOSSELYN LANE. WOODSIDE.CALIF.94062 415-851-7024 March 13 , 1998 President Betsy Crowder and Members of the Board Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, Ca. 94022 Dear Friends, The most popular Sierra Club hike which I led in the early seventies was the one from Skyline to Half Moon Bay. One Sunday the Club was overwhelmed by a turnout of 180 people; families with children. The views of Half Moon Bay and the rolling hills from the ridge top are fabulous. To preserve them and achieve a permanent route from the northern Skyline to the coast and to other park and open space lands in the vicinity the Russian Orthodox Church property should be acquired. I urge you to approve the proposed Resolution of Necessity and begin the process of acquisition. . . . . . .by eminent domain if necessary. It is an essential part of a needed recreational complex in the northern part of the county and would be easily accessable from route #92 and the Skyline. The proposed development is not a suitable project for this spectacular site. It would include a conference center,a chapel topped with an onion shaped dome, . a motel for retreats, a large parking lot and housing for nuns, priests and caretakers. It would bring traffic from visitors and construction and service vehicles. It could open up the area to further development and suburbanize the character of the area. Its existence would forclose another opportunity for our citizens to experience our natural environment as a living system and a spiritual treasure. The proper use for this property is preservation; the protection of wildlife habitat, the Mills Creek watershed, the steelhead spawning stream,and migration corridors for deer and other species. The District has combined these purposes successfully with public use and enjoyment and deserves great praise for this accomplishment. I urge you to acquire the church property in its entirety. This and future generations will thank you for having the foresight to act. Sincerely, Olive Mayer RECP.- E® MAR 1 61998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL ,I OPEN SPACE DISTRICT i I r SYNOD OF BISHOPS OF THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OUTSIDE OF RUSSIA 11 March 1998 Betsy Crowder, President Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear Ms. Crowder: This letter is to protest the proposed action against the rights of the sisters of the Our Lady of Vladimir Convent. It is an outrage that the convent they have worked so hard for should be sabotaged. If the desire for preserving this land is genuine, a better use for it could hardly be imagined, especially in light of the extreme concessions the sisters have already agreed to. I would suggest that the efforts of conservation groups, and the allocation of public funds, for that matter, would be better spent on truly disturbing abuses of the natural legacy God has given US. The cause of conservationists is, frankly, damaged by such frivolous and pointless aims. Sincerely yours, RED' ,. ED Nicholas A. Ohotin Communications Director MR IF, IN MIDPENINSUI-A REGIONAL OPEN SPA(:E DISTRICT 75 EAST 93rd STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10128 - 1390 IS (212)534-1601 1 Editorial need home"Nuns n ! but not on Skyli,n e TT IS TIME for the Russian Orthodox Church to rethink ' its plan to build a church,convent and several other buildings on a ridgetop parcel along Skyline Boulevard just north of,,,,,jjk,- Woodside.The site might be appropriate for a much smaller, ik development to accommodate less than a dozen nuns current ly with the order,but the church's ambitious proposal to con struct 18,000 square feet of buildings and a substantial pairV ing lot on the 284-acre site is overzealous,especially in lih'E of the opposition from neighbors and the Midpeninsula Rey gional Open Space District. The church purchased the parcel on the western side of th@ ridge overlooking Burleigh-Murray Ranch State Park frornw the Roman Catholic Church about two years ago for- .', l $700.000.Its original proposal called for constuctin a con vent for 20 cloistered nuns,a chapel topped with an onion :' dome that would rise 40 feet from ground level,a duple dence for a priest and a caretaker,a retreat center for reltglo studies,and 24 parking spaces. consultan mid °r Considering costs of the approval process ! wu planning and construction,this project would be enormously expensive.It would also seem out of scale,both for the 1ian . ful of nuns and for the rugged mountains where it is pla „t Rather than press on with this project,the church shoud � , take advantage of the generous$1 million buy-out off'erk the open space district,or at least scale down the pr"oec ° s that it will have less impact on the mostly°undevelop lm that is visible from Highway 92 and other locations arouiadw,w Half Moon Bay.The open space district is hiring n>conul' f to assist in locating a suitable site that would meet the , of the owners. So far,the two sides have been unable to despite extensive negotiations,and the open space c"hstnc considering taking steps to condemn the property:On IYI # 18 the district board will hold a public,hearing owa res tl o of necessity which could lead to the forced sale ofthewproeit- ' t to the district for permanent open space and trail There is no doubt that the small order of iiu� z, Russian Convent of our Lady of Valdimir deseritetx ,o away from its busy Mission District church in Sari But the development proposed by the Russian Church is much more than an escape fora few n suggests a major church center which could number of people and cars to a eherished'rwal ama . x- i r 112 Comstock Road Woodside CA 94062-5507 March 11 , 1998 Betsy Crowder Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear Ms. Crowder: This refers to the Public Hearing on Wednesday March 18 concerning the proposed development by the Russian Orthodox Church located at 12140 Skyline Blvd. , San Mateo County, Assessor' s Parcel # O067-310-110. The development on Kings Mountain which I have seen over the 47 years that I have lived on the mountain has been exclusively private residences built within all the restrictions and requirements of the Planning Commission and in keeping with the rustic forest environment. The Complex as proposed by the Russian Orthodox Church is entirely inappropriate for the EurroWdings. 1 don' t believe that the good nuns, themselves, have a realistic understanding of what would be involved in completing the convent and complex of their dreams. The enclosed Editorial from the March 11 , 1998, Country Almanac describes the situation accurately and logically, and expresses my feelings exactly. It is my hope that Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is successful in preserving and protecting this property as Open Space for all to enjoy for all time. Sincerdy, a ettc A ornm RE V. E1,VED MAR 18 1998 MID PENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPA(,E DISTRICT 3952 Sutherland Drive Palo Alto, CA 94303 March 15, 1998 Betty Crowder MROSD 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA Dear Ms Crowder: Having lived in this area for over 70 years and watched the huge growth in population, I have very much admired the Open Space program. But, on the issue of the Russian convent's use of their land, I strongly disagree with the use of eminent domain to take away what I believe is a legitimate and very careful plan on the part of the convent to share their space with the community as a whole. They are willing and ready to keep almost all the property free of buildings, to plant trees to protect their small community from much public view, and at no cost to the community maintain the rest as open space.. Surely, MROSD need not thwart a smaller and weaker group's right to enjoy the legitimate and honorable use of their property. We need their type of cooperation! Sincerely, A Iz- Mrs. Richard H. Ray 2-10-1995 10:Allpfli FRON P. I PO Box 370057 Montara, CA 94037 March 16, 1998 Board of Directors Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District FAX 6W/691-0485 Dear Directors --- Thank you for a quarter-century's stewardship of Peninsula open space. I enjoy Higgins-Purisima, the closest Distzlct� reserve to me, and I'm excited about the possibility that MROSD may extended to cover more of San Mateo County. Within your current boundaries is the land currently owned by the Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir. I understand the Sisters' desire to finally come to rest an their own land after fleeing religious persecution in Russia. But I think it is a mistake for anyone to confuse their past persecutions with our society's lawful mechanisms for protecting the most beautiful parts of the Creator's world. 1 understand that the Board's offers for the Con*ent land have been more than fair, but that your efforts to work with the Sisters have continually been rebuffed. That, of course, is their decision. But their decision does not make the Board's legal options of eminent domain a matter of religious persecution. I am not misled by the unfounded fears of rel gious persecution, and I support your deliberations on the future of this land with the understanding that you are applying the State's laws fairly in the pursuit of the charter given you by the voters. Thank you for considering my views --- and for protecting theme S inrely, r0 Ann F ster RECEIVED MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT fr �J r 22 -1 r,Y ID, ev ";A p CIO 'A E(�'=m r - Mkt 1 640 FNICSPEdNLt(� IJAL ETA P01� rr halo 94306 I i March 13, 1998 Board of Directors Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Re: Convent on Skyline Property Dear Board: I have with interest read in general newspapers about the purchase of land along the Skyline Boulevard by an order of San Francisco nuns for use as a monastery. As a life-long resident of this area, I too share your interest in land preservation and in protecting the environment. 1, however, have reservations that you should begin condemnation proceedings of this property. At the outset, I should state that 1 am not connected nor being paid by the parties involved with this dispute. I am writing to you because of what I have frankly read in press accounts and I am interested in environmental issues. In fact, enclosed is a letter I wrote last January regarding Yosemite National Park and the Valley Implementation Plan. It is my understanding that the proposed monastery would physically only affect 3 percent of the 280 acre parcel and that the sisters would leave approximately 90 percent of the property in permanent open space. If this is correct, then I say I would be opposed to using my and public funds/resources to condemn and purchase the rest of the property from the nuns. If all the landowners along the Skyline corridor also would dedicate 90 percent of their private land to permanent open space, then you and the taxpayer could achieve the admirable public goal of land preservation at a significant savings. Again, in this era of tight budgets and accountability, I feel that if the nuns are willing to dedicate 90 percent of the property as permanent open space that you have essentially accomplished your enlightened purpose and goal. R _ ��® KUBOTA & CONSTANTINO ATTORNEYS AT LAW MAR 1 f 1998 433 AIRPORT BOULEVARD Surn 323 MID PENINSULA REGIONAL BURLINGAME, CALIFORNIA 94010 0PEN SPADE DISTRICT March 13, 1998 Page 2 Good luck and I look forward to reading about your upcoming decision. Very tru yours, Paul J. Constantino PJC:jo Enc. Pc-Pcrsofdir8.313 I KIS: YOSEMITE By Paul J. Constantino I am reminded of what a drill sergeant said to his troops -- including this writer-- many years ago. "Please KIS," and then explained, he wanted us to "Keep It Simple." When I read about the creation of a bus system and satellite parking at sites outside of Yosemite National Park and that day park users will need to take scheduled bus trips into Yosemite, I can see parents with children, gear, backpacks, skis or rock climbing gear and a myriad of personal belongings being transferred from their car into a bus and later that day transferring everything back to their car outside the park at a satellite parking lot. I further visualize access problems for handicapped persons visiting Yosemite. Rather than having to create and fund an expensive bus system, wouldn't it be simpler, not to mention far less expensive, to simply limit the number of people or vehicles that enter Yosemite National Park? Moreover, most of the year, there isn't any traffic gridlock at Yosemite. If there are only a few days or weeks during the course of the summer when there are simply too many people on busses/cars entering Yosemite, limiting vehicles at the park entrance may be an inexpensive solution. If visitors don't have a reservation, then they simply may have to wait. No one can object to the principle of maintaining a positive wilderness or park experience at Yosemite National Park. It would seem a lot easier and less expensive to limit public access (when a limitation is necessary) than establishing and funding a bus system and satellite parking lots with appropriate accommodations, etc. I recall in the early 1970's when the trailhead (backpacking) quota system was inaugurated, the public accepted the need to limit back country use. I believe the system has worked well. So, why not follow the KIS principle and consider doing the same to the daytime automobile users. The public comment on the Valley Implementation Plan ends February 23, 1998. For more information call (209) 372-0261 or mail your comments before February 23rd to: National Park Service Attn: VIP P.O. Box 577 Yosemite, CA 95389 p.;-PeMty0Se,,;�.21 1 �UDM [ LLA C-le- EEXANDER F R F F L A N C E W R I T E R Board of Santa Clara County March 13 , 1998 Taxpayers Association 4718 Meridian Ave. Suite 266 San Jose, CA 95118 Dear Board Members: I would like to bring to your attention a grave injustice that is being perpetrated by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District against the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir, based in San Francisco. After a ten year search, the sisters purchased 280 acres of land off Skyline Boulevard in Woodside from the Roman Catholic Church for the purpose of building a convent and church for 20 nuns. Prior to the purchase, the sisters met with the San Mateo Planning Department, the Committee for Green Foothills and others to determine the feasibility of their plans. Tentative approval was given. Neighbors , fearing the loss of their own non-authorized use of this property, immediately opposed any construction on the site. They interested the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to purchase the land. The nuns were not interested in selling but agreed to many concessions. They agreed to place 90 percent of the property into permanent open space , to plant trees and bushes to screen the buildings from direct ridgetop exposure, and to accommodate a Bay Area Ridge Trail should that become necessary. The MROSD refuses to budge. They have stated that on March 18 , 1998 at 7: 30 p.m. at their district board meeting ( 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos) , they will condemn the property, exercising the power of eminent domain. How are our tax dollars being served by this action? The OSD will be spending hundreds of thousands of dollars for ® o en space that the nuns are willing to sign over for free. ---lz he area is not pristine wilderness by any means. There are ® � r? omes all around on large pieces of land. And if open space W is declared, how can we, taxpayers , use it? When will the trails be marked and parking facilities installed? What are CC we getting for our dollars besides a pretty view? We would really appreciate your support on this matter. X i a Yours very truly, na� Ludmilla Alexander Board of Directors, MROSP 12865 GLEN BRAE DRIVE, SARAIOGA, CA 95070 • PHONE/FAX (408) 257-6918 - E-MAIL: LUDMILLAA(a1AOL.COM MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN TRAVEL WRITERS r MAR-16-98 MON 08 :48 BERKELEY TELECOMM 415 851 8535 P. 02 BERKELEY ASSOCIATES March 14. 1998 Ms.Betsy Crowder Chairman,Board of Directors Mid-Peninsula Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos,California 94022-1404 Dear Ms.Crowder: As a local resident of the Kings Mountain area (my wife and I own a bonne on 1.6 acres at 12290 Skyline Boulevard), I write to you in support of the acquisition by whatever means necessary of the 284-acre parcel located at 12140 Skyline Boulevard in Sari Mateo County. As a property owner and resident within i/4 mile of the property, we are very familiar with the land in question. I very much believe that preservaticm of this type of open, undeveloped, highly accessible, and scenic land is precisely why the voters allowed MROSD to be created. If MROSD doesn't acquire this land, I have to wonder why we should continue to allow a potion of our property tax dollars to go towards MROSD. I would also like to note the following: Ay to the goal of preserving the nature and character of open spaces on doe Peninsula I on't Pe p d believe it is highly meaningful to acquire the property for open space unless 1)the trails close io Skyline Boulevard are going to be preserved as well and 2) the view from the highway as open space is preserved(which is the vantage point of most of the visitors to the area). The large block between the parcel in question and Highway 92 should also be considered for acluistion as Soorl as possible, rather than awaiting a proposed development Oil that property before taking action. I regret that I will be unable to attend the public bearing on March 18'b as I will be out of town on business. I have attended hearings of the Sari Mateo County Planning Commission on the matter of the proposed development on the land in question,and expressed my views atone of the meetings. I have heard the views of the developxya and the supporters of the developers. I have seen how they have framed the de-bate and I can imagine the public pressure that they will attempt to create over this issue. I hope you will c:orisider this issue on its merits and fulfill die mission of MROSD. Sincerely, Robert Swaney Vice President r Betsy Crowder Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 9402-1404 March 12, 1998 Dear Ms. Crowder, I live in Rochester, New York and have only visited the Bay Area once,but I was fortunate enough to explore some of the lovely areas outside San Francisco. For the past ten years,there has been a lot of growth on the outlying areas around Rochester with woodlands and farmlands being replaced by upscale developments. I assume that it is the mission of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to ensure that similar potential land developments in the Bay Area are wisely planned and that some land is kept for public use. There is a proposal to build a Russian Orthodox convent in Woodside off Skyline Boulevard just south of Route 92 on property purchased in 1996. The project has passed several stages of approval. In response to requests for open space,the nuns have offered to leave most(90%)of the 280 acres available for public use with hiking trails,yet apparently the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District considers this insufficient and is contemplating acquiring the entire parcel at taxpayer expense. Please reconsider this step. A contemplative monastic order would be a low- impact, low-density use for the land, and the proposed buildings would almost certainly be located so as to leave as many trees as possible intact for privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. This has certainly been true of the Orthodox monastic communities on the East Coast. The nuns have made efforts to accommodate the public interest of retaining open space and I request that you, in your capacity as president of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, objectively consider their request and allow the project to proceed. Thank you for your kind consideration. Sincerely, Eli eth K. Priebe Ms. Elizabeth K. Priebe 8 Riga Street Rochester, NY 14615 (716) 647-2471 [R----------- E LU Email: ekpriebe@aol.com PEi��:MAR 1 F 1998 { ^ 'dC;IONAL EN STRICT ate, Yo �iG G , FI-e G - 'a Xor- e'7 � J I Yll 7C LMAR 4 a i �� Carol Culver 201 Ware Road Woodside, California 94062 (415) 851-8824 March 14, 1998 Ms. Betsy Crowder Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear Ms. Crowder: As 30-year residents of Kings Mountain, my husband and I would like to voice our concern over the proposed action of the Open Space District to use eminent domain condemnation to obtain the property purchased by the Russian Orthodox Convent. We are strongly opposed to any such action by your organization for the following reasons: 1. The convent would be a welcome addition to our community. They would provide us with neighbors of a different culture and background. 2. As neighbors the nuns are committed to screen buildings, to allow trail access to their property and to sell 60% of their property to the Open Space District. 3. We strongly feel that the Open Space should not spend the taxpayers' money on a project that will deprive the convent of their rightful land. This is not how we wish you to spend our money. We believe that the nuns will be conscientious stewards of the land. Please consider our views at your meeting on March 18. We will be most interested to hear your opinion. Sincerely, Craig and Carol Culver MAR 1 6 1998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEC '•,ICT J !� /lilt Ols- I-Ot 16 Q a ZU LU °-� > T �MAN. ct U:! Q J .-- i X ONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION' LUI w w 8925 Leesburg Pike �r a a Vienna,VA 22184-0001 PrWftd lip O ®w eas Kennan Ward Photography �Y.a paw March 13, 1998 Dean Wakefield Open Forum Editor San Francisco Chronicle 901 Mission Street San Francisco, CA. 94103 Dear Dean Wakefield: I would like to submit the following"Open Forum" article for your review. I'm writing in response to the article in the March 6, 1998 Chronicle, "Nuns May Lose Monastery Land". In the first grade at my Catholic grammar school in the Noe Valley, the nuns had marched us up to the bluff where Beacon Street is today for a class picnic. I remember the nuns in their black habits, veils blowing in the wind with their salmon colored bakery boxes which held their lunches. We sat among our classmates looking at the San Francisco skyline, circa 1956. Growing up in San Francisco was very exciting, as a young man with numerous friends, we often found ourselves playing in those wooded or open space areas which were our refuge from the typical city blocks which were normally, houses very close together. I started to see some of the open space areas in the city filled in by housing, former play areas became large tri-level homes. I remember one time, I had gone back one night to sit on Beacon St. when I was going back to my car, a man came out of one of the houses and ask me, "What I was doing?" I told him, "I had come up to sit on the hill admiring the view and to think." He had said, "Well that's nice, but this is private property." I was in religious life studying to become a brother when it was obvious everything was not well in the Bay Area. During the early seventies, I had been driving on Highway 280 near Daly City when I stopped the car on the shoulder of the road to look at this great wall of discolored sky.. I watched in amazement thinking this couldn't be happening here, so close to home. When you drove down Highway I in the late Fifties or early Sixties, you would remember so much farm land. I remember a friend's dad got lost coming back from a parish picnic in San Jose. We were laughing that we kept going further on Gish Rd.. and there was miles of nothing. I left religious life to battle against the growth that was going on in the Bay Area. I was always very proud of our agricultural resources here in Northern California. From the vineyards in the Napa Sonoma Area, to the ranch next to my aunt's home in Sunnyvale to the dairy farms driving up to Bodiega Bay. REED MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DI STRICT I had greatly admired John Muir when I was in grammar school, and my idea was to start a conservation newspaper to moderate growth in the forty-eight Northern and Central counties. The growth spreading out from the San Francisco skyline in the early seventies was pushing increased housing demand into the North Bay, East Bay and down the peninsula. I had met and married a very special woman that I had met at work. After numerous attempts and hundreds of hours of research I was able to circulate the newspaper. I was determined to spend whatever it took to save Northern California. Sadly, I lost my wife in my battle to save Northern California, Many had said, "There was to much empathy to be concerned about so many important issues". In the Catholic Church, at the beginning of"Celebrating the Eucharist", in the Penitential Rite, we say, "I have sinned... ... in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do," In the latest production of"Hamlet", if Hamlet had walked away and said, "I don't want to know how my father, the king died". There would be no great Shakespearean drama- If as an undergraduate student, we don't read Elie Wiesel's great works on the Holocaust, then I don't believe that we could sympathize with the plight of the Russian Orthodox nuns who want to built a monastery on their property two miles south of Highway 92 off Skyline Boulevard, I'm sure as one who dedicated his life to conservation that Malcolm Smith means well. He is the district spokesman for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District whose group wants to take over the nun's land by eminent domain proceedings. It doesn't make sense, I lost the battle to save the majority of the Bay Area from growth and here's a group of elderly nuns who want to live in prayer and solitude who may end up losing their land to just a few critics. Unfortunately, there will always be those who will always find fault with anything new or different. When my aunt died last month in San Francisco, it ended my family's history of ninety years on the same block in San Francisco. The Dominican priest who often came to visit her commented, "How he was always thankful for her prayers". I think we all need the prayers of these nuns, please let them built their monastery. Maybe as a mother drives by the monastery, her child might ask, "Mommy, what's that?" "That's a monastery, a group of religious woman that pray regarding all the bad things we see in the news everyday." Post Note: The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District has set a meeting at 7:30 P.M. at 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, (94022-1404)on March 18, 1998. (650) 691-1200. My personal information is as follows: Edward Hayes 8 Commodore Drive AC463 Emeryville, CA. 94608 (510) 654-5568 3-16-1998 2:,d9Pt1 FROM ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICES d1S 56S 36d9 P' l THE ARCHDIOCESE OF SANFRANCISCO 445 C14UR("_'1-4 STREET SAN RANCISCO, CA 94114-17k,`9 - (415) 565-360o FAX, (415) 565-3676 March 13, 1998 President Betsy Crowder Board of Directors midponinsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Sent via Fax: 650/691-0485 Re: Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir Property Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board: I am writing in support of the Russian Orthodox Comm-unity of Nuns and their efforts to build a monastery on their recently acquired property. In doing so, I also wish to express my sympathy and understanding of the good-faith efforts of those who want to protect the natural beauty and resources of this beautiful piece of property. rn this case, T do not find any incompatibility with the nuns, plans to build a discretely shielded place of prayer and contemplation and the preservation of this property as a natural resource. My understanding is that the nuns have been open to very real restrictions on the use of their property, which would insure its present and future natural state. They have compromised, in good faith, to bring the values of preservation together with their modest use of the property. They are surely not corporate developers and will be good stewards of this piece of God's creation. I ask that you and the Members of the Board look at this issue in a reasonable and fair manner that will allow the nuns their dream of a place of contemplation and prayer and also allow a reasonable plan, which will accommodate their needs with the valid preservation of this area. Sincerely yourg. Msgr. Robert McElroy Vicar for Administration Archdiocese of San Francisco cc, Super-visor Mike Nevin San mateo County Sisters of Mercy DATE: March 16, 1998 TO: Betsy Crowder FAX: 650-691-0485 COMPANY: Midpenninsula Open Space District FROM: Clareta Doyle, RSM No of Pages; Dear President Crowder: I am begging you not to take the Russian orthdox nuns' land. Three times they have been evicted and the area in which they are living is not very conducive to religious contemplative life. The nuns submitted their plans to the San Mateo Board of Supervisors and followed the legal guidelines and zoning requirements of the county. Since it has heard of the possible condemnation, the convent has agreed to place 90Z of the property into permanent open space which would include the prominent view ridge* and environmentally sensitive areas of in- terest to Midpeningula Open Space District. Should MCROSD do nothing, the Con- vent will place 90Z of the property into permanent open space at no coot to the public. Further, the convent is committed to building a monastery with as little disturbance to the land as possible. I beg you to reconsider. Sincerely, 2300 Adeline Drive Burlingame CA WIG 415 340 7410 it SisJL ters—OyMer-c- y--- DATE: March 16, 1998 TO: L. Craig Britton FAX: 650-691-0485 COMPANY: MidPeninsula Open Space District FROM: Clareta Doyle, RSM No. of Pages: I Dear General Manager! I hear that you are having a meeting on March 18 regarding the acquisition of the 280 acres of open space In southern Son Mateo county by Russian nuns who are living in an undestreable space In San Francisco. They have experienced eviction three times already. Since hearing of the disapproval of MROSD, they have made many offers. They are prepared tO sell 60 X of the property to MROSD. The remaining area would be held in permanent open space accomodating the Bay Area Ridge Trail if necessary. I assure you that there would b e no danger of environmental damage or permanent loss of open space which I know is one of your fears. These sisters are committed to preserving the land and hold it in reverence. I beg you to think kindly of their proposals as in no way jeopardizing the openness of the area or restricting it by leaving it In the future. Sincerely, 2.300 Adcl;nr Drive Burlingame CA 94010 415 340 7410 '98-03-16 15:31 41559152091-TGHTHOUSEP P. 1 152 Plymouth Avenue San Carlos, CA 94070 March 16, 1998 Board of Directors midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Di stet Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 Dear Board members: The San Francisco Chronicle story last week unveiled the -Open Space District' s plans to extend its boundaries in San Mateo County, requiring a two-thirds vote for new taxes . Before proceeding with a public relations campaign to sell the expansion program, you might want to take a look at what is turning into a public relations disaster for the ,, district today. I an speaking about your aggressive attempt to take a Russian Convent' s property through condemnation proceedings. This is not a pretty sight, even through an open space advocate' s lens! I would suggest that you regr'bup on this issue and cease such a negative undertaking- It doesn't make sense on any grounds, especially in light of the district' s bigger plans . politics has to do with image and the district' s image is a stake here! We live in the *district and pay taxes to support your operation and use your facilities. Please pay attention as we speak for many others who frequent our San Carlos store. Thank you. Sincerely yours, Alan Sincerely a?mily P.S. I am sure that you have seen the editorial (copy enclosed) . ----------- may-- 16-9B 09:03P P.01 Coastal Family Alliance 1589 Higgins Canyon Rd. Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Ph.650-726-3307 Fax; 650-726-2799 A FAX TRANSMISSION To: Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District Board of Directors From: Coastal Family Alliance Oscar Braun, Chair Subj: Russian Orthodox Property Date: March 17, 1998 Total # of pages including this one: 2 The Coastal Family Alliance was formed in January of 1995 and is made up of property owners in the rural coastal zone of San Mateo County. I am a member and Chair of the Coastal Family Alliance and my Moon Acres ranch borders Surleigh-Murray Ranch State Park for nearly one mile on its Western boundary. Looking to the East from Moon Acres one is able to observe the entire 280 acre parcel that was purchased by the Russian Orthodox Church. As adjoining rural property owners the Coastal Family Alliance supports the development planned by the Russian Orthodox Church and we are vehemently opposed to the MROSO's announced intent to drive these nuns out and to prevent them from establishing their convent. Mar- 16--98 09:04P P_02 The nun's proposed building site is outside the scenic corridor and the nun's have scaled back the project from four buildings to three buildings. It is my understanding that less than 3% of the 280 acre parcel will be affected by their development plan. The level of development in the rural San Mateo County Coastal Zone is currently the lowest it has ever been in this century. It appears to many of us that live in this beautiful area that the district is operating in a very arrogant and selfish manner. This is not about preserving the environment or the character of the coastal zone, nor is it about open space. This is ALL about petty NIMBYism (to quote Mike Nevin-San Mateo County Supervisor). The Coastal Family Alliance is quite wary of the MROSD`s announced intent to expand into the Coastal Zone of San Mateo County, The Alliance neither welcomes these expansionist plans nor supports the District's abusive use of power to exercise the right of eminent domain. We rural property stakeholders, have come together to fight for and protect our family farms and ranches and we will resist any attempts the MROSD makes to expand their boundaries to the Coastside. cc: Son Mateo County Board of Supervisors Letter to Editor March 15. 1998 Board of Directors Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 My wife and I strongly urge you to purchase the 284 acres at 12140 Skyline Blvd. in San Mateo County. The property will certainly enhance MROSD's goals for a con- tinuous greenbelt of protected open space lands for the public to enjoy now and in the future. We believe you have already made a generous offer for this prominent ridgeline property. And your offer to assist the Convent to find another site also is generous especially in light of the fact that it already has a home in San Francisco and a square-block facility in Moss Beach. A previous commitment in Southern California prevents us from attending your March 18 meeting. Please consider this letter as our strong endorsement for your action to purchase this property_ Failure to do so will certainly encourage new and larger developments which will erode our valuable open space preserves for all time. Si ely, Lee & Cindy Pitt 12520 Skyline Blvd. Woodside, CA 94062 RECEIVED MAR 1 7 1998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Krassovsky Family (707) 585-2765 3/17/98 9:28 AM 46 XPAM CBB. HEPBOBEPXOBHbIX AHOCTOAOB HETPA H HABAA Sts. PETER&PAUL RUSSLALN ORTHODOX CHURCH 850 St. Olga U., Santa Rosa, (A 95407 (707) 584-4092 Betsy Crowder,President of the.Board of Directors, March 16, 1(�M Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, 33t1 Distel Circle, Los Altos,CA olio-12-1-101 Dear Ms,Crowder: (hi behalf of the parishioners of Sts. Peter& Paul Russian Orthodox Church in Santa Rosa CA., I wish to protest, most e trne-stiv, the recent actions of your Ix-)ard in regards to the proposed Russian Orthodox Convent off Skyline Bl.,just south of Hwy. 92 and your apparent intention to condenin said property. Having worked for the County of'x-monia-a county ivnwkiid for it's magnificent coastline., vineyards and open countryside - for a number of years, I recognize the significance of the government's power of eminent domain and the putl)ose for which it exists. I ant appalled at your apparent intent to so flagrantly misuse that public trust by condemning the property rightfully owned by the turns. The power-of eminent domain can only be invoked when all efforts to come to a common resolution of any difficulties fail. This implies,of course,that the non-goverrinit-mt entity is being uncooperative or, in some fashion,acting belligerently. Given all of the reports of your recent negotiations,it is clear that the nuns have been overly,cooperative in offering their land to be maintained as open space with free,access to all but a very small portion of it. Given this,together with the numerous other concessions the nuns have niade,your intention of condemning 10Y) of their pn)perty over their very humble request to develop only 3%) of it makes it clear, that such condemnation would constitute all abuse of the power vested in your board and betrayal of the public trust. Although we are quite sortie distance away front you and the area in question,we are,deeply concerned over your actions as they demonstrate, once again, that our country-to which so many of it,;came in search of true freedom -has become, as the result of such it-responsible acts on the part of it's government, a nation that stands not for freedom of religion,but freedonifirom religion. Our children no longer have the tight to exercise their religious rights through prayer in school. No one dares allow our children to mention the"C'word around DecenibeT 25th and of Course,all of our kids know that Easter is when a tittle bunny comes around and gives them candy eggs. Sounds rather foolish, doesn't it? Trap,ically,this is the reality we live in today. We take a very personal offense at this attack on our sisters in this particular fashion as they have, for decades, helped so inany of us and our parents immigrate to America,taking its in,giving us the food front their meager tables and helping us get started in this new land. After their years of sacrifice for the benefit of so many,for thent to be cast out by a whim of the local beaurDcracy,would be an affront to every good thing this country stands for. Ms. Crowder,you are in a win-win situation. By accepting the concessions offered by the nuns and allowing them to build their small convent, you entrust that land to a group of people who appreciate the beauty of God's creation certainly,as much as I'm sure you and your board members do. By doing this,you Will truly be working to the benefit of all concerned. May God enlighten you and your board tneinbers-to this v6sclorn. Rev.Alexander Krassovsky,Rector I' David A. Wex er, Ph.D. 100 Crazy Pei _" e 's Road Woodside, Calif rnia 94062 (660) 851 0104 I 1 I March 1 6, 1998 I President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 33330 Distel Circle Los Altos, Ca. 94022-1404 i Dear President Crowder and Board Members: I would like to urge you to adopt the pro�osed Resolution of Necessity at�ou meeting of March 18 and acquire the 288 acre property belonging to the Russia Orthodox Church. As I resident of the Skyline area for 25 years and as someon whose property is surrounded on three sides by MPROS's Coal Creek Preserved feel there is great urgency to protect such a vital piece of land in the Skyline Cth dor from development whether it be for religious p rposes or any other purpose. an acquisition would be an invaluable addition to Ifhe wonderful network of preserv4s that have kept the Skyline Corridor a jewel for all to enjoy. i S nce I Y, i David Wexler, Ph.D. I I I i CO*d Ob:60 8661-Lt-60W MAR 16 '93 05:38FN F I NANCE / SUH P.2. 2 March 16, 1998 President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board As a member of the Board of the Committee for Green Foothills, I have heard the presentations these last several months by Lennie Roberts to our Board regarding the 288 acre property owned by the Russian Orthodox Church on Skyline Boulevard. I understand that you are considering acquiring the property by eminent domain and I encourage you to do so in the interest of the general public and also the wildlife which resides there. Preserving the land for perpetuity, as you do, will enable it to be enjoyed and used by everyone. It's location also makes it an ideal site to continue trail access to the parks to the west and eventually to the north. Wallace Stegner's words come to my mind: "...We have left our souls too little space to breathe in. Every green natural space we save saves aftagment of our sanity and gives us a little more hope that we have a future- " Unfortunately, this acquisition is clouded by the Jitcr that the land is owned by a religious group which has had their previous land seized both in Russia and China They also appear to be a group which would live in an environmentally friendly way. I understand the district has worked to find an alternative site for the convent and if eminent domain is approved I hope these efforts continue. As a long shot, I know of a beautiful retreat center, Shenoa, in the Anderson Valley, which is currently for sale. It is 160 acres and already has buildings. The asking price is$3.3 million (but remember, there are already buildings). The person to call would be Barry Cusick of Mendo Realty at (707)937-3822. Thank you for your efforts to save open space for present and future generations. I was a docent for your program and have hiked in many of your preserves through the years,- in fact, we plan to celebrate the vernal equinox this Saturday by hiking either at Montebello or Long Ridge. Sincerely, Sally Mentzer From,Lohman To:MROSD Date:31MOR Time:22:32:17 Page 1 of 1 Fax Cover Page SUBJECT: Dear MROSD, I feel you are on the right track to initiate the process t opurchase the Skyline Nunnery site. We only have one chance to preserve our open space. Please stand firm on this. I have sympathy for the nunnery group and would welcome their project anywhere else on the coastside where it is not in direct conflict with our goal of preserving open space. p.s. to Susan Dale. I am in a management seminar all week. I will call on Monday Mar 23 to schedule meeting over MROSD campaign. Ric Lohman, MCCC (650) 726-9607 (evenings) i To: MROSD From : Lohman For Information Call: 415,7269607 At: Pages: 1 My Fax Number : 415,7121900 Cover pages by Deirina jgudmund6lix.netcom. , .35 AM 3/17/9-8 , Mills Cre _ Property n c From: Jg udmund@ix. et o m. com Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 10 :35 :45 +0000 Reply-To: jgudmund@ix.netcom. com To: mrosd@openspace .org Subject : Mills Creek Property X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org Joan Gudmundson 153 Redding Road Campbell, CA 95008 Phone : (408) 559-3320 Email : jgudmundson@ix.netcom.com March 17, 1998 Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Ref : Acquisition of the "Russian Convent Of Our Lady of Vladimir Inc. Property" , otherwise known as the Mills Creek Property Dear MROSD Board Members : I am writing this letter to express my support for the acquisition of the Mills Creek property by the use of eminent domain if deemed absolutely necessary. I lend my support to this difficult decision as an advocate of open space and and the protection of habitat for native and endangered species . The Mills Creed property is of matchless value to the native species of the area primarily due to it ' s (the property) proximity to the Mills Creek watershed and other protected lands . For instance, the property enhances the survival possibities of the native mountain lions, known to exist in the area, who require a significant contiguous undisturbed free range . The acuisition of this property would be a demonstration of "doing the right thing" for both wildlife and mankind. By doing the right thing we protect our limited remaining open space, we enhance our own values by taking responsibility for preserving nature, and we may even be protecting man from unforseen costs : such as avoiding the lengthy and difficult battles to save endangered species, and the battles between humans and wildlife that occur when wildlife habitats are so encroached upon the animals begin to effect mans quality of life . Man can solve his own problems . Wildlife cannot save themselves from man; we must save them from us . In closing, I encourage you to move forward on acquisition procedures of this important property for the good of the public and preservation of open space and wildlife . Thank you for your consideration on this issue . JPr rated for Malcolm Smith <mros3@openspace.org> 1 jgu Amund(giX.-netc-Om.-, -- :35- AM 3/17/98 Mills Cre- Property Sincerely, Joan Gudmundson Printed for-M-alcolm -Smith---<mrosd@openspace.-org> -2 Lauren Holmes,_ �'7s14 �_. 3/17/98 Plea for hand a--- spirit From: lholmes@EARTHLINK.NET (Lauren Holmes) To: mrosd@openspace .org Subject : Plea for land and spirit Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 19 : 14 :41 GMT X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org March 15, 1998 Dear Ms . Crowder, I have heard via the Internet of the problems regarding the building of the Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir in California. As an Orthodox Christian myself, I can only say what my experience of monastic life has been. An Orthodox monastary is dedicated not only to hospitality for all who seek it but also to take care of the earth that surrounds it . These nuns are not proposing building a massive parking lot with strip malls and office skyscrapers; they are proposing building a spiritual retreat not only for themselves but for all of us, Orthodox and non-Orthodox, Christian and non-Christian. A monastary is a place of healing of mind, soul, and body. In these times, such places are all too rare and precious . I also understand that the convent has vowed to keep 90 percent of the property as open space, that they have offered to sell to you (MROSD) the environmentally sensitive areas, that they have agreed to preserve existing public footpaths . From what I can therefore tell, the convent will preserve and not harm this area; its goals are not incompatible with yours . Finally, this country was partly founded as a haven for those who were driven from lands hostile to their religious practices . These nuns, having been forced from property in China and Russia, are part of that heritage . I hope you will reconsider your position, and that MROSD will work with the Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir to create something wonderful -- a treasure of land *and* spirit for us all . Thanks for your time . Lauren C. Holmes 15578 Northville Forest Dr. Apt . J-122 Plymouth, MI 48170 lholmes@earthlink.net printed for Ma-ldolm Smith <mrosd@openspace.org> 1 seminary, 02-:25 PM 3/_ /98 Convent of Our Lady - Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 14 : 25 :46 -0500 From: seminary <seminary@telenet .net> To: MROSD@openspace .org Subject : Convent of Our Lady X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace.org Dear Betsy Crowder, I am writing on behalf of the Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir. They are presently undergoing difficulties concerning property in Woodside Ca. The situation seems to resemble some religious prejudice although that would seem impossible in California. I hope they are given every consideration in the hearing tomorrow and that the outcome would reflect a desire to favor their position, which all things considered will bring no harm to the neighborhood only a blessing! Sincerely yours, Archimandrite Luke Dean of Holy Trinity and Seracuse Registrar of Holy Trinity Trinity Monastery Printed for Malcolm Smith <mrosd@openepace.org> I - -- Virgin of- Laurie Woolw- o r t, 26-AM 3/17f9-8 Convent o- the holy o y Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 10 : 26 : 37 -0800 From: Laurie Ann Woolworth <laurie@got .net> To: mrosd@openspace .org Subject : Convent of the Holy Virgin of Saint Vladimir X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org Ms . Betsy Crowder President of the Board of Directors Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder: I am writing in support of the nuns of the Convent of the Holy Virgin of Saint Vladimir that want to build on their land. Please consider the following: 1 .The convent has agreed to place 90% of their property into permanent open space, including the ridge views and the environmentally sensitive areas about which the MROSD has expressed concern. 2 .The convent has offered to sell 60% of the property to the MROSD, including these areas, for $300, 000 if the MROSD wishes to buy it . 3 .Less than 3% of the property would be affected by the new structures the convent proposes to build. 4 .The convent has agreed to plant trees and bushes to screen the buildings from view and preserve the character of the land. S .The convent has agreed to accomodate the Bay Area Ridge Trail . 6 .The MROSD has publicly stated that they will not use their powers of eminent domain except in instances of, "severe environmental damage or impending development and permanent loss of open space . " This project preserves the area permanently. 7 .The San Mateo County Planning Commission has already approved this project, and it meets all the county guidelines and zoning requirements . The convent has obtained Preliminary Concept Plan approval and has submitted an application for Final Development Plan approval, which includes environmental review. 8 .The convent has been forced from property it owned three times already -- once in the former Soviet Union and twice in China. 9 .A convent is not akin to a commercial shopping mall development ! The traditions and practices of Orthodox Christian monastacism (and, for that matter, most monastacism in general) dictate caring for the land one lives on. If the convent moves to this property, it is permanently shielded from subdivision, commercial development, and misuse. I hope that you will let the nuns keep their land and build on it . (Printed- for Malcolm Smith -mro-sMopenspace-.-org> Laurie Ann Woo1wort, �_ :26 M 3 17198 Convent o. the Ito ly "`Virgin of Respectfully, Laurie Woolworth laurie@got .net Greek Orthodox layperson printed—for Marcolm Smith <mrosd�openspace.org> Henderson, 08 : 53 AID 3, __i/38 , Re: Orthodox Conven- X-Sender: mhen@ptialaska.net Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 08 : 53 : 11 -0900 To: MROSD@openspace .org From: Henderson <mhen@ptialaska.net> Subject : Re : Orthodox Convent X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org Dear Ms. Crowder, I lived in my childhood in Palo Alto, and spent many wonderful bike riding hours roaming the beautiful streets and neighborhoods, enjoying the interesting little surprises that awaited around each turn. A park, a house art museum, a little creamery. There was none of the cookie cutter, cleansed 50 ' s tacky tacky that was so often the temptation of unimaginative city planners . My family remains in Palo Alto and Menlo Park, my sisters work (and have for over 20 years) at Stanford University, so I have continuing cause to visit my old haunts . Now I live in Alaska, worlds away -- in a Russian Orthodox community (my husband is a priest) . That is how I came to learn about the conflict between the interests of your organization and those of the women' s monastery which hopes to finally fulfill its goal of housing themselves on the property they acquired for this purpose ages ago. I hope that the resistance to building on the bluff is not primarily mercenary in nature. An hour spent in any library looking at the tradition of Orthodox monasteries, you will note that where they can, they are usually phenomenally aesthetic and a quaint relief from the surrounding area, whether country or urban. There are phenomenal Orthodox architects in the Bay Area whom will assure the neighborhood that no harm to the bluff itself would ever happen, and that in fact the structure will most probably evoke an otherworldly quality that would be an aesthetic contribution to the area, no doubt increasing property values all around. And monasteries are of a permanent nature unless threatened by Emminent Domain statutes in America. Some communities in California, especially in this area, are prized for their diversity and quaintness . Certainly, a monastery on a bluff would evoke old European panache that would appeal to those who would want that kind of piquancy added to the value of their surrounding properties . I hope that this conflict can be resolved, and is not part of a generalized religious bigotry, an uneducated thinking about the abhorrence of celibate women associations, nor mercenary, and that a workable solution is in the making. Monasteries do not as a rule, if you peruse the libraries at Stanford University (please talk with John Breck) , build, overbuild, and ruin neighborhoods . In fact, traditionally, where monasteries build the surrounding properties became most coveted, as the safest, prettiest, and most congenial of neighborhoods . Monasteries do not detract, and it is against their religion to destroy the Green. In Christ, Photini Private/Confidential Replies mailto:mhen@ptialaska.net 2rinted for Malcolm-Smith - mr6sd@opens-pace.org> - � Henderson, 08 :53 3, , Re: Orthodox- Converi Matushka Photini Henderson P O Box 5126 Nikolaevsk AK 99556 907 235 1970 mhen@ptialaska.net ICQ 7539013 Abba Xanthias said, "A dog is better than I am, for he has love and he does not judge. " A brother who had sinned was thrown out of the church by the priest . Abba Bessarion got up and went out with him, saying, "I , too, am a sinner. " Printed--for Nlalco]m Smith <mros�c @openspace.org> 2 t _ �rthodo John & Jul e Lynch, 1�1 . _ AM 3/17/98 imm n inent o . i-Russian X-Sender: lynch@coastside .net (Unverified) Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 10 :44 : 16 -0700 To: mrosd@openspace .org From: John & Jule Lynch <lynch@coastside .net> Subject : Eminent Domain-Russian Orthodox Church X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org Board of Directors, MROSD: The lawyer for the Russian Orthodox Church and their proponents have orchestrated a sophisticated media and letter writing campaign. This is unfortunate from two standpoints : The media has bought into it fully, painting the MROSD as the "bully" and the "bad guys . " Secondly, the MROSD cannot make any allegations and can only reply with the unvarnished truth. The bad guys in this scenario are the two churches : the Roman Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church. Why? The Catholic Church knew of your desire to buy the Skyline property, at fair market value, if it were to be sold. The church did not give you the curtesy or the opportunity to bid on it . Rather, they sold it to the Russian Orthodox Church. The Russian Orthodox Church purchased the land with the full knowledge of the current zoning restrictions, and the applicable Land Use Designations and with the full knowledge and charter of the Open Space District in which it was located. Their lawyer must have known of the alleged mentality of the San Mateo County Planning Department . . . "We 've never met a developer or development that we did not like . " So now your have been painted into a corner. Regardless, you must pursue the only course of action remaining. The judicious use of your powers of eminent domain to buy this precious property to preserve it in its natural state for the future . You are not using eminent domain to assist a developer. Your are not using eminent domain to destroy existing structures . You are not using eminent domain to remove people from their land for no one has ever lived on this property. You are carefully, and appropiately, using the power of eminent domain for the purpose that the law has clearly established. So please do not be deterred in your actions . By unaminous vote on Wednesday, March 18, 1998, start eminent domain proceeding. Future g Y Y generations will thank you for our courageous action. Respectfully submitted, John F. Lynch 2098 Touraine Lane Half Moon Bay, CA 94019-1451 PH: 650 . 726 . 9189 Fax: 650 . 726 . 9280 (Printed_ for Malcolra Smith <mrosd9openspace.org> 1 1 Jrohn & Tul-e Lynch, ID . x4 -AM 3/17/98 _1 Eminent Domain-Russian Orthodo X-Sender: lynch@coastside .net (Unverified) Date: Tue, 17 Mar 1998 10 :44 : 16 -0700 To: mrosd@openspace .org From: John & Jule Lynch <lynch@coastside .net> Subject : Eminent Domain-Russian Orthodox Church X-Rcpt-To : mrosd@openspace .org Board of Directors, MROSD: The lawyer for the Russian Orthodox Church and their proponents have orchestrated a sophisticated media and letter writing campaign. This is unfortunate from two standpoints : The media has bought into it fully, painting the MROSD as the "bully" and the "bad guys . " Secondly, the MROSD cannot make any allegations and can only reply with the unvarnished truth. The bad guys in this scenario are the two churches : the Roman Catholic Church and the Russian Orthodox Church. Why? The Catholic Church knew of your desire to buy the Skyline property, at fair market value, if it were to be sold. The church did not give you the curtesy or the opportunity to bid on it . Rather, they sold it to the Russian Orthodox Church. The Russian Orthodox Church purchased the land with the full knowledge of the current zoning restrictions, and the applicable Land Use Designations and with the full knowledge and charter of the Open Space District in which it was located. Their lawyer must have known of the alleged mentality of the San Mateo County Planning Department . . . "We 've never met a developer or development that we did not like . " So now your have been painted into a corner. Regardless, you must pursue the only course of action remaining. The judicious use of your powers of eminent domain to buy this precious property to preserve it in its natural state for the future . You are not using eminent domain to assist a developer. Your are not using eminent domain to destroy existing structures . You are not using eminent domain to remove people from their land for no one has ever lived on this property. You are carefully, and appropiately, using the power of eminent domain for the purpose that the law has clearly established. So please do not be deterred in your actions . By unaminous vote on Wednesday, March 18, 1998, start eminent domain proceeding. Future generations will thank you for your courageous action. Respectfully submitted, John F. Lynch 2098 Touraine Lane Half Moon Bay, CA 94019-1451 PH: 650 . 726 . 9189 Fax: 650 . 726 . 9280 'Printed for Malcolm- Smith <mrosd@qpeni3fDace_.org> Stephen E. Rock, 62 :4, 2M 3/16/98 Devel.opement skyline y Chu Date : Mon, 16 Mar 1998 14 :40 :26 -0800 From: "Stephen E. Rock" <ser@SLAC.Stanford.EDU> Subject : Developement on Skyline by Church To: mrosd@openspace .org X-Envelope-to: mrosd@openspace .org X-Rcpt-To : mrosd@openspace .org Dear Folks, I just heard that you are considering blocking the developement of a tract of land off skyline blvd by the Russian Orthodox Church. I urge you to keep the land open to all and undeveloped (except for trails) . My family and I often hike in ourlocal hills, especially in spring and fall . The closeness to my home in Palo Alto as well as the beauty make for wonderful experiences . Now that I am a grandfather, I want more than ever for future generatins to have open, undeveloped land for their use . -Steve Stephen Rock SER@SLAC. STANFORD.EDU S .L.A. C. MS 44 (650) 926-3454 (work) ***Note new Area Code** P.O. Box 4349 (650) 926-2407 (fax) Stanford CA 94309 ,Printed for Malcolm Smith <mrosd@openspace.org> soma loungway, 03 :21 _A 3/16j98 Russian drth6c, .Development P Date : Mon, 16 Mar 1998 15 :21 :48 -0800 From: Sonia loungway <lasonia@earthlink.net> Reply-To: lasonia@earthlink.net To: mrosd@openspace .org Subject : Russian Orthodox Development Plans X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org March 16, 1998 President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board, As an environmentally concerned citizen who frequents the Mid Peninsula area and cherishes it ' s current undeveloped state, I would like to add my encouragement for you to heed the letter of Lennie Roberts, Legislative Advocate for the Committee for Green Foothills . He asks that you exercise your powers to obtain the land for which the Russian Orthodox Church has negotiated extensive development plans, and details the many reasons for greater perceived benefit of the land remaining undeveloped. Sincerely, Sonia Loungway IPrinte3 for Malcolm Smith <mrosdiopenspace.org> Z Mary Beam, 03 :05 PM-3, _,)/98 Skyline Blvd / Marc_ i8 Meetin Date : Mon, 16 Mar 1998 15 : 05 :49 -0800 From: mbeam@informix. com (Mary Beam) To: mrosd@openspace .org Subject : Skyline Blvd / March 18 Meeting X-Sun-Charset : US-ASCII X-BulkFactor: 05501 XXXXX X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org To: President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District I concur with the following letter which requests that the 288 acre parcel on Skyline Blvd be kept as an open space preserve, and not allowed to be built up, impacting the beauty of the scenic corridors nearby. Please protect the livability of this area for all current and future residents, by your votes on this matter. Sincerely, Mary F. Beam Alexander ----- Begin Included Message ----- March 12 , 1998 President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board, The Committee for Green Foothills urges you to adopt the proposed resolution of necessity at your meeting on March 18 and begin the process of acquiring the 288 acre property owned by the Russian Orthodox Church on Skyline Boulevard. We first wrote to you on October 23 , 1996 , urging your Board to take whatever action necessary to acquire this property, including eminent domain if necessary. The property is now threatened with an intensive development, akin to a 22 unit residential facility, with an 8 unit motel, a 24 car parking lot, and 80 person conference center. Although the proposal is for a church-related use, the physical effects of the project upon the land and its visual impacts are no different than from a large commercial development . The threat of development is imminent, as the Concept Plan for the project has already been approved by the board of Supervisors, and the Church is moving ahead with the final approvals . Although the Convent has proposed Printed for Malcolm Sm t <mrosd@op en-spa ce.org> 1 Mary Beam, - 03:--G5- PM M"1 31 j/9-8 Skyline Blvd Marc.. L8 Meetin changes in negotiations with your staff, the Concept Plan is still in effect as far as the County approvals are concerned. If constructed, the project would be located on a prominent and conspicuous ridge which is visible from Skyline Boulevard, Highway 92 and Highway 1, all designated Scenic Corridors . The project ' s 47 foot high gold dome and spire would be visible from as far away as downtown San Francisco! By preserving this land as open space, you will ensure a wonderful addition to the complex of other public open space and park lands in the vicinity. The breathtaking views from the ridge, the precipitous drop-offs to the canyons below, and the easy accessibility to Skyline all make this a choice piece of land for public use and enjoyment . The property' s relatively flat land along Skyline and the ridge top would be a good potential trailhead to access the open space preserves and parks to the west . Your recent decision to begin the process of acquiring the Zion property to the north, together with this property, also afford an opportunity to fill in a key missing gap in the north-south Bay Area Ridge Trail . In addition to the open space and trail benefits for public use this property will provide, its preservation also will protect important wildlife habitat, wildlife migration corridors for deer, mountain lion, bobcat, and other species, and will protect the headwaters of Mills Creek, a steelhead spawning stream. The benefits to the public of this acquisition are very high indeed. we are sympathetic to the Russian Orthodox Church' s desires to find a suitable location for a new Church. Nonetheless, we believe the higher purpose for this particular property is its preservation, in its entirety, as open space . We commend the District ' s efforts to work with the Church to find an alternative site. Thank you for considering our views . Sincerely, Lennie Roberts, Legislative Advocate Committee for Green Foothills Camas Hubenthal, Legislative Advocate Committee for Green Foothills 3921 E. Bayshore Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94303 Phone : (415) 968-7243 FAX: (415) 962-8234 web site : <http: //www.best . com/-cgf/> ----- End Included Message ----- Printed--for Malcolm -Smith- <mrosdftpenspace.__Org> 2 Stephanie Hughes, 03 PM 3/16/-98 use eminent _ .nain/save Skylin X-Sender: hews@shelll2 .ba.best . com Date : Mon, 16 Mar 1998 15 : 33 :49 -0700 To: mrosd@openspace .org From: shughes@hews . com (Stephanie Hughes) Subject : use eminent domain/save Skyline ! X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board, I was very concerned to hear of the construction plans for 288 acres of Skyline Boulevard. My husband and I dearly love to hike through MROSD open space lands along Skyline Boulevard. Furthermore, we appreciate the unaltered views of the ridge from highway 280 . Multiple buildings, a conference center and a 47 foot gold dome and spire that could be viewed for miles around! ! That is not an appropriate use of land in that area ! While I understand that this is a church-related project, that point is irrelevant . It will have the same affect as a major commercial development . Please use your authority, including eminent domain if necessary, to save this slice of land. In my mind, MROSD exists to serve as stewards of the available foothill and ridge open space . To allow this formidable project to move forward would be to ignore your responsibility to your constituents and future generations . To help appease the church, perhaps the district could assist them with finding a more appropriate site . Thank you so very much. Sincerely, Stephanie Hughes 632 Boynton Avenue San Jose, CA 95117 Hughes Engineering & Writing Services Phone : (408) 246-7868 Fax: (408) 246-1755 E-Mail : shughes@hews .com Web site : http: //www.hews . com Pollution Prevention Through Research and Education Printed for Malcolm Snnith <mr6sd@6penspace.org> 1 Tom & Sandy Farley, O.. _s1 PM 3/16/98 , resolution .,)r 3/18 meeting I X-Sender: farley@shell3 .ba.best . com Date : Mon, 16 Mar 1998 15 : 31 : 06 -0800 To : mrosd@openspace .org From: Tom & Sandy Farley <farley@spont .com> Subject : resolution for 3/18 meeting X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board, We join with the Committee for Green Foothills and other local conservation and environmental groups to urge you to adopt the proposed resolution of necessity at you meeting on March 18 and begin the process of acquiring the 288 acre property owned by the Russian Orthodox Church on Skyline Boulevard. We are homeowners in the unincorporated area across Woodside Road from Redwood City. We have visited several of the open space areas along Skyline in recent years for private walks, commet watching, and a group outing from our Quaker Meeting. The land in question will make an excelent addition to the open space system. We have been at several presentations at our Kiwanis clubs about your work and are pleased to see how well you do at making the open space accessible to people without excessive human intrusion into the existing ecosystems . Please act positively to preserve this important parcel . Tom & Sandy Farley, farley@spont .com - http: //www. spont .com/index.htm Spontaneous Combustion Storytellers & Writers - EarthLight Magazine Earth Day http: //www.baaction.org/earthday - Redwood City Farmers Market Palo Alto Friends Meeting (Quakers) - Redwood City/Bayshore Kiwanis Clubs and one of the moderators for the newsgroup news :misc .kids .moderated `Printed for-Malcolnn--Smit <mrosd@openspace.org> 1 Rasky, 07s05 pM 3116/> Please preserve Sky3ine Date : Mon, 16 Mar 1998 19 : 05 :20 -0500 From: Rasky <vrasky@compuserve.com> Subject : Please preserve Skyline Sender: Rasky <vrasky@compuserve . com> To: Board Members <mrosd@openspace .org> Content-Disposition: inline X-Rcpt-To : mrosd@openspace .org Dear Board Members, As you vote on Wednesday, March 18 on whether you should use your power of emminent domain to preserve the 288 acre parcel on Skyline Blvd. proposed for intense development by the Russian Orthodox Church, I urge you to save that beautiful land. The Bay Area is developing at breakneck speed. We need to preserve some havens . Skyline is a unique, beautiful place that would be ruined by such development, be it by a Church or by a business interest . Please, do not let it happen. Please preserve Skyline for our childrenand future generations to enjoy as we have . Thank you for your commitment to this area and its future . SIncerely, V6ronique Rasky ;Printed for-Malcolm Smitli <mrosd@openspace.org> 1 Carolyn Curtis, 04 :37 _Ad 3J16/98 , Please preserv_ l Date : Mon, 16 Mar 1998 16 : 37 : 07 -0800 From: carolyn@marah.engr. sgi . com (Carolyn Curtis) To: mrosd@openspace.org Subject : Please preserve Cc : seleve@netcom. com X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org Please use your power of eminent domain and preserve the open space currently owned by the Russian Orthodox Church on Skyline from development . Sincerely, Carolyn Curtis Carolyn Curtis x 3-1749 from outside : 650-933-1749 Print-d for Malc67.m Smith <mrosd@openspace.org> 1 Gail Thompson,1 05-:-.- Pff 3/16/98 F: Action Al. y- Sk line Thre From: "Gail J. Thompson" <gailtl225@email .msn.com> To: <mrosd@openspace .org> Subject : F: Action Alert - Skyline Threatened! Date : Mon, 16 Mar 1998 17 : 00 : 10 -0800 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-MimeOLE : Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4 . 71 . 1712 . 3 X-BulkFactor: 09901 XXXXXXXXX X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org Hello, I add my name to those urging perservation of this land for open space and against the proposed development as stated below. Gail J. Thompson -----Original Message----- From: Bay Area Action <baaction@igc.apc .org> To: gailtl225@msn. com <gailtl225@m8n. com> Date : Monday, March 16, 1998 2 : 14 PM Subject : Action Alert - Skyline Threatened! >ACTION ALERT! >Letters of support needed by Wednesday March 18 >Dear Friends, >The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District needs letters of support to >begin the process necessary of acquiring a beautiful 288 acre parcel on >Skyline Blvd. proposed for intense development by the Russian Orthodox >Church. The Church is proposing a 22 unit residential facility with an 8 >unit motel, 80 person conference center, 24 car parking lot, and a 47 foot >high dome that would be visible from Scenic Corridors and from as far away >as downtown San Francisco! The MROSD Board will be voting Wednesday, March >18 on whether they should use their power of emminent domain to preserve >this property. Please send letters of support for this effort by fax > (650) 691-0485 or email mrosd@openspace .org. Committee for Green Foothills ' >letter is enclosed below. >Thanks for your help, >Camas Hubenthal > >March 12, 1998 > >President Betsy Crowder and Board Members >Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District >330 Distel Circle >Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 >Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board, > >The Committee for Green Foothills urges you to adopt the proposed >resolution of necessity at you meeting on March 18 and begin the process of >acquiring the 288 acre property owned by the Russian Orthodox Church on >SkY line Boulevard. Printed for -Malcolm Smith <mrosd@openspace.org> Z Gail J_._Thomps7on, 05_:% PIS 3/16/9-8 P.- Action Al, Skyline Thre >We first wrote to you on October 23 , 1996, urging your Board to take >whatever action necessary to acquire this property, including eminent >domain if necessary. The property is now threatened with an intensive >development, akin to a 22 unit residential facility, with an 8 unit motel, >a 24 car parking lot, and 80 person conference center. Although the >proposal is for a church-related use, the physical effects of the project >upon the land and its visual impacts are no different than from a large >commercial development . >The threat of development is imminent, as the Concept Plan for the project >has already been approved by the board of Supervisors, and the Church is >Moving ahead with the final approvals . Although the Convent has proposed >changes in negotiations with your staff, the Concept Plan is still in >effect as far as the County approvals are concerned. >If constructed, the project would be located on a prominent and conspicuous >ridge which is visible from Skyline Boulevard, Highway 92 and Highway 1, >all designated Scenic Corridors . The project ' s 47 foot high gold dome and >spire would be visible from as far away as downtown San Francisco! >By preserving this land as open space, you will ensure a wonderful addition >to the complex of other public open space and park lands in the vicinity. >The breathtaking views from the ridge, the precipitous drop-offs to the >canyons below, and the easy accessibility to Skyline all make this a choice >piece of land for public use and enjoyment . The property' s relatively flat >land along Skyline and the ridge top would be a good potential trailhead to >access the open space preserves and parks to the west . Your recent >decision to begin the process of acquiring the Zion property to the north, >together with this property, also afford an opportunity to fill in a key >missing gap in the north-south Bay Area Ridge Trail . >In addition to the open space and trail benefits for public use this >property will provide, its preservation also will protect important >wildlife habitat, wildlife migration corridors for deer, mountain lion, >bobcat, and other species, and will protect the headwaters of Mills Creek, >a steelhead spawning stream. >The benefits to the public of this acquisition are very high indeed. We >are sympathetic to the Russian Orthodox Church' s desires to find a suitable >location for a new Church. Nonetheless, we believe the higher purpose for >this particular property is its preservation, in its entirety, as open >space . We commend the District ' s efforts to work with the Church to find >an alternative site . >Thank you for considering our views . >Sincerely, >Lennie Roberts, Legislative Advocate 'Printed for- -14a7.c-olm—Smith—<mrosd@openspace.org> 2 1 Gail J. - Thompson,-- 05:,. PM 3/16/9-8 , F: Action Al, z Skyline Thre -- >Committee for Green Foothills >Camas Hubenthal, Legislative Advocate >Committee for Green Foothills >3921 E. Bayshore Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94303 >Phone : (415) 968-7243 FAX: (415) 962-8234 >web site : <http: //www.best . com/-cgf/> (Printed for Malcolm Smith -<mkosd@�-open6pace.org->-- 3 Clint, 06s34 PM 3/16/>- Re: Preserve Skyline Op, Spac Date : Mon, 16 Mar 1998 18 :34 : 02 -0800 (PST) X-Sender: maclint@shell3 .ba.best . com To: mrosd@openspace .org From: Clint <clint@clint . com5 Subject : Re : Preserve Skyline Open Space X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace.org To: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District I surely support your acquiring a beautiful 288 acre parcel on Skyline Blvd. proposed for intense development by the Russian OrthodoxChurch, who is proposing a 22 unit residential facility with an 8 unit motel, 80 person conference center, 24 car parking lot, and a 47 foot high dome . I appreciate what you have done thus far to protect these hills from development, and urge you to act on this one . Yours Truly, Bruce F. McClintic 1275 Dana Av Palo Alto, Ca, 94301 415-325-1962 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000 "EveryTHING you 've ever needed Lives inside of you. " (from Pete Seeger concert, 1998) Peace, Clint (Printed f-or Malcolm Smith <mrosd@openspace.org> i Brielle Johnck, 0-6--.-43 -.4 3/16/98 1 Aus- sian-Orthoa- Convent From: Brielle Johnck <bjohnck@RFWKLAW. com> To: 'I 'mrosd@openspace.orgl " <mrosd@openspace .org> Subject : Russian Orthodox Convent Date : Mon, 16 Mar 1998 18 :43 : 37 -0800 X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org Please exercise your right of emminent domain to preserve this property so that a commercial development, whether it be in the name of a religion or not, will not scar this piece of land, I urge the MROSD Board when it votes Wednesday, March 18 to represent the interest of the environmental community. This community includes both people and wildlife . Thank you, Brielle Johnck, 330 Central Ave . Menlo Park, Ca 94025 . �Printed -for Malcolm -Smith -<mro-s&Qopenspace—.org> I Cale McIntosh PT- -,D-C,- . 00 PM 3 11619B No Subj ec Date : Mon, 16 Mar 1998 19 : 00 : 23 -0800 X-Sender: nopain@batnet . com To: mrosd@openspace .org From: Gale@nopain.com (Gale McIntosh PT, DC (www.nopain. com/) ) X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org Dear MROSD, I am writting to endorse your efforts at stopping the Land development project for the Russian orthodox church along skyline boulevard. I am not able to come to your Wednesday meeting, but if my vote by Email is helpful please include it . Sincerely Yours, Gale McIntosh PT, DC P.O. BOX 51867 Palo Alto, Ca. 94303 Printed-for Malcolm Smith <nrosdgopenspace-.org> Totoandme, 10 : 52 Phi 3, 'Xissi.an Orthodox Ch_ _ah on Sky From: Totoandme <Totoandme@aol .com> Date : Mon, 16 Mar 1998 22 : 52 : 08 EST To: mrosd@openspace .org Cc : info@MeasureM.org Subject : Russian Orthodox Church on Skyline Blvd. X-Rcpt-To : mrosd@openspace .org President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board, I urge you to adopt the proposed resolution of necessity at you meeting on March 18 and begin the process of acquiring the 288 acre property owned by the Russian Orthodox Church on Skyline Boulevard. The threat of development is imminent, as the Concept Plan for the project has already been approved by the board of Supervisors, and the Church is moving ahead with the final approvals . Although the Convent has proposed changes in negotiations with your staff, the Concept Plan is still in effect as far as the County approvals are concerned. If constructed, the project would be located on a prominent and conspicuous ridge which is visible from Skyline Boulevard, Highway 92 and Highway 1, all designated Scenic Corridors . The project ' s 47 foot high gold dome and spire would be visible from as far away as downtown San Francisco! By preserving this land as open space, you will ensure a wonderful addition to the complex of other public open space and park lands in the vicinity. The breathtaking views from the ridge, the precipitous drop-offs to the canyons below, and the easy accessibility to Skyline all make this a choice piece of land for public use and enjoyment . The property' s relatively flat land along Skyline and the ridge top would be a good potential trailhead to access the open space preserves and parks to the west . Your recent decision to begin the process of acquiring the Zion property to the north, together with this property, also afford an opportunity to fill in a key missing gap in the north-south Bay Area Ridge Trail . In addition to the open space and trail benefits for public use this property will provide, its preservation also will protect important wildlife habitat, wildlife migration corridors for deer, mountain lion, bobcat, and other species, and will protect the headwaters of Mills Creek, a steelhead spawning stream. The benefits to the public of this acquisition are very high indeed. I am sympathetic to the Russian Orthodox Church' s desires to find a suitable location for a new Church. Nonetheless, I believe the higher purpose for this particular property is its preservation, in its entirety, as open space . I commend the District ' s efforts to work with the Church to find an alternative site. Thank you for considering my views . Printed--for Malcolm Smith <mrosd@openspace.org> __ I Totoandme, 10 -52- PM 3, _6198 Russian Orthodox Ch_ on Sky Sincerely, Darcy Horton 146 Frederick Ct . Los Altos, CA 94022 Printed for Malcolm---Smith <mrosd@openspace.org> 2 Cbalfel, 11:41 1PINT �/1�, -8 Skyline Blvd. From: Cbalfel <Cbalfel@aol .com> Date: Mon, 16 Mar 1998 23 :41 : 14 EST To: mrosd@openspace .org Subject : Skyline Blvd. X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org Preserve the land! Keep the open space ! Carolyn Printed for Malcolm Smith <mrosd@openspace_ .org> I B. VanderWerf/Gum T, - _ 422 AM 3/17/98 , Resource r_otection Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 08 :22 : 10 -0800 To: mrosd@openspace .org From: bvanderw@coastside .net (B. VanderWerf/Gum Tree Lane Books) Subject : Resource protection X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org To: Midpen Regional Open Space District From: Barbara VanderWerf, P.O. Box 1574 , El Granada, CA 94018 (650) 726-3123 I am in support of your acquisition of the parcel known as the Convent Property through the use of eminent domain and the offer of fair market value, plus the offer of relocation help. Habitat resource must be protected, especially habitat adjacent to already protected resources . I am also concerned about future uses of the property if convent recruitment declines . Thank you, Barbara VanderWerf Printed for --MTcolm Smithi <mrosd@openspace.org> 1 Larry S. Dorfman, 0-3c,. _ AID 3/17/98 Russian OrtI, Jx Church Proper From: "Larry S . Dorfman" <yisrael@email .msn.com> To: <mrosd@openspace.org> Subject : Russian Orthodox Church Property Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 09 : 04 : 21 -0800 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-MimeOLE : Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4 . 71 . 1712 . 3 X-Rcpt-To : mrosd@openspace .org Dear MROSD, please consider the acquisition of the beautiful 288 acres of open land currently being considered for development into church facilities . As you well know, open space is slowly eroding as "civilization" creeps in. God worship can take place outside as well as inside . Sincerely, Larry S. Dorfman Menlo Park Resident iPrinted—for Malcolm Smith <mrosd@open pace.org> 1 [ %7 gb, 12 :27 PM 1%1-7/9 Open space From: Jjgb <Jjgb@aol .com> Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 12 : 27 :48 EST To: mrosd@openspace .org Subject : Open space X-Rcpt-To : mrosd@openspace .org I am a citizen who enjoys the relatively unspoilt nature of the grand hills surrounding our busy metropolis . It is very important for current and future generations to be resolute in maintaining the natural world which surrounds us as a great resource . In this regard, I strongly support your adoption of the proposed resolution toward acquiring the 288 acre property along Skyline which the Russian Orthodox church is considering developing. While the site would be spectacular for a church, the overall benefit to the community rests in its preservation as undeveloped land. Thank you. Sincerely Jonathan Green ;Printed- for Malcolm-S—mifh <mrosd6b-penspace.org> - — 1 GreyUwl0compuserve. , _ —: 9 PW! 3 1-6 98-, Skyline p_ ..Perty From: GreyOwl@compuserve.com Date : Mon, 16 Mar 1998 23 : 39 :33 -0500 Subject : Skyline property Sender: GreyOwl@compuserve . com To: mrosd <mrosd@openspace .org> Content-Disposition: inline X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org I support the process necessary of acquiring the 288 acre parcel on Skyline Blvd. proposed for intense development by the Russian Orthodox Church. Please use your power of emminent domain if necessary to preserve this property. Kent Don 373 Oxford Ave Palo Alto, CA 94306 !Printed for -Malcolm Sm �i <mrosd@openspace.org> 1 Carol-Matc,dox, 0-9--.l4 P. s716/98 No Subject Date : Mon, 16 Mar 1998 21 : 14 : 36 -0800 (PST) From: Carol Maddox <cmaddox@igc.apc.org> To: msrod@openspace.org X-Rcpt-To: msrod@openspace.org As a frequent and enthusiastic user of open space I urge you to work towards acquiring the land on which the Russion Orthodox Church is proposing to build a conference center. I believe that it is extremely important to continue to preserve our open space and a development that would be visible from as far away as San Francisco is definitely not appropriate for the area along Skyline Boulevard. Sincerely, Carol Maddox 825 Wake Forest Blvd. Mountain View, CA 94043 (Printed for Malcolm Sm th <mrosd@openspace.org> 1 Leonard D. 'Woren, 11 c_ _ PM 3 j16%98 1 MRMD shoulc. .-quire the 284 a Date : Mon, 16 Mar 1998 23 : 53 : 22 -0800 From: "Leonard D. Woren" <ldw@lindy. stanford.edu> To: mrosd@openspace .org Subject : MROSD should acquire the 284 acre Skyline site X-Rcpt-To : mrosd@openspace .org I urge the MROSD to proceed to acquire the 284 acres on Skyline which are being proposed for development by the Russian Orthodox Church. This area is special, whereas there is no particular reason why the proposed development must be on that specific piece of land. I support MROSD' s use of eminent domain if necessary to acquire the land. I cannot attend the meeting on March 18, as I am the President of a Special District which has its regular monthly meeting that night . Leonard Woren P.O. Box 1375 El Granada, Ca 94018-1375 650-726-9647 Printed -for--Malaolm—Smith -�mrosd@openspace.org> 1 i JMoulton, 11: 30 AM 3j_ i_S8 --Church site in greer, pace From: JMoulton <JMoulton@aol .com> Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 11 : 30 :35 EST To: mrosd@openspace .org Subject : Church site in green space X-Rcpt-To : mrosd@openspace .org Dear MROSD member, I am writing to support the Committee for Green Space ' s position on the proposed church building. You know all the reasons that complex should not be built, and I hope you will apply them to your decision. Jeanne Moulton 319 Addison Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Printed for Malcolm Smith <mrosd@openspace.org> 1 I Ella Moravec, 08 :2�-.A- .,J-17/98 Orthodox Convent Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 08 : 20 :47 -0800 (PST) X-Sender: ella@128 . 2 . 198 . 104 To: MROSD@openspace .org, mhen@ptialaska.net From: Ella Moravec <ella@cs . cmu.edu> Subject : Orthodox Convent X-Rcpt-To : mrosd@openspace .org Dear Betsy Crowder, I am asking that your agency reconsider plans to block the normal use of the property of the Russian Women' s Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir. The nuns have abided by all requests made of them when they purchased the property, and in general monasteries are ideal neighbors, as they are quiet and respectful of whatever environment they are in. They often bring a peacefulness with them that is an asset to their neighborhood. (In W. Penna, where I am from, the two women' s monasteries there are inobtrusive, and even though they are rural, they provide an oasis in the local environment . ) It is also a chilling precedent when an agency, unaccountable to anyone, can disrupt and override the use of private property, not subject to the democratic process . Sincerely, Ella Moravec lPr nted for Malcolm Smith <mrosd0openspace.org> 1 RECE ` . E 12, 98 MAR 1 71998 President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL 330 Di stet Circle OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board The following concerned students of Los Altos High School urge you to adopt the proposed resolution of necessity at your meeting on March 18 and begin the process of acquiring the property on Skyline Boulevard owned by the Russian Orthodox Church. The property is currently threatened with an intensive development, akin to a 22 unit residential facility, with an 8 unit motel, a 24 car parking lot, and 80 person conference center. Although the proposal is for a church-related use, the physical effects of the project upon the land and its visual impacts are no different than from a large commercial development. The threat of development is imminent, as the Concept Plan for the project has already been approved by the board of Supervisors, and the Church is moving ahead with the final approvals. Although the Convent has proposed changes in negotiations with your staff, the Concept Plan is still in effect as far as the County approvals are concerned. If constructed, the project would be located on a prominent and conspicuous ridge which is visible from Skyline Boulevard, Highway 92 and Highway 1 , all designated Scenic Corridors. The project's 47 foot high gold dome and spire would be visible from as far away as downtown San Francisco! By preserving this land as open space, you will ensure a wonderful addition to the complex of other public open space and park lands in the vicinity. The breathtaking views from the ridge, the precipitous drop-offs to the canyons below, and the easy accessibility to Skyline all make this a choice piece of land for public use and enjoyment. The property's relatively flat land along Skyline and the ridge top would be a good potential trailhead to access the open space preserves and parks to the west. Your recent decision to begin the process of acquiring the Zion • property to the north, together with this property, also afford an opportunity to fill in a key missing gap in the north-south Bay Area Ridge Trail . In addition to the open space and trail benefits for public use this property will provide, its preservation also will protect important wildlife habitat, wildlife migration corridors for deer, mountain lion, bobcat, and other species, and will protect the headwaters of Mills Creek, a steelhead spawning stream. The benefits to the public of this acquisition are very high indeed. We are sympathetic to the Russian Orthodox Church's desires to find a suitable location for a new Church. Nonetheless, we believe the higher purpose for this particular property is its preservation, in its entirety,. as open space. We commend the District's efforts to work with the Church to find an alternative site. Thank you for considering our views. Sincerely, Drew Grewal, Senior, Environmental Club President Name Class _e ri Cry To �cf rylocQ 1 _ l of Zoe 1 lx�k C[ark- z-, C?0 � ft--g�T Z;o C) �: coy �,,;,��.5 zoo 1 Pale C�7 �J- m lqqb lqq f �ncs{4c;o llarfgf%4-7- l4 !R LOS ALTOS SCHOOL DISTRI, CORRELATED STUDY ACTIVIT11 FRENCH NCIK ECOLE CLASSE Written drill on numbers Write the French words for the numbers on the space provided 1. 29 2. 68 3. 22 4. 37 5. 55 6. 46 7• 31 8. 50 9. 43 lo. 64 11. 21 12. 42 13a 65 14. 33 15. 54 16n 61 17. 35 18. 58 19. 26 20, 49 Bill Prince and Georgia 5tigall 17257 5kyline Blvd #102 Woodside CA 94062-5741 phone: 650.941.1068 email: ootigall@aol.com March 15, 1998. Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Ref: Support for acquisition of"Russian Convent Of Our Lady of Vladimir Inc. Property" (hereafter referred to as"Mills Creek property")by eminent domain Dear MROSD Board Members, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on an issue that affects residents,the public, native wildlife and the future of preserved lands in this region. We comment as both advocates for native ecosystems and as landowners adjacent to MROSD lands. Our home, approximately 18 miles from the Mills Creek property, is in Williamson Act. Because of the distance,we are not personally in the viewshed of or affected by activities on this property. We adamantly oppose use of eminent domain (condemnation)for property on which people have made their homes. We support the acquisition of the Mills Creek property, including by use of eminent domain,for the following reasons: 1) This property is not a home to people. This is not a situation where a family(or any other entity) is losing a home or an established and appropriate livelihood. 2)Providing viable habitat for native species is consistent with the MROSD mission. This property has unique values to wildlife,because of its adjacency to the Mills Creek watershed and other protected lands. This region is prime habitat for mountain lions and other native species,who are being increasingly eliminated from their historic range. It is not enough to preserve and provide"space". Mountain lions (and other spgcies)need contiguous habitat for genetic exchange in order to ensure survival of the species. Wildlife cannot survive on"eco islands". This particular site is important in its role of contributing to biodiversity in the Santa Cruz Mountains bioregion. 3) Acquisition of this property is consistent with the MROSD mission. This area will provide trail connection opportunities,and the opportunity for the public to enjoy,for perpetuity,a uniquely special and peaceful location in our increasingly crowded Bay Area. Rtko Meg � r �998 (continued page two) ;�1i�pE�IINSULA REGIONAL ��EN SPAr . Bill Prince&Georgia Stigall Russian Convent Of Our Lady of Vladimir Inc. Property"("Mills Creek property') March 15, 1998--Page 2 of 2 4) Some landowners are concerned about the precedent of using eminent domain. We would share this concern if this were developed property on which people have made their homes. As it is,we are far more concerned about the precedent of the proposed development for this property. The scale of this proposal is grossly inconsistent with the Skyline region and with the residential developments in that region. We are very worried that a project of this size(and the highly inappropriate location)could occur on a parcel in our own region of Skyline; should the precedent be set. Other portions of the Bay Area repeatedly prove that once the"development genie is out of the bottle",it is rarely contained. We do not want this to happen in the Skyline region! 5) Normally a landowners' livelihood is no one else's business. But in this particular case,the potential for success or failure is highly relevant. We're concerned about the documented decline in the number of women joining convents,and therefore the future of this particular development. Surely the buildings will not be removed if the Convent moves or"fails"due to the routinely extreme local weather conditions, financial difficulties or other reasons. There would be nothing to prevent an investor from purchasing this development for a motel, retreat center or other inappropriate(for the area)activity should this occur. However...to reiterate,even if the Convent were to sustain itself,we are opposed to any development on this property. j 6) We are also concerned about the scale of this development on land that is in the Williamson Act(as mentioned,this law applies to our home). Exceptions to this important law have resulted in fragmentation of California's unique native species habitat and unchecked development in many areas; at a cost to both ecosystems and people. Related to this, references in meetings about this property have been made to the"poor soils"in the Mills Creek region,as if to discredit the importance of protection by the Williamson Act. We would like to point out that these"poor soils"harbor a great diversity of California native plants and animals;a habitat that is disappearing due to development and under-representation. In closing... We would not be completely honest if we did not say something regarding the nature of the discussions about and media characterization of this issue. It is disturbing to hear implications that the Sisters are being discriminated against;or conversely, implications that they should receive special consideration because of their very tragic homeland history. These are both spurious arguments that we do not feel are relevant to your decision on this issue. We are very sympathetic to the Sisters' quest for a home. However,we adamantly believe that the Mills Creek property is not the appropriate location for their or anyone else's development for the reasons stated above. Very sincerely, IWA4w 9�w William F. Prince Georgia . Stiga 1 cc: Craig Britton,MROSD M i,U,Creek Crttttew Caa a-C&w N C C 0 No-ph o*wl, n&fa p, n&e--v a&,, n&we y bite/ March 17, 1998. Ms.Betsy Crowder and Board Members MROSD Delivered via courier(we don't have postage stamps either) Ref: Your meeting March 18, 1998 about"Russian Convent Of Our Lady of Vladimir Inc. Property" (aka<to us>as"Our Home") Dear Ms. Betsy Crowder and MROSD Board Members, This message is being conveyed through an interpreter,so we apologize if anything is lost in translation. As you can see from our masthead,we don't have the tools available to us that humans do. We don't have a"web site",but we do have a web of life;and that's why we came together to dictate this letter. We can assure you that we really prefer not to mingle among one another,for what may be obvious reasons(eat or be eaten!). The fact that we all came together on this should demonstrate the depth of our concern. Please save Our Home,also known as the Mills Creek Watershed and the Russian Convent Of Our Lady of Vladimir Inc. Property. We understand that some people want to build a development in the middle of Our Home. This would create tremendous consternation,inconvenience and downright disruption to our very survival. People do not seem to understand the challenges we face in fighting for our survival. It's bad enough that we have to dodge vehicles, heavy rains,bullets, pesticides,discrimination and the like. But plunking down a bunch of buildings in the middle of Our Home is just,well, rude. And very poor planning. The other thing people don't seem to understand is that we have to(how shall we say...),"mingle"with others of our kind so that our genetic pool does not shrink to unsustainable levels. Humans have it easy with this-they can get in their car,on a plane or even walk through a town to meet other humans with whom to"mingle". If any of our kind were to do any of the above,we'd be summarily booted out(or killed!). So the only option available to us is what you humans call"migration corridors". That is the only way we can mingle with others,and therefore the only way we can survive for the long haul. The reason we chose Our Home as our home is because it is(another human term here),"contiguous habitat". This is very crucial to our survival for the reason explained above. Please do not allow any development in Our Home. Please do not allow the breaking up of our habitat, which in turn would literally destroy our lives!!! Yours truly,Mr. Canis latrans("Coyote")on behalf of myself and Banana Slug,Bobcat,Turkey Vulture,Mountain Lion, x Deer, Western Bluebird,Fence Lizard, C Hawk, MMLRattlesnake and all the other m m Qhlls Creek Critter Coalition ii copy to: Mr. Craig Britton +...r. ;�SGIoNAL M r�. IUPE TRIT C Gr." . OPEN SPACE DIS F--()3/17/98 TUE 16:17 FAX 1 415 788 7324 EARTH ISLAND INSTITUTE Z 002 x EARTH ISLAND INSTITUTE 300 Braaduiay,Suite 28 • San Francisco,CA 94133-3312 a USA k' Telephone:415-788-3666 • Fax:415-788-7.324• F,-rrrail:earthisland®earth islarul.org �s World Wide Web:741Tti .earthisla,rd.org Board of Durctonc March 9, 1998 Dav,d K.Hrower Letters to the Editor Gu•1 AnthonyCarl At HALF MOON BAY REVIEW President FAX: 650-726-7045 Robvrt Wilkinson Vice Pi eS itlk'nt Tim Rands Dear Editor, Tiea,utivr Maria Moyer-Angus secretary On behalf of Farth Island Institute, David Brower, and our more than r��uR�WtgS 90,000 members and supporters, Y write to urge the Mid-Peninsula Arnuldo Garcla Regional Open Space District to stand firm on its decision to not allow Michael Hathaway the development of a convent in San Mateo County open space near Tolui A.Knox Meli6sa K-Nrknn Woodside. As we witness the continued dwindling of habitat for David Phillrpt wildlife in California, it is extremely important to maintain the current Fete:Winkler open space wildlife habitat for future generations. Advisory Board AlBacZ Once this convent is under construction, there will be an incentive for Fete:Banter; other developers to move into the area which will lead to further John&r6tr destruction of wildlife habitat. This is evident in many such projects Arlene Blwn I.rcter Brew(: developed in the past. The District is to be applauded for allowing a part CatherineC'artfleld of California's heritage which is its scenic wildlife habitat to be David Chatfield Ray Dasmann preserved for all citizens. John Drnvrr Judy Diimond Anne H.Ehrlich Sincerely, Paul R.Ehrlich Kline Eisler CheUts Glendrnning Claire Greensfelder frkerman S (.:riffM i.oni Hancock m Associate Randall Hayes I Iayel Henderson IIury l).)ohttwn Amury L.ovins Joanna Mary R E 'C I V E D 5kplwnie Mill. Holly Near - [t Helena Nurbcrg-Flodge 7 ly 9 Ru+sel l W.Pmen un MAR R Vandana Shiva 11111 Nancy Skinner Tim Such Tum Turner MIDPENINISULA REGIONAL Eric Utne OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Vivienne Verdon-Roe Hazel A.Wulf F.xrrulive Dintiture John A.Knox Davit Phillips Forth MmW Inswure promolee iin u+e of h L S°�71,jr r rr7h'rnnhr tF ,rj r.. Pnnent nh rrXP1F post rtmsrmn,rrvntilt JnlrrQ,rrcyeltd yaprr tuish suV lusat uJa. 03/17/98 TUE 16:18 FAX 1 415 788 7324 EARTH ISLAND INSTITUTE W1003 EARTH ISLAND INSTITUTE 3lKl Broadway,Suite 28• San Francisco, CA 94133-3312 a USA �' k' Telephone:415-788-3666 • Fax:415-788-7324 • E-mail:earthisland®earthisland.org World Wide Web.www.earthisland.orq March 10, 1998 Board of Dirc�clors DavidR.Brower Letters to the Editor Chtuman Car)Anthnny SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER Rolxrt Wilkinson FAX. 415-512-1264 Vke Pt ?ident Tim Rands Dear Editor, Treasurer Maria Moyer-Angus Secretary In response to "Convent or Open Space", the Mid-Peninsula Regional Claire Cummings reter rub:,Avtto Open Space District is urged to stand firm on its decision to not allow Antoldo cards the development of a convent in San Mateo County open space near M Hathaway Juleslui A.Knox Woodside. As we witness the continued dwindling of habitat for A. Melissa K.NrImm wildlife in California, it is extremely important to maintain the current 1.)3vid 11hillipF Deter Winkler open space wildlife habitat for future generations. Advisory Boars Once this convent is under construction, there will be an incentive for Al Baez other developers to move into the area which will lead to further PeterBarnca destruction of wildlife habitat. This is evident in many such projects JohArt v Berger developed in the past. The District is to be applauded for allowing a part ArJrsn Blum Lester Brown of California's heritage, which is its scenic wildlife habitat, to be Catherine Cautield David Chatfield preserved for all citizens. i Ray Daamann John Denver Judy Diamond Sincerely'Anne H Ehrlich raul R.Ehrlich Riane E•ialer Chellit.Glendinrung ark Berman ClaireGre-cnafclder Program Associate $u-an Griffin LaniIlancuck Randall H.tyub Hazel Henderson Huey D.Johnson Amory Lovins i Joanna Macy 5lephrme Milk Holly Near Helena Norlxrg-Hucige Russell W.Peterson Vandana Shiva f Nsney Skinner Inn Such Tom Turner Eric LRnc Vivienne verdon-Rne Hazel A.Wolt Executive Directors John A.Kttox David Phillips Forth ldand In4stutel nimotes the use of ctvl„xt,ul paper altentahw,. . gwa. Pnnhd vn tlll)X,poit-conrtmr�,mt wte-inAtd,nryelrs<)++)x+with u y-hrrd ink+. MAR-17-1998 17:22 4153908497 P.01 SIERRA CLUB • U)MA PRIETA CHAPTER San Mateo 6 oan a Clara-San Benito C Quiitie-; March 17, 1998 President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board, On behalf of the Lorna Prieta Chapter, I am writing to urge you to adopt the proposed "resolution of necessity"at your meeting on March 18 and begin the process of acquiring the 288 acre property owned by the Russian Orthodox Church on Skyline Boulevard. Recognizing the tremendous open space value of this property as well as the potential for significant impacts from the proposed development,the Chapter adopted a position in November 1996 supporting "...the acquisition of this property,through any means necessary,by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District." The Chapter believes that the district is correct in pursuing the use of eminent domain. We understand that this is not a decision which is made lightly and believe that the district is making this decision only after a thorough and careful consideration of the facts. One of the most important facts in favor of acquisition is that encouraging development in the urban-rural interface is courting disaster. A development of the scale proposed for this site significantly increases the potential for loss of life and property from any natural event such as a windstorm,heavy rains or fire. It is the responsibility of planning agencies to Tone in a manner which discourages inappropriate development in these sensitive areas and it is the role of open space districts,such as MROSD,to purchase these lands and'justly compensate the landowner. The Chapter believes that your proposed action is consistent with your role and mission_ Another fact to consider is the open space values of the property. This property has significant recreational and habitat values worthy of protection. While many other MROSD preserves have stunning views to the west and east,none offer a visitor such spectacular views to the north. The property is also contiguous with other publicly owned lands and acquisition would allow for the development of a series of connecting trails. The acquisition of the entire piece of property will also result in the protection of the upper reaches of the Mill Creek watershed and provide significant habitat protection for migratory species. a RECOEMIVED y � 3911 East&lyshore Road Suite'Z04 Co OEM 5l.r. - +'� PAc)Alty,CA 9430.3 ' 415-390-8411 M R 19 8 FAX 415.3�-K497 Prin on 1 tree pa r MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TOTAL P.01 MPP-17-1999 17:25 4153908497 P.02 March 17, 1998 President Betsy Crowder and Board Members page 2 Finally,we commend the District on your continuing efforts to detail the very limited circumstances where eminent domain would even be considered. We believe that you are committed to being both good neighbors and meeting the mission of the district to acquire a continuous green belt of protected open space lands for permanent wildlife habitat,for the public use and enjoyment,and to preserve for future generations to enjoy. in closing,we urge to you to adopt the"resolution of necessity." Respectfully submitted, ulia Bott Chapter Director Loma Prieta Chapter I i TOTAL P.02 III AMERLYOCCTR.tMKC.E, .l0 PM 3/1'7/98 A eal pp From: ACKERLY@CCTR.UMKC.EDU Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 18 : 10 :42 -0600 (CST) Subject : Appeal To: MROSD@OPENSPACE.ORG X-VMS-To: MROSD@OPENSPACE.ORG X-VMS-Cc : ACKERLY X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org To: Ms . Betsy Crowder, President of the Board Re : Sister of the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir March 17, 1998 I am writing to appeal to you and the board to please let the Sisters of the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir build on their prescribed site . Our world is in great need of spiritual life and people are beginning to flock to it, as you might have heard with regards to the recent findings on religion and healing. A convent will only enhance your area. In fact I am appalled that they are being treated in such a manner. Let us not be one-sided and narrow-minded and give attention not only to those who build shopping malls but also to those who aspire to reach higher goals in life and thus enrich our world. It would be highly unfair not to let these nuns build on their property, as Russian monastic life can only enhance the land around the If you decision is negative, I would like to ask you to send me the exact reasons why, so that the matter can be dealt with accordingly. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Dr. Ackerly- Associate Professor, University of Missouri-Kansas City -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Olga Ackerly Music History ACKERLY@UMKC.EDU University of Missouri, Kansas City -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'Printed for -Malcolm gmith <mrosditpenspace.org> 1 crhuritigix.ne-tcom.co ,2-3 PN 3/17/9-8 Sup-port t. . Development Plans From: crhunt@ix.netcom.com Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 15 :23 : 51 -0800 To: mrosd@openspace .org Subject : Support for Development Plans of the Sisters of Our Lady of Vladimir X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org My husband and I are residents of San Carlos, CA, as well as long-time members of the Sierra Club. We are avid hikers as well as ardent conservationists . As such, we are writing to register our position in support of the Sisters from Our Lady of Vladimir, in their efforts to build a monastery on their acreage above Half Moon Bay. We believe that the Sisters have been more than fair in their negotiations with the Mid-Peninsula Open Space District . Indeed, they have scaled back their original project plans, offered to change the color of their proposed dome, and plan to do extensive landscaping in order to hide their buildings from sight . In addition, they have offered to sell 60% of their land back to the District, and they have proposed declaring 90% of the land as permanent open space . With all due respect, my husband and I would like to know what more the District and the Committee for Green Foothills could want? We fully understand the need for the beautiful lands of this area to be preserved for public use . However, we do not believe that the District ' s current plan to declare Eminent Domain over the Sisters ' property represents the kind of creative problem-solving that we had hoped the District is capable of . We believe that the Sisters , plans provide a generous, cost-effective way to preserve their acreage . Moreover, we believe that their proposal to the District has been made in a genuine spirit of cooperation and land stewardship -- how fortunate we would be to have these women as caretakers ! I regret that we will be unable to attend tomorrow evening' s meeting. Please add our voice to those who believe that the Sisters should absolutely be allowed to move forward with their plans, as long as those plans include the compromises above-noted. Sincerely, Karen and Christopher Hunt, 106 Beverly Drive, San Carlos, CA 94070 . 650-654-0900 . (Pr inted- f6k--14alc6lm--Smith-<-mkbsdgdpe-n-s-p--a-ce.o-r-g--> Rose erry, Todd, 03 :2 . 2M 3/17/99 , Russian ConvE_ _ From: "Roseberry, Todd" <rosnbrry@LAW.UIUC.EDU> To: " 'mrosd@openspace .org l " <mrosd@openspace .org> Subject : Russian Convent Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 15 : 27 : 20 -0600 X-Rcpt-To : mrosd@openspace .org Dear Ms . Crowder, I 'm writing to express my support for the sisters of the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir in San Francisco regarding the condemnation proceedings initiated by the MROSD of the property, located on Skyline Boulevard near Highway 92 in rural San Mateo County. I 'm a third year law student and a parish council member of a Greek Orthodox Church in Champaign, Illinois . We desperately need and desire the growth of monasticism here in the United States . It is through monastics that we have examples of Christian living in our midst; and they pray alot for us too! Below are some points about the contraversy that have come to my attention. I cannot think of a better group of human beings who could live in this area a take care of it . We ' re talking about nuns here, not fraternities, not gun clubs- just nuns . I have no particular ethnic or other ties to this monastic community, but Orthodox Christians, whether Greek, Russian, or other (I 'm one of MANY home-grown converts) , all over the United States are aware of what its transpiring in this controversy, are watching, and deplore it . This appears to be a very unjust action by the MROSD, and I 'm sure when and if most Americans here about it, they too will be saddened and angered by it . May God bless you. In Christ, Aidan Todd Alan Roseberry 3L, University of Illinois College of Law Parish councilman of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Three Hierarchs r ert into permanent has agreed t o lace 900 of their o l .The convent S t property Y t open space, including the ridge views and the environmentally sensitive areas about which the MROSD has expressed concern. 2 .The convent has offered to sell 600 of the property to the MROSD, including these areas, for $300, 000 if the MROSD wishes to buy it . If the MROSD insists on condemning the property, they will pay a much greater amount of money and obtain very little more than they would get by agreeing to the Convent ' s offer. 3 .Less than 30 of the property would be affected by the new structures the convent proposes to build. 4 .The convent has agreed to plant trees and bushes to screen the buildings from view and preserve the character of the land. Since the proposed buildings will be adjacent to existing buildings, and against a large stand of trees, the buildings should not be visible from most parts of the property. S .The convent has agreed to accomodate the Bay Area Ridge Trail, the extension of which is one of the goals of the proposed seizure of this property. 6 .The MROSD has publicly stated that they will not use their powers of Printed for Malcolm-Smith <mrosd@openspace.org> 1 Rose be—r-r----y-,----Todd,- 03-:2 . dot- 3/17/98_, _ Rus__sian Conve. eminent domain except in instances of, "severe environmental damage or impending development and permanent loss of open space. " This project preserves the area permanently. 7 .The San Mateo County Planning Commission has already approved this project, and it meets all the county guidelines and zoning requirements . The convent has obtained Preliminary Concept Plan approval and has submitted an application for Final Development Plan approval, which includes environmental review. (Focused EIR) MROSD' s proposed action effectively denies the convent due process and negates its property rights . 8 .The convent has been forced from property it owned three times already -- once in the former Soviet Union and twice in China. Is this a precedent the United States wishes to be part of? 9 .A convent is not akin to a commercial shopping mall development ! The traditions and practices of Orthodox Christian monasticism (and, for that matter, most monastacism in general) dictate caring for the land one lives on. If the convent moves to this property, it is permanently shielded from subdivision, commercial development, and misuse . 1printec-F f or-Malcolm- Smith __-awr__osd@op_enspa_c e- .or-g> 2 EIiza-beth W. ft , _ .22 PM 3/17/98 , Support t- _ Urban Convent X-Sender: ewriggs@pop.mindspring.com Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 16 : 22 : 35 -0500 To: MROSD@openspace.org From: "Dr. Elizabeth W. Riggs" <ewriggs@mindspring. com> Subject : Support for Urban Convent X-Rcpt-To : mrosd@openspace .org Although I do not live in California, I want to add my support for the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir in San Francisco. Such monasteries are a long-term benefit to the communities within which they exist . They provide a focus for prayer. They provide leadership in supporting the positive values which so many seem to think our country has lost . The Convent purchased the land over 10 years ago. I understand that all the proper permits have been obtained and that the Sisterhood has agreed to plant trees to screen the buildings from the road. It seems to me to be the height of selfishness to prevent them from building their chapel and convent on the land they have prepared and have looked forward to using for so many years . I and many others not only in California, but across the USA and even across the world are praying over this . The Internet provides wide and rapid passage of information. Orthodox Christians as far away as Russia, Greece, Australia, Japan, and Korea are watching what happens in a small community in California. This is a time for true justice to prevail . Please let the Russian Orthodox Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir have their land for their intended use . Elizabeth W. Riggs, RN, CNM, PhD 1887 Ridgeland Dr. Decatur, Ga 30032 404/289 . 1599 404/286 .4476 (FAX) (Printed for Malcolm Smith <mrosd@ penspace.org> 1 -11 Pria Graves, 12 :09 PM , 17J98 -Russian -O—rthodox arch proper To : mrosd@openspace .org cc : info@MeasureM.org Subject : Russian Orthodox Church property Organization: Cisco, 170 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134-1706 Phone. . . . . . . : (408) 526-7395 (Office) (408) 526-4000 (General Office) Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 12 : 09 : 30 -0800 From: Pria Graves <priag@cisco.com> X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board, Just this last weekend as I was hiking in the peninsula hills and enjoying the wonderful views and uninterrupted vistas, I was thinking how fortunate Peninsula residents are to have these open spaces . In view of the importance of these open spaces, I strongly urge you to take whatever action is necessary to aquire the 288 acre Russian Convent property on Skyline Boulevard before the currently proposed development goes any further. Protection of this piece of property is consistant with your goals of public use as well as protection of wildlife habitat and it will make a wonderful addition to to the current complex of public open spaces in the area. Unfortunately, there apparently are those who don' t understand the increasing importance of such undeveloped lands in close proximity to our increasingly congested urban area. The development called for by the Convent ' s Concept Plan is totally out of place and insensitive to the site . The projected 47 ' high gold dome of the church, placed on a prominent ridge will apparently be visible from Half Moon Bay and even from downtown San Francisco! And it is my understanding that proponents of the plan have been unwilling to negotiate regarding any possible mitigations such as changes to building siting (moving them to less conspicuous places on the property) or allowing public trail access . This selfish arrogance displays a complete lack of concern for the community at large. In the end I believe that you must conclude that the community' s interest is best served by adopting the proposed resolution of necessity. I applaud your commitment to help the Convent find an alternative site and trust that the compensation for the property will not leave them disadvantaged as they seek to purchase another site but this opportunity will not come our way again. We must seize the chance while we have it ! Regards, Pria Graves 2130 Yale Street Palo Alto, 94306 'Printed for Malcolm Smith <mrosdfopenspace.org> 1 11 3ernchrisg, 3 z 18 p _ , s7/9-al'' , tTn-convent-ional _, �aisition From: Bernchrisp <Bernchrisp@aol . com> Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 15 : 18 : 59 EST To: mrosd@openspace.org Subject : Un-convent-ional Acquisition X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace.org Greetings - - I will try to attend tomorrow night ' s meeting, but if I do not make it please accept these comments : The proposed development along Skyline which our Board of Supervisors has approved is inappropriate and counter to the zoning regulations established for that area. While citizens of the county seem unable to control their own supervisors when it comes to abandoning regulatory principles in the face of developers, MROSD has the ability through its eminent domain powers to correct the Board' s mistake . Yours is a demanding task, not to be taken lightly, and one which many people on either side of the issue will tend to disagree with. My take is that the Board changed a regulation specifically to accommodate a religious order, giving a special right which would not necessarily accrue to developers or other property owners . This would appear to violate the provision against laws regarding an establishment of religion. Perhaps it is a matter for a court to decide, but I hope that the development can be stopped short of that . While I hope you can stop this development, please accept my support for whatever decision you make; the arguments on both sides will be compelling. It is unfortunate that the Board of Supervisors has placed you in this position. Regards -- Bern Smith PO Box 1583 El Granada 94018 (Printed for Malcolm Smith <mrosd@openspace.org> _ l A. Woelfel, 10:38 AW _7 -98 -Aus s- i an nuns X-Sender: woelfel@lanelib. stanford.edu Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 10 : 38 :44 -0800 To : mrosd@openspace .org From: "R. Woelfel" <woelfel@kryptos . Stanford.edu> Subject : Russian nuns Cc : woelfel@kryptos .Stanford.edu X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org Tuesday March 17, 1998 Ms . Betsy Crowder President of the Board of Directors Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA. 94022 Dear President Crowder: I have recently become aware of the plight of the Russian nuns in San Francisco, in their effort to move their small convent from the Mission District of that city, to some land they purchased a couple of years ago in the hills along Skyline . I must admit that I am somewhat surprised at the intention of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to forcibly take their land under eminent domain. This small group of very old Russian nuns are seeking a quiet and remote location in order to live out their remaining few years in peaceful prayer and meditation, away from the noisy and dangerous area in which they now live . They have never attracted much attention, and shun (by necessity) crowds of people . Their relocation to the property in question, is not likely to increase traffic or noise in this area, as this would tend to hinder their quiet and simple way of life . I am also shocked to find out that these nuns have been making every effort in good faith to scale down their already modest building plans, as well as a host of other accomodations to the MPOSD, which have apparently been ignored. The fact that the San Mateo County Planning Commission has already approved this project, and that the concessions which the nuns have made to preserve 900 of their land as permanent open space would seem to eliminate any reasonable environmental or public use concern. I certainly hope that the MPOSD will reconsider their approach to this situation, and enter into a spirit of compromise and fairness that this situation needs . Respectfully, Randall E. Woelfel 1945 Latham, #16 Mountain View, CA. 94040 650-969-9535 R.E.Woelfel@Stanford.Edu Printed for Malcolm Smith <mrosd@openspace.org> 1 J --R—. W6e- l-f e- l-,- -10 :38—AM - . .7/98 , Russian nuns �Printed for Malcolm -Smith <rnrdsd@qp-e-nErpzkce.org> 2_ 7 J Houston, David, 0-2z35 . 3j17/9$ , Preserve en s.$kY 1 o ace an P P From: "Houston, David" <DHouston@e-planet .com> To: mrosd@openspace.org Subject : Preserve Skyline open space and prevent development by Russian Or thodox Church Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 14 : 55 : 15 -0800 X-Rcpt-To : mrosd@openspace .org March 16, 1998 President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board, As an advocate of preserving open space I request that you do what ever is possible to purchase the 288 acre area owned by the Russian Orthodox Church on Skyline Boulevard. A development of the size proposed by the Church will have a negative impact on the wildlife in the area and create potential areas for non-native invasive plants to take root . If the Church goes through with its proposed plan to build along Skyline Boulevard I fear that other such developments may follow. Sincerely, David Houston David Houston Audio Consultant 895 La Honda Rd. Woodside, CA 94062-4808 texwave@hooked.net 650-529-1787 home/offfice 650-812-0112 x214 Electric Planet office dhouston@e-planet . com ,Printed for Malcolm Smith <mros3@openspace.org> - _ 1 I MaAng*in, 04_:4 VW_31_ ,-98 1 sky- Yin-e- property - From: MJAngwin <MJAngwin@aol .com> Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 16 :42 :49 EST To: mrosd@openspace .org Cc : george@etak. com, cgk@montara.com Subject : skyline property X-Rcpt-To : mrosd@openspace .org Dear Midpenisula Regional Open Space District Please continue with your efforts to buy the skyline property which the Russian Nuns plan to use as a retreat center. It is a key piece of land, with wonderful opportunities for trails and recreation. Though everyone feels bad for the nuns, it is not actually necessary to put 18, 000 square feet of building up on skyline . The nuns apparently are living in very crowded conditions in the city. . . I am not convinced that they therefore "deserve" key open space to build such a large facility on. I wish the land had been offered publically, or offered to MROSD, before this deal was struck. I live in Montara, CA, on the coast . My name is Meredith Angwin, and my home address is 314 Third Street, P.O. Box 371142 , Montara, CA 94037 . My home phone is 650-728-2661 . Thank you for your attention. Meredith Printed- for -Malcolm--Smith <-mr-o6s-d@o-pe-n-s-p-ac--e.org> LaNell -Mimmack V8 007 3/1V98 I Open Space Pre_ .:vation _ From: lmimmack@cornish.com (LaNell Mimmack) Sender: lmimmack@cornish.com To: mrosd@openspace .org Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 08 : 07 :29 -0800 Subject : Open Space Preservation Content-Id: <msgl02307 .thr-lb8a0 . f88f3 .part0@cornish.com> X-Gateway: NASTA Gate 1 . 18 for FirstClass (R) X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board: We support your action to acquire the 288 acre property on Skyline Boulevard owned by the Russian Orthodox Church. The proposed project would be visible from designated Scenic Corridors, and the 47 foot high gold dome would be seen from across the Bay. In our opinion the highest and best use of this property is as currently used - a wildlife habitat for all the little wild things and a serene vista and open space for all the rest of us . Sincerely, Jim and LaNell Mimmack 422 Palo Alto Ave . Palo Alto, CA 94301 i Printed for- Malcolm Smith <mrosd@openspace.org> 1 L&M-ell Mimmack, 68:67 . _i 3117/98 , Open Space Pre .:vation From: lmimmack@cornish.com (LaNell Mimmack) Sender: lmimmack@cornish. com To: mrosd@openspace .org Date : Tue, 17 Mar 1998 08 : 07 : 29 -0800 Subject : Open Space Preservation Content-Id: <msgl02307 .thr-lb8a0 . f88f3 .part0@cornish.com> X-Gateway: NASTA Gate 1 . 18 for FirstClass (R) X-Rcpt-To: mrosd@openspace .org President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board: We support your action to acquire the 288 acre property on Skyline Boulevard owned by the Russian Orthodox Church. The proposed project would be visible from designated Scenic Corridors, and the 47 foot high gold dome would be seen from across the Bay. In our opinion the highest and best use of this property is as currently used - a wildlife habitat for all the little wild things and a serene vista and open space for all the rest of us . Sincerely, Jim and LaNell Mimmack 422 Palo Alto Ave . Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Printed for NaldoTm Smith <mrosditpenspace.org> 1 March 16, 1998 Board of Directors Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, California 94022-1404 Dear Board of Directors, Attached are petitions from over sixty individuals (60) in support of the Russian Convent of our Lady of Vladimir. These signatures were collected in a period of three to four hours time. Over eighty percent (80%+) of the people approached and the issues explained to signed the petition. Based on my experience there is obviously overwhelming community-wide support of the rights of the Russian Convent. The primary factor that might indicate otherwise is that there is a great lack of information available on the issue in a timely manner. I only learned of this action being taken by the MROSD because of an article in the March 3 issue of the San Jose Mercury News. This is hardly enough time to get organized opposition to issues before the board of the MROSD. What I am really saying is that given enough time there could be petitions with thousands and more probably tens-of-thousands of signatures to present to the Board of Directors. Sincerely, Richard Geiger Palo Alto, CA. Ph 493-8723 RECEIVED MAR 1 71998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE_ DISTRICT r PETITION TO SUPPORT THE RUSSIAN CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF VLADIMIR We the undersigned support the rights of the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir to build a monastery on land they recently purchased in San Mateo County, California. We are opposed to the action of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to condemn the property through eminent domain action so as to prevent this religio fa ilityfr bein built. _ fgdFJ' ds l s�' z ame Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. L_'_��c.:�L��, V��,.�,..,�►_�_, �`'l-7 O��r�t�td, ���o C�rJ U) `l�i3-`-t C)Z�, Name Address Phone No. Name 2 Address Phone No. A 3 3 ame Address Phone No. _ All Name Address Phone No. `t Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. a-I JAI 7- � Lj Jc► -t-ee r INg 4-1 3-- l D� Name Address Phone No. Fffji11 `L� 39Sb Pask Ruck P A . 49 3-Q0,2R Name Address Phone No. P 2 Name Address Phone No. �9 L -3,!. r A Yqj- 2 Name Address Phone No. PETITION TO SUPPORT THE RUSSIAN CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF VLADIMIR We the undersigned support the rights of the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir to build a monastery on land they recently purchased in San Mateo County, California. We are opposed to the action of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to condemn the property through eminent domain action so as to prevent this reI' 'ous facility m being built. Q Name Address Phone No. ame Address Phone No. 1 ��� va cQ,� z - l 0 3 Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. C � Na& Address Phone No. n e Address Phone No. J /�;�2 5ame Address Phone No. 3� 30 ZN=:�� /9 7 h i�. U, �I go �s1 �Irj Name Address Phone No. o Lw Nqjne Address Fhone o. N Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. PETITION TO SUPPORT THE RUSSIAN CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF VLADIMIR We the undersigned support the rights of the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir to build a monastery on land they recently purchased in San Mateo County, California. We are opposed to the action of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to condemn the property through eminent domain action so as to prevent this religious facility from being built. For many reasons this action gives the appearance of"religious persecution". Name Address Phone No. My. VIEW A 'Name Address Phone No. N <Address Phone No. � S(, G��i�C.L✓J i ALLC�� 24- 30 1 Name Address Phone No. Al"A r (CI-1 N, e�] Address Phone 40. 3 I f7 �,Q l' 0 6V-1 yY- o l-7Y Name Address Phone No. j /v ti��� `f J,/ -a7/� Nam Addr ss P ne o. <) Addresa Phone No. Name Ad dress Phone o e No. _0IMF- �7y " .Name , Address Phone No. 2 r/ -'Fs ��( Name ya address Phone No. Name ddress Phone No. 3 I PETITION TO SUPPORT THE RUSSIAN CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF VLADIMIR We the undersigned support the rights of the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir to build a monastery on land they recently purchased in San Mateo County, California. We are opposed to the action of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to condemn the property through eminent domain action so as to prevent this religious facility from being built. 2 Name Address Phone No. Z c 16o f'r�n tp2- Ct if�0 6 q 4 3. 3 s g Ll Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. N7-5 ame Address Phone No. N e Addr%ess Phone No. Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. PETITION TO SUPPORT THE RUSSIAN CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF VLADINUR We the undersigned support the rights of the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir to build a monastery on land they recently purchased in San Mateo County, California. We are opposed to the action of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to condemn the property through eminent domain action so as to prevent this religious facility from being built. 7�a c=S�4 —Jose- CQ. -S y-ora Name Address Phone No. h Z- JI ch zyzv 006u` f) /fir- '4 � yofi- Z X Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. �(,cR -43S � C��-�,U� �a,�, Q� 9`!3`'3 w5- qs Name Address Phone No. (',G.�Ud 5 761 12 &�� 19- '2 61a7 r e Address Phone No. 12 ame Address Phone No. 4 # '5u tie V-j�e+ a �7 4-_r 4 zq ame Address J� Phone No. Name Ad ress Phone No. N me,,, Address hone No. Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. Name Address hone No. 0"'0 PETITION TO SUPPORT THE RUSSIAN CONVENT OF OUR LADY OF VLADIMIR We the undersigned support the rights of the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir to build a monastery on land they recently purchased in San Mateo County, California. We are opposed to the action of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to condemn the property through eminent domain action so as to prevent this religious facility from being built. For many reasons this action gives the appearance of"religious persecution". Name Address Phone Noe�� �'/-'Z/7—2--2 71 cl>L.. I .337 0 1/157- V 1ET`.Z)2 5o „ 3zzse _}— Name Address Phone No. .J A-C-1S. FC-L4� : 4 n r;reeya - Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. e Address Phone No. MIA Name Address _ Phone No. Name / � Address Ph ne No. ame Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. Name Address Phone No. 03/16/98 15:31 e4158547703 POST 1jh002 HM GERMAM 13080 Skyline Boulevard Woodside,California 94062 ,05-r>(446)851-4198 March 14, 1998 Ms, Audrey Rust Peninsula Open Space Trust 3000 Sand Hill Rd. Menlo Park, CA 94025 Dear Ms. Rust, I am writing to recommend that Peninsula Open Space Trust review their relationship with Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. In light of their plans to condemn the Upper Mills Creek Watershed property belonging to the Russian Orthodox Convent, they seem to be losing touch With reality. I feel that a cloistered convent of four modest buildings adjacent to existing development on less than ten acres of a 284 acre parcel is a small price to pay for open space. Yet MROSD seems to feel that the only good open space is public and owned by them. The nuns wish to create a sanctuary from humanity for themselves, the animals and the land. I feel there needs to be a balance between public and private open space. I question MROSD's ability to wisely manage and steward property if they are so unwilling to compromise and negotiate. I am enclosing information on which I base my concerns. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, t--'e� 6 o cc Carrie German Kings Mountain Enclosure 03/16/98 15:32 '&41,58547703 POST 003 RUSSLAN CONVENT of OUR LADY OF VIADIMIR San Francisco, California The Convent's rural property on Skyline Boulevard in .-San Mateo County is about to be condemned through eminent domain by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD), a public agency! The Convent purchased 280 acres of open land in 1996 in order to build a new facility. The site is ideally suited for a monastery, being secluded and private. Prior to purchase, the Convent met with the San Mateo Planning Department, The Committee for Green Foothills and others in order to establish the validity of their proposed facility and verify the availability of utilities, soil conditions, water sources and other county requirements. The project consists of a Convent building for 20 monastics, a small orthodox Chapel, a Retreat Center and Priests/Caretaker's quarters within the Retreat Center. The developed area is approximately 3% of the land and the majority of the remaining property is to be placed into permanent open space. Both the San Mateo Planning Commission and the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors have approved the Preliminary Concept Plan. Over the course of the last year there has been opposition from the immediate neighbors who fear loss of their own non-authorized use of this property, the Sierra Club, Committee for Green Foothills and some other organizations. Yet, the project meets all of the county guidelines and all of the zoning requirements. After the Preliminary Concept Plan was approved, MROSD actively insisted that the Convent sell the property to them. The Convent is not interested in a sale. In order to try and reach a compromise with the District, the Convent agreed to enter legal mediation. For the past 3-1/2 months, they have been meeting to reach a compromise. The Convent has made many concessions (as described on the attached page), but MROSD has refused to compromise. The Convent has applied for a Final Development Permit and is waiting for a focused environmental impact report to be completed prior to a hearing before the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. A public hearing to decide on eminent domain condemnation is scheduled at the MROSD offices on Wednesday, March 18, 1998 at 7:30 PM. Their offices are located at 330 Distel Circle in Los Altos, just off of El Camino Real south of San Antonio Road. If you are willing to speak at the hearing, please let Michael Klestoff, the Convent's representative,know. Call him at(415)661-5300. Those willing to write are asked to address your letters to: Betsy Crowder, President,MROSD, or preferably, if you live in one of the District's wards (see attached breakdown of which cities each ward covers), please address the letter to the board member elected from your ward. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA. 94022-1404. 03/16198 15:33 '&4158547703 POST 004 REASONS AGAINST CONDEMNATION OF THE CONVENT PROPERTY BY MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 1. The Convent has agreed to place 90 per cent of the property into permanent open space. This includes the prominent view ridges and environmentally sensitive areas of interest to Midpeninsula Open Space District (MROSD). 2. The Convent has offered to sell 60 per cent of the property to MROSD, including the prominent view ridges and environmentally sensitive areas of interest to the District, for $300,000. The majority of the remaining 40 per cent would be held in permanent private open space. Condemnation of this property by the District would be a terrible waste of taxpayers' money. 3. Less than 3 per cent of the property would be affected by the Convent's proposed project. 4. The Convent has agreed to mitigate any on or off-site visibility of its buildings by planting a guaranteed screening of trees and bushes. The proposed project is to be located adjacent to existing development and against a large stand of mature trees to screen the buildings from direct ridgetop exposure. 5. The Convent has agreed to accommodate the Bay Area Ridge Trail should that become necessary. 6. The public is getting all the advantages of this property under the terms of the Convent's proposal. Should MROSD do nothing, the Convent will place 90 per cent of its property into permanent open space at no cost to the public. 7. MROSD has publicly stated that they will not use eminent domain condemnation except in instances of "severe environmental damage or Impending development and permanent loss of open space." This project already permanently preserves the land. 8. Condemnation by MROSD would circumvent the San Mateo County Planning Commission and the Convent's due process. The project meets all the county guidelines and zoning requirements. The Convent has obtained Preliminary Concept Plan approval and has 03/16/98 15:34 e4158547703 POST 1A001 Page 2 of 2 submitted an application for Final Development Plan approval, which includes environmental review (Focused EIR). MROSD's action would effectively take away the Convent's property rights. 9. The Convent needs this site for the practice of religion. Historically, the Convent has been forced from its property three times, once in the Soviet Union and twice in China by totalitarian governments. . It is ironic that the sisters are once again faced with losing their property to an unnecessary governmental action in the United States. 10. The Convent is committed to building a monastery with as little disturbance of the land as possible. This is not a commercial real estate development where the developer tries to maximize the economic return and then leaves the area. This is a religious project to be occupied by the owner who loves the land and plans on taking care of it on a permanent basis. There will be no subdivision of the land now or in the futgre, assuming the Convent* is able to carry out its plan. For further information call "Citizens for a Monastic Open Space Reserve" Michael Kiestoff(415)661-5300 Luda Cydzik (650)349-5911 Carrie German (650)8514198 Mary Klestoff (650)3494925 Tamara Piulle (650)365-4409 03/1.6/98 15:34 IM4158547703 POST Q 006 Regional Open Space MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT D*^'*•U OF ny'i`F*T'r'i0I4'TOAnnrl A RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT on March 18, 1998, the Board of Directors of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District,at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the District's office, 330 Distel Circle,Los Altos, California, will hold a public hearing during which it intends to consider and may adopt a resolution of necessity that would authorize and direct the taiang of the property:dwribed in Exhibit A attached.hemp and incorporated herein by this reference e Property"). Acquisition of the Property is being considered as necessary for public park, recreation and open space purposes, said purposes constituting a public purpose. As a person who may have an interest or rights to the Property, you have a right to appear and be heard on this matter concerning: a) the public interest and necessity require the project; b) the project is planned or located in the manner that will bo most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury;and c) the property sought to be acquired is necessary for the project. YOUR FAILURE TO FILE A WRITTEN REQUEST TO APPEAR AND BE HEARD WITHIN 15 DAYS AFTER THIS NOTICE WAS MAELED WELL RESULT IN WAIVER OF THE RIGHT TO APPEAR AND BE HEARD- Please direct your written request to be heard to: L. Craig Britton General Manager bLdpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dated: February JT, 1998 John Escobar X Assistant General Manager 330 Distil Circle • Lo, Al?os,CA 94022-14U4 • Phone:650-691-1200 FAX:650-691-048:; . r-rtldiL mrosditopenspxr..ors .WO)site:www.opempare.org cam, ti+:r rnrnro s.ptle 5w:1Wn..Alai} (: fia�M."Cy,.L).wic 1 NMI-MM,Nrmtrrp H."it) BC(Sy Crum du,.Kennet^ C.pn►,J1 n.rarj,lrc-r,L L,a:<Britton C iJ�Z� :95� 8661 9i' 'Q�� hS99 ZBi' Sib 'ON 3NOHd 03/16/98 15:35 *&4158547703 POST Q1007 About MROW Tuesdw,Manh 3.1"S PaW:2 History. The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District was created through the efforts of local conservationists who were succesdid in placing a voter initiative on the ballot in 1972. At that time,the District's boundaries were,within northwestern Santa Clara County,but in 1976,voters approved annexation into southwestern San Mateo County. In 1992,the District annexed a small portion of Santa Cruz County. Special District.As a special district,MROSD is legally empowered to devote its resources to the acquisition and management of land preserved for public use. Many people ask what we mean by the words, "special district."The Open Space District is not under the jurisdiction of any city OT county,nor under the direct jurisdiction of a state agency.The District encompasses 16 cities and has territory within three counties,although it does not have any county in its entirety. So, what is a special district?The controller of the State of California defines a special district as a"legally constituted governmental entity,which is neither a city nor county, established for the purpose of carrying on specific activities within—defined boundaries." Special districts also have many of the same powers as other units of local government, including the right to"have perpetual succession;the power to sue and to be sued;to acquire Teal or personal propetty;to exercise the tight of eminent domain;to adopt a seal;and to tax." Special districts are often defined by their functional characteristics.They are described according to whether they are school or non-school,urban or rural,and by the functions they perform:fire protection,water provision,sewerage treatment,etc.We've all heard of sewer districts,fire protection districts,and school districts.An open space district is a lesser-known,but fairly common type of district throughout California. Special District Definition Source:Self Government by District,Robert B.Hawkins,Jr. Board of Directors The District is divided into seven geographic wards,each represented for a four-year term by an elected Board mettiber.Current MROSD Board members are: Pete Siemens Ward 1: Cupertino,Saratoga,Monte Sereno,Los Gatos Term: 1998 Mary C.Davey Ward 2:Cupertino,Sunnyvale,Los Altos Hills,Stanford Term: 1998 J. Edmond (Jed)Cyr Ward 3: Sunnyvale Term: 1996 David Smemoff. alo—v Ward 4- Mountain View,Los Altos Term: 1996 Nonette G. Hanko Ward 5: Palo Alto,East Palo Alto,Stanford Term: 1998 03116/98 15:36 0&4158547703 POST R1008 Tuesday,March 3,1998 Page:3 About MR= Betsy Crowder Ward 6:Menlo park,Woodside,Portola Valley,Atherton Tenn: 1998 Kenneth C.Nitz Ward 7: Redwood City,San Carlos Term: 1996 L.Craig Britton,General Manager' Board members,the general manager,or any District staff member may be contacted through the nim&wf[". Board Meetings.The Board holds public meetings on the second and fourth CAsdaysedne of each month at 7:30 pm.,at the District offices: 330 Distel Circle,Los Altos, . The public is invited and encouraged to attend these meetings,and to Participate in the decision-making process.In addition,special public hearings and neighborhood meetings are held periodically on specific issues. Citizen participation is an essential part of the planning process for the development and use of the District's open space preserves. Board Meeting Agendas and Minutes minutes and agendas on this web site does not constitute legal noticing.Every Posting of m files.Please Contact effort has been made to maintain accuracy in conversion to L-fohard-copy documents.MROSD directlyearl agens and minutes and for the off 1"8 Minutes and Agendas A ,.ru!R ic)98Agenda 1997 Minutes and Agendas nontin • • I tV11? A--An Minutel 4 7 Agenda • ApW-EJL222-bfiUU= • Apri19 1221ASO& • Mcul'k ONal • M=h I2,1922J9iD= • Administration and Budget C-Dinmince • FAbnaaJ2,12ELMid SISTERS OF MERCY RE =IVE� 2300 ADELINE DRIVE • BUR INGj% fAtI IA 940 0 SULA REGIONAL OFY'4 ,�',PACF DISTRICT 33,9 ������i.�� -�-�-a--� Jam,h-�..�-► .,�° �c-���` ��- Mansion and Courtyard. The Mansion is fla on V 3 ..- .c L' !� v. ..s.�,,G ailway185 both sides by service buildings, including a serva�ts'halt"' J r-� h "' SA to the north and the kitchen to the south. Geo►ge 2 •• � = Washington's original sundial may be seen in the center of 4 the Dual grass plot in the courtyard. TD N"112 M A L C 01-/XA 5M TN t _ _t� k �`t T FROM M I CkAEL SAFAANE R M IG T�IC Vj J `_, �; , SAKI CA/RLvs CA 4Yo70 MIDPEN/NS�,ct� OPE►J S r R PA C1-U 3 M E/vI S PAC_c DI STYLI tT- qO(ozL 330 DI STE L CIRCLE 1 17F-Al2 Sig' 'f H E DAB yDc.,� ,N_ L.n S /,,�L-To S CA 0/,YO2 Z \j0(<L THE 9L4LE" of EA4INENT- [�b,-tAt-1 A&A►k 5T A RE LI G� u�S C)RDOZ 1 5 T HE DAY T RENto LI&C Wt Photograph by Dwn Norton MOUNT VERNON Pnntai in the USA Y Ou fZ FA5C,15M S�IAL(- NOT StAN Ib. I i9 FIGHT GRfF'L C _ A/°tea /moo 42 L �7 � MAR-17-98 01 :30 PM REFUGE COMMITTEE 6504947640 P. 01 453 Tennessee Lana Palo Alto, CA 94306 March 17, 1998 Fax 650-691-0485 President Bets yCrowderMember fso he Board Mid peninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board, I strongly support efforts by the District to acquire the land of the Russian Orthodox Church, Your offers to pay fairly for the site and to assist the group in finding another location seem exceedingly fair. We will leave to future generations only open space and wildlife habitat that we preserve permanently right now, All that is developed Is lost forever. Please use the means at your disposal to keep pristine this lovely site. Sincerely yours, Florence M. LaRiviere �,=, ,,." ° "° �, ,= ,° "= = °~` —. =-=, ". ,n | 203 Santa Margarita , � Menlo Park, CA 84025 March 17, 1898 President Betsy Crowder and Board Members M1dpon1nsulu Regional Open Spam District 330 0istal {1rcle Los Altos, {A 34822-1401 fax 691-0185 Dear MROSD Board Members, | � � I am writing to urge the board to take whatever steps are necessary to preserve as open space the 288—acre Skyline parcel currently being scheduled � for development by the Russian Orthodox Church. Any highly visible � development on the ridge, such as the pmject's dome and spire which would | be prominently visible from many of the Peninsula's designated Scenic Corridors, would severely and irreversibly damage the preservation of the ridge as open space for the enjoyment of all Peninsual residents and � � visitors. | While I support the Church^s desires to find u suitable location for a new building or buildings, the Skyline open space area is not appropriate for u development of the kind they contemplate. | Sincerely, L. Peter Deutsch | � � | | / | � | | / � � | � � � | � � 03/17/1998 12:23 4153324003 PAGE 01 ROGER THOMAS 1085 Rolling Road #114 Burlingame,CA 94010 (650)348-21.07 i March 17, 1998 Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Attn: Board of Directors Dear Members: 1 urge your board to adopt the "resolution of necessity" to preserve the undeveloped, highly visible coastal ridgeline in San Mateo County. i As a 27 year resident of San Mateo County, I believe this spectacular open space � should be preserved for future generations. Please take action at your March 18, 1998 meeting to provide for this. Thank you for your consideration. Sincere , Roger omas 03/17/1998 12: 36 4153324003 PAGE 02 tieSE;', 4�� GOLDEN GATE FISHERMEN'S ASSOCIATION a C Roger Thomas P.O. Box 40 President Sausalito, CA 94966 March 17, 1998 Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Attn: Board.of Directors Dear Members: i llze Golden Cute Fishermen Association (GGFA) is comprised of approximately 70 member boats plus 100 affiliate members. Ow member boats carry approximately 200,000 salmon anglers to the near share fishing grounds yearly. We are concerned with any development in the coastal range that has potential for destroying habitat that could be utilized for salmon stocks. This project by the Russian Convent has that potential. We urge your board to pass the "resolution of necessity" to prohibit this development and preserve this property into the future. Sincere o i o., RoScr President Joyce M Eden 4 408 973-1087 713/17/98 �D 1:06 PM D 111 Joyce M Eden • 10213 ckwood Dr • Cupertino, CA 950' 408 973 1085 March 17, 1998 Board Members, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Re: Support for acquisition by eminent domain of "Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir Inc. Property.. I Dear MROSD Board Members As a long time supporter of the goals of the MROSD and frequent hiker on the lands, I strongly urge you to remain steadfast in the pursuit of the acquisition and protection of this important land -- through the use of eminent domain -- for the public as an essential part of your mission. Often when hiking the lands with friends and with people new to the area, a thought comes to mind which I make it my business to verbalize: I thank those who have gone before me, who have taken the time, effort and commitment to save the very land I am privileged to be hiking on. Saving and protecting these particular lands is essential to both the health, well being and quality of life of those of us lucky enough to be living in this area and to the native fauna and flora which whom we share this land and who depend on us for their preservation Because this property, "Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir Inc. Property", is adjacent to the Mills Creek watershed and other protected lands, this property is particularly important to acquire and protect. It is of the highest importance to preserve contiguous habitat in order for genetic exchange to take place to help insure survival of species. This is especially true for Mountain Lions and other species for whom a large range of contiguous lands is critical for insuring a healthy survival. Saving of contiguous land for the public and the native species becomes more and more important as each year passes by. The pressure for development will only increase, therefore necessitating an even firmer commitment to stand strong for your mission and take the actions legally open to you and dictated by your mission and the social contract given to you through it. I firmly support your use of eminent domain to acquire this land. That is one of the proper purposes and uses of this legal tool for the public good_ I am sympathetic to the Sisters in their quest for a home: however, this area is not the proper place_ In addition, what would happen if the property is subsequently turned over to another developer? Even more development could result. I trust that the order to which the Sisters belong will not abandon them and will pursue other avenues and use their resources to find them an appropriate home that will suit them . There are many other places which would be appropriate for the Sisters: however, the existing flora and fauna cannot be move or relocated. As humans, we also have an obligation in the protection of other species which is location dependent We must make strong stands in protection of the greenbelt or it will slowly erode away, and the overall health of the ecosystems could be lost. Thank you very much for the good work you have done and continue to do. I urge you to remain steadfast in the fulfillment of your public mission and to acquire the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir Inc. Property by eminent domain, Joyce M Eden Mar 17 98 01 : 15p 650-595-8991 p. 1 March 17, 1998 Henry Y Upton, M.D. 230 Todo El Mundo Woodside, CA 94062 Betsy Crowder, President Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 Dear President Crowder: I feel that the construction of the Russian Convent's proposed building should be approved. This should not affect the beauty of the area. it would be grossly unfair to that organization to deny them the right to use the very small portion of the area they own for this construction. Being a Woodside resident, I am attracted to the area because of its beauty, and am a firm believer in preservation of the natural environment, but I do not see a conflict with my love of the environment and the building of this convent. Thank you for considering my letter. Respectfully yours, 4 H. Y. Upton, M.D. R- Ell ED MAR 17 1998 EGIONAL MIDPE"iJINSULA R OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Helen Wiant 10354 Westacres Dr. Cupertino, CA 95014 March 13, 1998 Betsy Crowder Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 Dear Ms. Crowder, I urge you not to support the eminent domain condemnation of the Russian Convent's rural property on Skyline Boulevard. I believe that the argument in favor of the Convent's plan is overwhelming. The Convent is committed to building a monastery with as little disturbance of the land as possible. There will be no subdivision of the land now or in the future. The developed area will be only 3% of the land and the majority of the remaining property (90%) is to be placed into permanent open space. The Convent has agreed to mitigate any visibility of its buildings by planting a guaranteed screening of trees and bushes. All this will be granted at the Convent's expense at no cost to the public!! There is just no down side to the Convent's project. I am a committed environmentalist. I belong to the Sierra Club, support Forests Forever, and am a member of the California League of Conservation Voters. I am always adamantly against urban sprawl and against real estate development in open spaces, be they rural or urban. Many developers only want to maximize the economic return from their project and leave the area. This, however, is a religious project to be occupied by the owner who loves the land. I cannot understand the determination of the MROSD to condemn the Convent's property through eminent domain. After all, the MROSD has publicly stated that they will not use eminent domain condemnation except in instances of "severe environmental damage or impending development and permanent loss of open space". This project already permanently preserves the land. Please respect the Convent's property rights and due process. Again, I urge you not to condemn the convent property and thereby to support the Convent's right to practice their faith on their own property while at the same time permanently preserving most of the existing open space. Thank you. Sincerely, �D ,! (� Q 0 u_ C.( -ate mAR "I 7 Helen Wiant MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE.._ Steve Schmidt 626 Central Avenue Menlo Park, CA 94025 President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 March 15, 1998 Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board, I am writing to express my support of your purchase by eminent domain of the 288 acre parcel on Skyline Boulevard that is owned by the Russian Orthodox Church. The impacts to open space and wildlife, to the trail system, and to the beauty of the ridge top -- visible from much of the Peninsula -- would be severe should the church development go through. On the other hand, preservation of the site as open space would be of great benefit to the public and the environment, particularly owing to the site's proximity to other open lands. It is regrettable indeed that the Russian Covent of our Ladies of Vladimir has persisted with their ambitious plan. The citizens of the Midpeninsula were foresighted in establishing an agency that is charged with intervening on behalf of key open space. I urge you to do so. With gratit de for yob i ortant work, Steve c midt hiM 1 7 Wb K,I:L►PENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT March 15, 1998 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear Sirs: In the matter of the condemnation by eminent domain of the property belonging to the Russian Orthodox Church, I would like it known to all of you that I completely agree your efforts to make this property part of Open Space by whatever means possible. As a homeowner just south of the property and who borders Open Space land, I believe it is in the best interests of all landowners, as well as those who use Open Space land, that you acquire this land for the preservation of Open Space for future generations. The acquisition of the property would put to rest the complex legal questions of the Williamson Act violations as well as other legal questions raised by nearby homeowners and the Siena Club. Thank Y you for our efforts in this matter. Y Sincerely, Frank E. Adams 135 Harkins Rd. Woodside, CA 94062 ,ECEIVED MAR 1 71998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPAr-'c pISTRICT KATHRYN HARGROVE, LMFC / I 1 Q , yC '� D � l 459 14AM►LTON AVENUE, #205 Sf V~ 3 PAt.O ALTO, CA 94301 /S �� � .� �9r 8 f� 415-328-1235 A11IDPE-1111F'c: ilAL OPEN �',; CT Al Rose 330 O-eo t'-1 Z�,l �O7 -mac. O � 7 w 9-a-I March 15, 1998 Betsy Crowder, President, MROSD 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA. 94022-1404 I am writing to you as a grateful homeowner and resident since 1976 of the Kings Mountain Community. I feel pri- vileged to have access to the many MROSD Trails, and have hiked many routes to the Ocean and through the Forest. I have a demanding and stressful full-time job mostly focused in East Palo Alto. My daily walk through nearby Forest and twice-daily walks on weekends are very important - contributor to Open Space tom well-being. I have been a c p p Y g and feel no one is more concerned than I am about preserving a alit environment both globally and locally. I try to quality pay special attention to issues in which I can most directly participate. In studying the issue of the Russian Convent, caretaker' s quarters, etc. and attending all public meetings on it known to me, I concluded that it is compatible with our community and the preservation of its land, gorgeous views and wildlife. Expansion is limited by strict regulations and will not grow to be a big commercial enterprise or set a dangerous precedent - as some claim. Most of Kings Mountain is government owned. It is protected by Huddart County Park, The Phleger Estate, Purisima Open Space Preserve, The San Francisco Watershed and other public entities. The private ownership by the Convent provides protection which adds a diverse, low-impact and valuable shelter for 980 of 284 acres of natural habitat. I strongly oppose MROSD seizing this land by eminent domain! If this was truly a scary development, more trails and more public access via MROSD might be preferable. But it is not a threat. All the opposition was spearheaded by the most priveleged landowners up here further up on the Ridge than the Convent & related buildings. I would rather see the Convent Project. Besides the environmental protections integral to it, Kings Mountain has enough Public Trails and Public Access. Please, just maintain what MROSD already owns up here and let this acreage remain protected privately by the rightful owners wishing to preserve their Monastic way of life. Sincerely Yours, c kie Splc'i�"r) a Eshoo " MAR 1 7 1996 ! Donna M. Rodewald 173 Creek Trail 650-851-8143 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT MAR 11 '98 02:52PM IDS 415 933 P�7'85 10 March 1998 To: Betsy Crowder, President of the Board of Directors, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder: It has come to my attention that the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open-Space District is planning on condemning the 280-acre property in the vicinity of highways 280 'and 92 that was purchased by the nuns of the St. Vladimir Convent of San Francisco. The argument seems to be that the property should be kept as open space for use by the general public. The property has been in private hands for many years and did the district, in the past, approach the previous owners with an offer to buy it for open-space purposes? The buildings that the nuns will erect are not part of some master plan to develop housing on all 280 acres. On the contrary, it only uses a small portion of the total acreage and they have already made a good-faith offer to cede a good size of the property so that people can access the prime vista points in the area. In addition, the area is not completely pristine . since other housing has been In place in the area for a number of years. I understand that there is a master plan to eventually build a trail that will circle most of the Bay Area. Should it even be necessary to have the t r a i I in the convent's "backyard", as opposed to some other area, the nuns have agreed to have it go through the area that they are willing to cede to the public. Therefore, I think that it is a misuse of public funds to go through a condemnation procedure since it will be much more expensive than what the nuns are now offering to do. Please do not cast doubt on the benevolence of your organization and do allow this project to continue without further delay. Depending on how this issue is presented in the news media, a condemnation procedure may have a negative impact on your organization. You have a just cause in providing open space for the public and that space can be so provided in this Instance without said condemnation or any other legal procedures. If you have the power to condemn any property for any capricious reason, what good are our American rights? I do hope that you will put this matter to rest In your next public hearing, and vote to let the land remain in the hands of the current owners so that they can provide both for themselves and the public. ;EIV ED Respecttully, MAR 1 71998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL ' 61 R/Y► Q,�j,�,/d OPEN SPACE DISTRICT G _-TVA MAR 11 198 02:52PM IDS 415 933 0785 P.3i3 10 March 1998 To: Betsy Crowder, President of the Board of Directors, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder: It has come to my attention that the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open-Space District is planning on condemning the 280-acre property in the vicinity of highways 280 and 92 that was purchased by the nuns of the St. Vladimir Convent of San Francisco. The argument seems to be that the property should be kept as open space for use by the general public. The property has been in private hands for many years and did the district, in the past, approach the previous owners with an offer to buy it for open-space purposes? The buildings that the nuns will erect are not part of some master plan to develop housing on all 280 acres. On the contrary, it only uses a small portion of the total acreage and they have already made a good-faith offer to cede a good size of the property so that people can access the prime vista points in the area. In addition, the area is not completely pristine since other housing has been in place in the area for a number of years. I understand that there is a master plan to eventually build a trail that will circle most of the Bay Area. Should it even be necessary to have the t r a i I in the convent's "backyard", as opposed to some other area, the nuns have agreed to have it go through the area that they are willing to cede to the public. Therefore, I think that it is a misuse of public funds to go through a condemnation procedure since it will be much more expensive than what the nuns are now offering to do. Please do not cast doubt on the benevolence of your organization and do allow this project to continue without further delay. Depending on how this issue is presented in the news media, a condemnation procedure may have a negative impact on your organization. You have a just cause in providing open space for the public and that space can be so provided in this instance without said condemnation or any other legal procedures. If you have the power t o condemn any property for any capricious reason, what good are our American rights? I do hope that you will put this matter to rest In your next public hearing, and vote to let the land remain in the hands of the current owners so that they can provide both for themselves and the public. � �V tD Respectfully, E __ MAR 17 1998 UNAL MiUF!- vi57 RICT MAR 11 '98 02:52PM IDS 415 5�i-J WrH5 10 March 1998 To: Betsy Crowder, President of the Board of Directors, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder: It has come to my attention that the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open-Space District is planning on condemning the 280-acre property in the vicinity of highways 280 'and 92 that was purchased by the nuns of the St. Vladimir Convent of San Francisco. The argument seems to be that the property should be kept as open space for use by the general public. The property has been in private hands for many years and did the district, in the past, approach the previous owners with an offer to buy it for open-space purposes? The buildings that the nuns will erect are not part of some master plan to develop housing on all 280 acres. On the contrary, it only uses a small portion of the total acreage and they have already made a good-faith offer to cede a good size of the property so that people can access the prime vista points in the area. In addition, the area is not completely pristine since other housing has been In place in the area for a number of years. I understand that there is a master plan to eventually build a trail that will circle most of the Bay Area. Should it even be necessary to have the t r a i I in the convent's "backyard", as opposed to some other area, the nuns have agreed to have it go through the area that they are willing to cede to the public. Therefore, I think that it is a misuse of public funds to go through a condemnation procedure since it will be much more expensive than what the nuns are now offering to do. Please do not cast doubt on the benevolence of your organization and do allow this project to continue without further delay. Depending on how this issue Is presented in the news media, a condemnation procedure may have a negative impact on your organization. You have a just cause in providing open space for the public and that space can be so provided in this Instance without said condemnation or any other legal procedures. If you have the power t o condemn any property for any capricious reason, what good are our American rights? I do hope that you will put this matter to rest In your next public hearing, and vote to let the land remain in the hands of the current owners so that they can provide both for themselves and the public. EM ,�, DRespectfully, EAR 17 1998 S ACE o1STRICT L MAR 11 '98 02:52RhJ 105 415 933 WRHS � 10 March 1998 To: Betsy Crowder, President of the Board of Directors, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder: Regional Open-Space ace It has come to my attention that the Mid-Peninsula District is planning on condemning the 280-acre property in the vicinity Of highways 280 and 92 that was purchased by the nuns of the St. Vladimir Convent of San Francisco. The argument seems to be that the property should be kept as open space for use by the general public. The property has been in private hands for many years and did the district, in the past, approach the previous owners with an offer to buy it for open-space purposes? The buildings that the nuns will erect are not part of some master plan to develop housing on all 280 acres. On the contrary, it only uses a small portion of the total acreage and they have already made a good-faith offer to cede a good size of the property so that people can access the prime vista points in the area. In addition, the area is not completely pristine since other housing has been in place in the area for a number of years. I understand that there is a master plan to eventually build a trail that will circle most of the Bay Area. Should it even be necessary to have the t r a 11 in the convent's "backyard as opposed to some other area, the nuns have agreed to have it go through the area that they are willing to cede to the public. Therefore, I think that it is a misuse of public funds to go through a condemnation procedure since it will be much more expensive than what the nuns are now offering to do. Please do not cast doubt on the benevolence of your organization and do allow this project to continue without further delay. Depending on how this issue is presented in the news media, a condemnation procedure may have a negative impact on your organization. You have a just cause in providing open space for the public and that space can be so provided in this Instance without said condemnation or any other legal procedures. If you have the power to condemn any property for any capricious reason, what good are our American rights? I do hope that you will put this matter to rest In your next public hearing, and vote to let the land remain in the hands of the current owners so that they can provide both for themselves and the public. Respectfully, RECEIVED . NIIDPENINSULA REGIONAL O DISTRICT PEN SPACE March 12, 1998 Ms. Betsy Crowder President, Board of Directors Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 Subject: Eminent Domain Condemnation of Russian Orthodox Nuns' Property Ms. Crowder: We find these proceedings to be most unusual and distasteful. We believe the rights of these nuns are being trod upon, as the property was previously owned by parties, undoubtedly, interested in some sort of development and the property use was approved after the purchase, by the County Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors. The board's action smacks of arrogance, and could be construed as religious persecution. It would seem to us that the intended use by the nuns would be an asset to the preservation of the area. Any objections because of view spoiling would be, or could be, mitigated by proper siting of the building(s) and landscaping. Cooperative negotiations can accomplish much more than aggressive intimidation. Your actions are inconsistent. There are other developments in the Mid Peninsula's prime areas that are much more objectionable. Your work generally is commendable, but preserve your public image. Don't destroy it by harassing this group. Sincerely, Howard Jean Rathles erger ��- 230 Ridgeway Road Woodside, Ca 94062 RECEIVED MAR 1 1998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPArF DISTRICT THE GE AMNS 13080 Skyline Boulevard Woodside, California 94062 (4it 851-4198 I March 12, 1998 Ms. Betsy Crowder Midpeninsula Regional Open Space 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 Dear Ms. Crowder, write to you, personally, to express for the third time my support of the proposed "development" of the Upper Mills Creek Watershed by the cloistered Russian Convent. Development is such a misleading word in this case. The nuns will be placing no more than four modest buildings on sites that were cleared and leveled at some point in the past, on less than ten acres, and next to existing structures that are all much more visible than the convent will ever be. They seek to protect their land as deeded open space. Private open space is needed as a balance to public open space. Private open space also does not cost the public anything, ever. The public does not need access to every single acre of rural land. Leave some untouched as a sanctuary for the animals and land. Please do not continue to waste my money in the pursuit of condemning this property. Please do spend my money on improving access, maintenance and supervision of the land the District already owns. Sincerely, Carrie German Kings Mountain I M 1 AR1 � �g � l MIDP - r ENINSLf�A �3�UiONAL OPEN SPAC DIST RICT �. o 7 3 .�. CA cl a' vj y � �j�,, �•,,` ��(.�-Q-� � -�-Pam`-c.r�t.� ���v�t�.. _Y,���ali-jt In, �a y� 7'luji { RECEIVED i MAR 1 1 1998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT f Sergei Kasakow 753 Paloma Ave. Burlingame, CA 94010 March 12, 1998 Betsy Crowder, President, MROSD 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear Ms. Crowder: I am writing regarding the public hearing to be held at the MROSD offices on Wednesday, March 18, 1998 at 7:30 PM. The Special Districts play an important role in the social fabric of our State. Open Spaces are part of our enjoyment of the environment and must be protected from profit oriented commercial development. We often hear about environmental or ecologica! disasters There is no denial about such events. However, too often we neglect the human and spiritual ecological conditions and needs. Your main opposition to the Convent can be resolved by actually allowing the Convent to be built, with all the precautionary objectives to be met by the convent. The basic nature of a Convent is seclusion in a spiritually calming environm'2nt and not to be an "advertising commercial sign ". It would be morally unacceptable to allow- commercial greed to prevail over spiritual need. As ordinary people we cannot understand your categorical opposition to our request. Please, I hope that you would find it in your mind to consider the above reasoning and remove vnur categorical ont)osition to build the Convent. Sincerely, Sergei Kasakow RE Ewa'IV VED MIDPENINSOLA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT I i March 12, 1998 To: Betsy Crowder President Mid-Peninsula Open Space District Board of Directors Dear Ms. Crowder, I cannot believe that the Board is considering condemnation of the convent property of ten elderly Russia Orthodox nuns in southern San Mateo County. I learned about your proposal from the office of Senator Quentin Kopp and I am appalled. And after reading the details of willingness of the nuns to make compromises in favor of the published goals of your group, I am even more incensed. What more do you want????? - The nuns have offered to place 90% of THEIR property into permanent open space -The nuns have offered to sell 60% of the property to MROSD -The nuns have agreed to mitigate any on or off-site visibility of its buildings by planting a guaranteed screening of trees and bushes -The nuns have agreed to accommodate the Bay Area Ridge Trail should that become necessary The project meets all of the county guidelines and zoning requirements. This is not a commercial real estate development where the developer tries to maximize the economic return and then leaves the area. This is a religious project to be occupied by the owner who loves the land and plans on taking care of it on a permanent basis. Please guide your board in making a just and humane decision in this case. Yours sincerely, Joanne Marie Valenteen (Miss) 2300 Adeline Drive Burlingame, CA 94010 Q MIO i March 12, 1998 Mr. Kenneth C. Nitz Board Member, MROSD 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA. 94022 George A. Miram 1346 James Avenue Redwood City, CA. 94062 Dear Mr. Nitz: am advised that you are my representative, based upon my residence, on the Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District. was shocked and disturbed to learn of the most recent indication of action by the Mid Peninsula Open Space District's to seize by eminent domain power the land owned by the Russian Convent of Our Lady of St. Vladimir. This is a grievous mistake. It is a gross waste of public funds and can only lead to the erosion of public confidence in your agency. 1 know you are aware that this country was founded upon the principle of governmental noninterference in religion. Surely you realize your intended condemnation will destroy the nuns' order. 1 was alarmed at the brazen and arrogant comments I heard on television uttered by your spokesperson Malcolm Smith, comparing the sisters' small convent to a motel. Is this truly indicative of your district's attitude toward religion? As an environmentalist and a member of the Russian Orthodox faith, 1 object to the taking of this property by the district in eminent domain. 1 have seen the property and find it difficult to believe that this property constitutes a priority in the district's view. The arguments that have been raised at the county level suggest an ulterior private purpose underlying the objections to the very limited development of the land proposed. 1 hope you will search your soul before embarking on this reckless project with public money. Sincerely, E � 1 �SULA RErIONAL PAc7E DISTSICT March 12, 1998 Ms. Betsy Crowder President, MROSD 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA. 94022 George A. Miram 1346 James Avenue Redwood City, CA. 94062 1 Dear Ms. Crowder: I was shocked and disturbed to learn of the most recent indication of action by the Mid Peninsula Open Space District's to seize by eminent domain power the land owned by the Russian Convent of Our Lady of St. Vladimir. This is a grievous mistake. It is a gross waste of public funds and can only lead to the erosion of public confidence in your agency. 1 know you are aware that this country was founded upon the principle of governmental noninterference in religion. Surely you realize your intended condemnation will destroy the nuns' order. 1 was alarmed at the brazen and arrogant comments I heard on television uttered by ,your spokesperson Malcolm Smith, comparing the sisters' small convent to a motel. Is this truly indicative of your district's attitude toward religion? As an environmentalist and a member of the Russian Orthodox faith, 1 object to the taking of this property by the district in eminent domain. I have seen the property and find it difficult to believe that this property constitutes a priority in the district's view. The arguments that have been raised at the county level suggest an ulterior private purpose underlying the objections to the very limited development of the land proposed. I hope you will search your souls before embarking on this reckless project with public money. Sincerely, RE ' V MAR 1 Q 1998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT YU MILLA ALEXANDER F R E E L A N C E W R I T E R Rep. Tom Campbell March 12, 1998 910 Campisi Way, Suite 1-C Campbell , CA 95008 Dear Congressman Campbell : I would like your office to look into the work being done by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, located in Los Altos. Since the agency does not answer to any public agency, they are greatly abusing their political power. Case in point: Over a year ago, the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir purchased from the Roman Catholic Church 280 acres of land off Skyline Boulevard in Woodside for the purpose of building a convent and church for 20 nuns. Prior to purchase, the sisters met with the San Mateo Planning Department, the Committee for Green Foothills and others to determine the feasibility of their plans. Tentative approval was given. Neighbors , fearing loss of their own non-authorized use of this property, immediately opposed any construction on the site. They interested the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to purchase the land. The nuns were not interested in selling. They had searched for a proper site for ten years and proceeded to make many concessions to the MROSD. They agreed to place 90 percent of the property into permanent open space, promised to plant trees and bushes to screen the buildings from direct ridgetop exposure, and agreed to accommodate the Bay Area Ridge Trail should that become necessary. The MROSD refuses to budge. They have publicly stated that they will condemn the property, exercising the power of eminent domain, despite the fact that this action would circumvent the San Mateo County Planning Commission. This action is scheduled to take place at their next meeting on March 18 at 7 : 30 p.m. at 330 Distel Circle in Los Altos. It concerns me greatly that landowners who have bent over backwards to accommodate the MROSD are being slapped in the face in this way. Forcing a sale by condemning property ;is- not what America is all about. J ® a~_ Please look into this matter, Rep. Campbell . I � cn Yours very truly, CY I ' cc: MROSD Board of Directors Ludmilla Alexander z LU LJ M 12865 GLEN BRAE DRIVE, SARATOGA, CA 95070 - PHONE/FAX (408) 257-6918 , E-MAIL: LUDMILLAAC OM '-o MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN TRAVEL WRITERS i March 12, 1998 President Betsy Crowder and Board Members Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear President Crowder and Members of the Board, The Committee for Green Foothills urges you to adopt the proposed Resolution of Necessity at your meeting on March 18 and begin the process of acquiring the 288 acre property owned by the Russian Orthodox Church on Skyline Boulevard. We first wrote to you on October 23, 1996, urging your Board to take whatever action necessary to acquire this property, including eminent domain if necessary. The property is now threatened with an intensive development, akin to a 22 unit residential facility, with an 8 unit motel, a 24 car parking lot, and an 80 person conference center. Although the proposal is for a church-related use, the physical effects of the project u}2on the land, and its visual impacts are no different than from a large commercial development. The threat of development is imminent, as the Concept Plan for the project has already been approved by the County Board of Supervisors, and the Church is moving ahead with the final approvals. Although the Convent has proposed changes in negotiations with your staff, the Concept Plan is still in effect as far as the County approvals are concerned. If constructed, the project would be located on a prominent and conspicuous ridge which is visible from Skyline Boulevard, Highway 92 and Highway 1, all designated Scenic Corridors. The project's 47 foot high gold dome and spire would be visible from as far away as downtown San Francisco! By preserving this land as open space, you will ensure a wonderful addition to the complex of other public open space and park lands in the vicinity. The breathtaking views from the ridge, the precipitous drop-offs to the canyons below, and the easy accessibility to Skyline all make this a MIDP EN ENP Af'�IE:S THE COMMITTEE FOR GREEN FOOTHILLS QP G Peninsula Conservation Center, 3921 Fast Bayshore, Palo Alto,California 94303•(415)96&7243 choice piece of land for public use and enjoyment. The property's relatively flat land along Skyline and the ridge top would be a good potential trailhead to access the open space preserves and parks to the west. Your recent decision to begin the process of acquiring the Zion property to the north, together with this property, also affords an opportunity to fill in a key missing gap in the north-south Bay Area Ridge Trail. In addition to the open space and trail benefits for public use this property will provide, its preservation also will protect important wildlife habitat, wildlife migration corridors for deer, mountain lion, bobcat, and other species, and will protect the headwaters of Mills Creek, a steelhead spawning stream. The benefits to the public of this acquisition are very high indeed. We are sympathetic to the Russian Orthodox Church's desires to find a suitable location for a new Church. Nonetheless, we believe the higher purpose for this particular property is its preservation, in its entirety, as open space. We commend the District's efforts to work with the Church to find an alternative site. Thank you for considering our views. Sincerely, Lennie Roberts, Legislative Advocate Committee for Green Foothills Victor R. Frank 12450 Skyline Blvd. Woodside, CA 94062-4541 USA 11 March 1998 Betsy Crowder Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 State Assembly Representative Jackie Speier State Capitol Sacramento,CA 95814 Dear Elected Representative(s), Please allow me to express my concern and displeasure at the prospect of MROSD beginning condemnation proceedings on a piece of property in our neighborhood. The property under consideration was purchased in 1996 by a Russian Orthodox Convent. I thought this matter was settled some time ago when their project was approved by the San Mateo County Planning Commission. Now I find that property owners closer to the project have persuaded MROSD to step in. MROSD has in the past stated that they will not use eminent domain condemnation except in instance of"severe environmental damage or impending development and perma- nent loss of open space." I am not convince that such a threat exists. Are they now to show their true colors, namely coveting every piece of land between the ocean and Skyline? Rather than fear development by a small and relatively poor religious group, I would fear bureaucrats with seemingly bottomless pockets stuffed with taxpayers' dollars. I under- stand the district has offered the convent nearly$1M for the entire property. Perhaps the district hasn't kept up with recent sales figures put out by local realtors. I guess Bob Dillon was right when he wrote that ones you really had to fear were those who would rob you with a fountain pen. I am not convinced that MROSD would take better care of the property than the convent would. I think, rather the opposite to be the case. I would certainly rather have the convent for neighbors than ivi'ROSD. I consider the restrictions put on the convent by local government to be nothing less than legalized extortion. My wish is that MROSD drop this property completely and not purchase one square foot or spend one more dollar in this pursuit. Rather, they should confine their efforts to procuring and developing property more remote from areas already developed, property for which there is a willing seller, property that more closely fulfills their charter. Should the convent prevail, as I consider only just, I shall make a special point of welcoming them into our community to make up in some small part for the sufferings they have endured at the hands of some small people and elected representatives. R E I V E D Regards, MAR 1 q 1995 Victor R. Frank MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPA('E DISTRICT UEPKOBb BC15X 35ITbIXb Bb 3EM11b POCCIACKt IPOCISIBWNXb ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ALL RUSSIAN SAINTS 744 El Camino Real, Burlingame, CA 94010 Office: (650)343 7935 Rector: (650)344 4355 Aud Archpriest Stefan Pavlenko 1 136 Palm Drive Ms. Betsy Crowder,President of the Board of Directors, Burlingame, CA 94010-3731 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Wednesday, March 11, 1998 Dear President Crowder: I write to you as the Rector of the Orthodox Church of All Russian Saints a parish of the Western American and San Francisco Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad. Most of my parishioners are of Russian decent having come to American to find a peaceful haven to live freely and worship in the way that we feel is correct. Our parents and grandparents fled the totalitarian regimes of the militantly atheistic communist soviet system. Their properties had been taken away from them by the laws of that government. The Churches and Monasteries were destroyed or turned into"public" facilities for the better use of the masses. Our Convent of the Holy Virgin of Saint Vladimir had an original sisterhood in Russia that fled to China. Both countries had their governments taken over by the communists and twice the nuns took what could be carried, and fled for their lives. They settled eventually in the city of San Francisco. While the city life in San Francisco had for decades been fairly tranquil the sisters tolerated the surrounding municipal bustle. But in the continuing development of inner city complications they found that it was necessary for them to relocate. They bought property on which they hoped to build a neiv quiet home. And now an independent and arbitrary government office-Mid-Peninsula Regional Open- Space District is planning on condemning it, making it impossible to fulfill their dream. They have made many very magnanimous concessions to the open space and environmental interest groups, giving up large portions of their property and constricting their personal rights and needs. They are using a small section of the land for their needed buildings; they are willing to give up part of the property and to allow passage and access in other certain areas; they are hiding their buildings behind slopes and tree lines; they moved the whole placement of the convent in an inconvenient position for themselves; they have decreased the size of their buildings (cramping the already tight layout). They have in detail disclosed their activities to the curious and distrustful detractors. They have done all the above. What is being done for them? Is their no compromise no exception in this unique and special circumstance? Fairness to ALL parties involved must be the guideline by which such cases are arbitrated. Those opposing the Convent have set demand upon demand and the Convent has responded in a positive way every time it could. They have shown their good faith in this matter. You, Ms. Betsy Crowder, are the President of the Board of Directors of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and you can show the Convent the fair and just j h �l7NTA you have. R ERespec W i q Arch riest Stefa avlenko MIDPENINSULApOPEN SPACE 1553 Brookvale Drive #1 San Jose, CA 95129 March 11, 1998 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 I SUPPORT ACQUISITION OF THE "CONVENT PROPERTY- BY EMINENT DOMAIN I praise the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District for its valiant efforts to protect the wilderness character of north Skyline region of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The 284-acre property owned by the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir is critical to maintain unfragmented wildlife habitat, which ecologists have proved is essential to wildlife health and survival. Also, the structures the convent proposes to build are inconsistent with the natural character of the region. Therefore, I support the use of eminent domain if that is the only legal means available to the district to rescue that important wildland and wildlife habitat of our beloved Santa Cruz Mountains. Yours truly, Edward M. Smith REC7. I D MAR 1 q 1998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPA('.'E DiSTRICT PEOPLE FOR OPEN SPACE March 11, 1998 Chairwoman Betsy Crowder and Members of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Re: "Resolution of Necessity" action to acquire Russian Convent Property--SUPPORT Dear Chairwoman Crowder and Board Members: Greenbelt Alliance supports the proposed"resolution of necessity"to preserve the important 280 acre open space property owned by the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir. The many attributes of the property--its highly visible coastal ridgeline location, important wildlife habitat, and the spectacular views from the property)combined with the extensive but unsuccessful efforts on the part of the District to negotiate with the owners,leads us to support this action. The proposed development would be substantial and have significant impacts both on the property and its immediate surroundings and visual impacts from other lands. The scale of development in not appropriate in this sensitive location. We also believe that the use of the site would be more appropriate in more accessible, and less environmentally sensitive area. Therefore, we applaud the District's decision to hire a consultant to assist in locating a more suitable location for the convent development. We know that the District uses eminent domain to acquire property from unwilling sellers, only under very pressing circumstances, with very great deliberation,and very rarely. We believe the circumstances of this property require this action. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Vicki Moore Associate Policy Director RE EM - [M- � MIDPENIW.-i4jk ?I'_CJONAL OPEN SPACE F)I-STRICT MAIN OFFICE ♦ 116 New Montgomery Suite 640, San Francisco CA 94105 ♦ (415)543-4291 ♦ Fax(415)543-1093 SOUTH BAY OFFICE ♦ 1922 The Alameda Suite 213, San Jose CA 95126 ♦ (408)983-0539 • Fax (408)983-1001 NORTH BAY OFFICE ♦ 520 Mendocino Avenue Suite 200, Santa Rosa CA 95401 • (707)575-3661 ♦ Fax(707)575-4275 EAST BAY OFFICE ♦ 500 Ygnacio Valley Road Suite 250, Walnut Creek C:A 94596 ♦ (510)932-7776 ♦ Fax (510) 932-1970 email: greenbelt®igc.apc.org ♦ web site: http://www.greenbelt.org/gba 0-0j. i SYNOD OF BISHOPS OF THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OUTSIDE OF RUSSIA 75 East 93rd Street, New York, NY. 10128-1390 Tel.: (212) 534-1601 Fax: (212) 426-1086 Gabriel, Bishop of Manhattan Deputy Secretary Betsy Crowder, President 11 March 1998 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear Ms. Crowder: This letter is to protest the pending condemnation of the property belonging to the sisters of the Our Lady of Vladimir Convent. In view of the many years of work they have dedicated to building a suitable home and the extreme level of accommodation they have been willing to provide for the desires of others in relation to this piece of land, I strongly urge the Board to reconsider the proposed action. Sincerely yours, l Bishop Gabriel Deputy Secretary RE ILI, EI MAR 1 1 1998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Earl Cilley 110 Escanyo Way, Portola Valley, California 94028-7443 (650) 854 6258 11 March, 1998 The Board of the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022 Dear Members of the Board: I write to support the need to ensure an outcome alternative to the plans of the Russian Orthodox Church to build a highly visible complex of structures on our skyline; namely, for the District to acquire the land for public recreation. This would be a much more appropriate use of the property, and could benefit many more people. There doesn't seem to be a question of sacrifice on the part of the Church. My understanding is the District has offered to purchase the property at its fair market value, and to assist the nuns in finding a quiet and otherwise suitable place for their retreat and its associated facilities. It seems to me that, given the extremely high visibility of the extensive improvements proposed to be built on the property, additional to the retreat itself, and their impact on the public lands and environment in that vicinity, this property is clearly not a not a suitable location. An alternative site would be much better, both from the point of view of the Church's wish to have a quiet and presumably sheltered retreat, chapel, and religious studies center; and from that of the public who would otherwise see at the least a very prominent gilded chapel dome, in the midst of an otherwise rural area adjacent to a park. This certainly is not a modest project compatible with the views and uses of the area, quite the contrary. It would be much more sensible to incorporate the land into the parklands in the area. The District can acquire the property for the benefit of all the public, at its appraised current market value, and has committed to help the Church find a more suitable location. Negotiations are reported not have been successful, despite repeated meetings. Basically, it's a question of what is the best use of the property for the public, and for the area. If negotiations can't obtain the land amicably and promptly, use the District's condemnation powers to acquire the property, and without further dela - -- RE 01VE® Sincerely, - —�-- GL, MAR 1 q 1998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Betsy Crowder, President of the Board of Directors, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 sal, . March 10, 1998 Dear President Crowder: Just last Sunday I had a chance to enjoy the fruits of your labors at the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. It was a pleasure to allow our children to run around and hike without the constraints of the urban environment. My impression was that your organization is dedicated to the improvement of life in the Bay Area. I .^,as therefore quite surprised and confused by the news that you are attempting to forcibly take land away from an organization that more than shares your love of God's creation and its dedication to the spiritual uplifting of all people. I am referring to the proposed Russian Orthodox Christian convent off Skyline Boulevard just south of Rt.92. As you know, the :and was purchased with cooperation with San Mateo authorities and development plans were disclosed without hesitation. Yet you threatening to destroy the project at taxpayers' expense. In your own documentation you state: "The power of eminent domain will be used only in those instances where all reasonable attempts at voluntary negotiations fail and the parcel in question is central to the open space program of the District. Any contemplated condemnation action will include a full public hearing. As in ah condemnation procedures, fair market vaiue as decided by a jury and based on adequate appraisals will be paid by the District." Negotiations and proposals have been reasonable. At no cost to the tax payer, 90% of the convent property will be available to citizens to enjoy the beautiful views that the property affords. There is no reason why the convent needs to provide such a generous offer. The land is rightfully owned by a legal organization. Your organization's unwillingness to accept this extremely generous offer makes any reasonable person think that you may have a hidden agenda. Please do not cast doubt on the benevolence of your organization, and allow this project to continue without further delay. If you have the power to condemn any property for any capricious reason, what good are our American rights? How are we protected from the authoritarian power of government? I do hope that you will put this matter to rest in the next puolic hearing, and vote to let the land remain in the hands of the current owners. Sincerely yours, RE E MIDPENINSt l_A ri l:'�O9�iAL OPEN SPA(.,E UISTHI�CT Betsy Crowder, President of the Board of Directors, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 March 10, 1998 Dear President Crowder: Just last Sunday I had a chance to enjoy the fruits of your labors at the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. It was a pleasure to allow our children to run around and hike without the constraints of the urban environment. My impression was that your organization is dedicated to the improvement of life in the Bay Area. I was therefore quite surprised and confused by the news that you are attempting to forcibly take land away from an organization that more than shares your love of God's creation and its dedication to the spiritual uplifting of all people. I am referring to the proposed Russian Orthodox Christian convent off Skyline Boulevard just south of Rt.92. As you know, the land was purchased with cooperation with San Mateo authorities and development plans were disclosed without hesitation. Yet you threatening to destroy the project at taxpayers' expense. In your own documentation you state: "The power of eminent domain will be used only in those instances where all reasonable attempts at voluntary negotiations fail and the parcel in question is central to the open space program of the District. Any contemplated condemnation action will include a full public hearing. As in aii condemnation procedures, fair market value as decided by a jury and based on adequate appraisals will be paid by the District." Negotiations and proposals have been reasonable. At no cost to the tax payer, 90% of the convent property will be available to citizens to enjoy the beautiful views that the property affords. There is no reason why the convent needs to provide such a generous offer. The land is rightfully owned by a legal organization. Your organization's unwillingness to accept this extremely generous offer makes any reasonable person think that you may have a hidden agenda. Please do not cast doubt on the benevolencE of your organization, and allow this project to continue without further delay. If you have the power to condemn any property for any capricious reason, what good are our American rights? How are we protected from the authoritarian power of government? I do hope that you will put this matter to rest in the next public hearing, and vote to let the land remain in the hands of the current owners. Sincerely yours, RE VE MAR 1996 MIDPENII\'S1'1.1>_A REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT ��fl,{7e•z�i,ve-2 10 March 1998 To: Betsy Crowder, President of the Board of Directors, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94122-1404 Dear President Crowder: It has come to my attention that the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open-Space District is planning on condemning the 280-acre property in the vicinity of highways 280 and 92 t-iat was purchased by the nuns of the St. Vladimir Convent of San Francisco. The argument seed open to be that the property should be kept as p p for use by the general public. The property has been in private hands for many years and did the district, in the past, approach the previous owners with an offer to buy it for open-space purposes? The buildings that the nuns will erect are not part of some master plan to develop housing on all 280 acres. On the contrary, it only uses a small portion of the total acreage and they have already made a good-faith offer to cede a good size of the property so that people can access the prime vista points in the area. In addition, the area is not completely pristine since other housing has been in place in the area for a number of years. I understand tnat there is a master plan to e'�entua!!y build a trail that will circle most of the Bay Area. Should it even be necessary to have the t r a i I in the convent's "backyard", as opposed to some other area, the nuns have agreed to have it go through the area that they are willing to cede to the public. Therefore, I think that it is a misuse of public funds to go through a condemnation procedure since it will be much more expensive than what the nuns are now offering to do. Please do not cast doubt on the benevolence of your organization and do allow this project to continue without further delay. Depending on how this issue is presented in the news media, a condemnation procedure may have a negative impact on your organization. You have a just cause in providing open space for the public and that space can be so provided in -1:his instance without said condemnation or any other legal procedures. If ycu have the power to condemn any property for any capricious reason, what good are our American rights? I do hope that you will put this matter to rest in your next public hearing, and vote to let the land remain in the hands of the current owners so that they can provide both for themselves and the public. Hiz '=V_iv E® Respectfully, MAR 1 � 1998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SZP/`:rF t-, ,;TRICT f ��p 1NSTlTl�O•� trm 2i. HOOVER INSTITUTION ON WAR, REVOLUTION AND PEACE March 10, 1998 Betsy Crowder, President Board of Directors Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear Ms. Crowder: As a specialist in Russian politics, history, and religion at Hoover and Stanford, and as a lay member of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, I urge you and your colleagues on the Board of Directors to agree to the very fair and reasonable compromise being offered by the nuns of Our Lady of Vladimir Convent in San Francisco. It is crystal clear that "severe environmental damage" could not result from the building plans of the nuns; it is also clear that the public will be the big winners if the nuns' plans are accepted (less than 3% of the propert<y, will be used for the Convent project, and no taxpayers' funds will be needed). To conclusion, I urge you and your colleagues in the strongest possible terms to agree to a fair and reasonable compromise. With all good wishes, Yours sincerely, 07 AJoB.Dunlop Senior Fellow & Member, Steering Committee, Center for Russian and East European Studies, Stanford University (1995-97) R "'�E D MAR 1 � 1998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL opr P" or ICT S T A N F 0 R D U N I V E R S I T Y ♦ S T A N F 0 R D C A 9 4 3 0 5 - 6 0 1 0 Ak7pundre&Tatiana Kravtcken,L 2(uf75VaGey Green Dr. #33 Betsy Crowder, President of the Board of Directors, c'uyertinn,CA 95014 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 March 10, 1998 Dear President Crowder: Just last Sunday I had a chance to enjoy the fruits of your labors at the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. It was a pleasure to allow our children to run around and hike without the constraints of the urban environment. My impression was that your organization is dedicated to the improvement of life in the Bay Area. I was therefore quite surprised and confused by the news that you are attempting to forcibly take land away from an organization that more than shares your love of God's creation and its dedication to the spiritual uplifting of all people. I am referring to the proposed Russian Orthodox Christian convent off Skyline Boulevard just south of Rt.92. As you know, the land was purchased with cooperation with San Mateo authorities and development plans were disclosed without hesitation. Yet you threatening to destroy the project at taxpayers' expense. In your own documentation you state: "The power of eminent domain will be used only in those instances where all reasonable attempts at voluntary negotiations fail and the parcel in question is central to the open space program of the District. Any contemplated condemnation action will include a full public hearing. As in aii condemnation procedures, fair market value as aecided by a jury and based on adequate appraisals will be paid by the District." Negotiations and proposals have been reasonable. At no cost to the tax payer, 90% of the convent property will be available to citizens to enjoy the beautiful views that the property affords. There is no reason why the convent needs to provide such a generous offer. The land is rightfully owned by a legal organization. Your organization's unwillingness to accept this extremely generous offer makes any reasonable person think that you may have a hidden agenda. Please do not cast doubt on the benevolence of your organization, and allow this project to continue without further delay. If you have the power to condemn any property for any capricious reason, what good are our American rights? How are we protected from the authoritarian power of government? I do hope that you will put this matter to rest in the next public hearing, and vote to Iet the land remain in the hands of the current owners. Sincerely yours, RECEIVED MAR:1-* 1998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEn+ cc i Betsy Crowder March 10, 1998 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos CA 94022-1404 Dear Ms Crowder, I am writing to urge you support the Convent in building their monastery on Skyline Blvd. I have worked on Skyline for the past twelve years. I am the letter carrier in the neighborhood of the proposed construction. I am usually pro open space and against religion; but in this case the Convent's position seems to be the correct one. I assume the construction will be close to Skyline. This is an area already developed with an asphalt highway and homes. There is a neighbor adjacent to the property. Ironically he seems to be the main opponent. According to letter I saw from Carrier German, the Convent has agreed to deed 90% of the property to open space. Isn't this what we all want? A monastery seems like it would not have a big impact on the environment. The neighboring ranches and Open Space parks have eroded trails and lots of fences. How much land has the nearby cemetery and farms plowed up? I don't see how this property is so important that the eminent domain process should be used. There is still development occurring near the edge of the bay. There is where some important wildlife habitat needs to saved. Thank you, Thomas Goodier R E I �V E PO Box 5124 MAR 1 q Redwood City CA 94063-0124 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Alex and Mary Kies toff 2685 Isabelle Avenue San Mateo, California 94403 March 10, 1998 Board of Directors R E V E D Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle MAR 1 1998 Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL Ladies and Gentlemen: OPEN SPACE DISTRICT We are shocked and dismayed at recent news reports on KTVU-Channel 2 and in both the San Francisco Chronicle and Examiner newspapers concerning the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's plans to exercise eminent domain rights over private property located on Skyline Boulevard in San Mateo County which belongs to the Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir. Such an action would be unfair, un-American, and totally unnecessary. This is a large parcel of land. Of its 284 acres the Convent would develop less than 3%. Being just as sensitive to environmental concerns as MROSD, the Convent is willing to put deed restrictions on its property placing 90% of it into permanent open space. The Convent has made numerous concessions to MROSD in an attempt to reach a compromise acceptable to both parties. For example, they have scaled down their project and proposed to plant screening trees and bushes in order to mitigate the visibility of their three buildings. The Convent has even offered to sell to MROSD 60% of the property(still leaving 30% of it as permanent open space) for$300,000, far less than its appraised value. And yet, MROSD is unreasonably and unnecessarily insisting on spending close to a million dollars in San Mateo and Santa Clara County taxpayers'money to force the Convent to sell the entire property to MROSD. Supposedly, the MROSD resorts to eminent domain condemnation only to prevent "severe environmental damage" and "permanent loss of open space." There is no "severe environmental damage" in the Convent's unobtrusive project to develop less than 3% of a 284 acre parcel of land. There is no "loss of open space" when 90%of this 284 acres has been pledged to remain as permanent open space. MROSD's Notice of the March 18, 1998 public hearing on the matter states that "Acquisition of the Property is being considered as necessary for public park, recreation and open space purposes." Is it necessary to spend almost a million taxpayers' dollars when 90%of f Board of Directors Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District March 10, 1998 Page 2 this property will remain permanent open space without the District spending a dime? The Notice claims that MROSD's plans for the property are "most compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury." Unnecessary and wasteful spending of taxpayers'money is not in the "greatest public good" and it seems that MROSD's main concern is "least private injury" to the few local residents who oppose the Convent. What about injury to the private property rights of the Convent? Opponents of the Convent claim that the project is equivalent to a development of 12 or more homes or a motel. This is ludicrous. How can anyone compare the daily comings and goings of, say, 15 families or motel guests from anywhere and everywhere to eight nuns, most of whom are elderly and do not even drive automobiles. Retreats at the Convent would be held only several times a year, and by their nature would be very subdued affairs. The local residents on Skyline Boulevard could not ask for better neighbors. Does MROSD really need to grab 100% of the Convent's property? Such an action smacks of totalitarianism and is not worthy of our great nation which has always valued private property and the freedom to worship as we choose. Very truly yours, l� Alex Y. Klestoff Mary K estoff T_ 1962 Hastings Court Santa Clara, CA 95051 March 9, 1998 Dear Sirs: My whole family is deeply concerned about the recent events transpiring in our community. We saw an article in last Friday's San Francisco Chronicle (3/6/98), entitled Open Space Group Wants Nuns'Land. We were outraged by your treatment of Russian Orthodox nuns-, denying them their land for a future convent on Skyline Blvd. This is a gross violation of American rights. How was the land sold to them in the first place? They bought it in good faith, and find out now they can not build on it? This is a ridiculous situation as there are other buildings in the area. Why not a modest convent? The nuns even offered to reduce the amount of buildings from four to three, painting the chapel top a dull color and selling back sixty percent of the land. But still they were denied privileges to their own land. We, as taxpayers and voters of Santa Clara County, oppose the proposed use of taxpayers funds to purchase this land. I'm sure if this was your own future home you would be threatened also. I You, c. Olfa C"kanoff Gene C uchkanol"' Gregory Chichkanoff AEr. oIED MAR 1 1998 enc. L______ MIDPEMNSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT Leonid J. Karpenko P2022 Brllr Monti Avr. { TO: Ms . BETSY CROWDER Belmont,CA94002-1?27 PRESIDENT, BOARD OF DIRECTORS MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 1 FROM:LEONID J. AND SVETL.ANA KARPENKO DEAR Ms . CROWDER WE ARE APPALLED TO HEAR THAT THE DISTRICT, WIELDING LEGAL POWERS AND TAXPAYERS MONEY, IS PLANNING TO USURP THE LAND OF RUSSIAN CONVENT IN WOODSIDE. IN CONSTERNATION, WE FIND THAT THE DISTRICT ARBITRARILY INSISTS ON TAKING OVER THE LAND, ONE WAY OR OTHER, IN SPITE OF ALL THE CONCESSION AND ACCOMMODATIONS THE CONVENT IS OFFERRING TO MAKE. YOU MUST ADMIT THEY ARE EXTREMELY REASONABLE. THE CONVENT PROCEEDED LEGALLY, MAKING SURE THAT THEIR PLANS MEET COUNTY REQUIREMENTS IN ALL RESPECTS , SO HOW COME THE DISTRICT SUDDENLY SHOWS SUCH INTENSE INTEREST ?? WHERE WAS THE DISTRICT BEFORE 1996 , WHEN THE LAND WAS PURCHASED BY THE CONVENT??? WHY DIDN ' T THE DISTRICT RUSH TO BUY BEFORE ?? WITH 40 ,000 ACRES, DOES THE DISTRICT REALLY NEED 280 MORE ??? IF YOU HAVE TO SPEND, USE THE MONEY ON WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORS FEAR THE LOSS OF "THEIR USE OF THE PROPERTY" . IF THEY SOLD WHY SQUAK NOW ?? IF THE PROPERTY WAS NOT THEIRS TO BEGIN WITH, THE PERMISSION TO USE, IF THERE WAS ONE BEFORE, MAY VERY WELL BE GIVEN BY THE CONVENT IN THE FUTURE. IS THE DISTRICT, BY CHANCE, BEING USED BY THE OPPOSITION ??? POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS OR OTHER ??? AMERICA PRIDES ITSELF ON FREEDOM AND LIBERTY TO PURSUE HAPPINESS AND HERE WE SEE A SMALL GROUP ARBITRARILY DENYING THE CONVENT TO PURSUE THEIR HAPPINESS, IN SPITE OF ALL THE ADJUSTMENTS THE CONVENT IS OFFERRING TO MAKE. FOR PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED LIFE UNDER TOTALITARIAN REGIME AND CAME TO THE UNITED STATES FOR ASYLUM, SUCH TREATMENT BY GOVERNMENT AGENCY FEELS VERY BAD TO SAY THE LEAST. WE ARE FOR GOOD ENVIRONMENT AND JUDICIAL USE OF LAND AND OTHER RESOURCES TOO, BUT LET US BE REASONABLE ! ! EMINENT DOMAIN ??? HOW COULD YOU ??? LET THE CONVENT STAY ! ! ! THEY WILL ACTUALLY USE ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE LAND AND THE REST WILL BE OPEN SPACE. COUNTING ON YOUR COMMON SENSE, AND GOOD JUDGEMENT, RESPECTFULLY BELMONT, 8 MARCH 1998 J mro : :ram ✓✓✓ sd I MAR 1 q 1998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT TO: Mr . KENNETH C. NITZ DIRECTOR MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FROM: LEONID J. AND SVETLANA KARPENKO i DEAR Mr . NITZ WE ARE APPALLED TO HEAR THAT THE DISTRICT, WIELDING LEGAL POWERS AND TAXPAYERS MONEY, IS PLANNING TO USURP THE LAND OF RUSSIAN CONVENT IN WOODSIDE. IN CONSTERNATION, WE FIND THAT THE DISTRICT ARBITRARILY INSISTS ON TAKING OVER THE LAND, ONE WAY OR OTHER, IN SPITE OF ALL THE CONCESSION AND ACCOMMODATIONS THE CONVENT IS OFFERRING TO MAKE. YOU MUST ADMIT THEY ARE EXTREMELY REASONABLE. THE CONVENT PROCEEDED LEGALLY , MAKING SURE THAT THEIR PLANS MEET COUNTY REQUIREMENTS IN ALL RESPECTS , SO HOW COME THE DISTRICT SUDDENLY SHOWS SUCH INTENSE INTEREST ?? WHERE WAS THE DISTRICT BEFORE 1996 , WHEN THE LAND WAS PURCHASED BY THE CONVENT??? WHY DIDN 'T THE DISTRICT RUSH TO BUY BEFORE ?? WITH 40 ,000 ACRES, DOES THE DISTRICT REALLY NEED 280 MORE ??? IF YOU HAVE TO SPEND, USE THE MONEY ON WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORS FEAR THE LOSS OF "THEIR USE OF THE PROPERTY" . IF THEY SOLD WHY SQUAK NOW ?? IF THE PROPERTY WAS NOT THEIRS TO BEGIN WITH, THE PERMISSION TO USE, IF THERE WAS ONE BEFORE, MAY VERY WELL BE GIVEN BY THE CONVENT IN THE FUTURE. IS THE DISTRICT, BY CHANCE, BEING USED BY THE OPPOSITION ??? POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS OR OTHER ??? i AMERICA PRIDES ITSELF ON FREEDOM AND LIBERTY TO PURSUE HAPPINESS AND HERE WE SEE A SMALL GROUP ARBITRARILY DENYING THE CONVENT TO PURSUE THEIR HAPPINESS, IN SPITE OF ALL THE ADJUSTMENTS THE CONVENT IS OFFERRING TO MAKE. FOR PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED LIFE UNDER TOTALITARIAN REGIME AND CAME TO THE UNITED STATES FOR ASYLUM, SUCH TREATMENT BY GOVERNMENT AGENCY FEELS VERY BAD TO SAY THE LEAST. WE ARE FOR GOOD ENVIRONMENT AND JUDICIAL USE OF LAND AND OTHER h RESOURCES TOO, BUT LET US BE REASONABLE ! ! EMINENT DOMAIN ??? HOW COULD YOU ??? LET THE CONVENT STAY ! ! ! THEY WILL ACTUALLY USE ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE LAND AND THE REST WILL BE OPEN SPACE. COUNTING ON YOUR COMMON SENSE, AND GOOD JUDGEMENT, RESPECTFULLY BELMONT, 8 MARCH 1998 mrosd -n'T�i MAR 1 1998 MIDPENINSULA !REGIONAL L OPEN SPACE DISTRICT i i t I= i f I'i I I I; i �"`��- �� __ �__ � __.�__.v I II TO : Ms . NONETTE HANKO DIRECTOR MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FROM: LEONID J. AND SVETLANA KARPENKO DEAR Ms . HANKO WE ARE APPALLED TO HEAR THAT THE DISTRICT, WIELDING LEGAL POWERS AND TAXPAYERS MONEY, IS PLANNING TO USURP THE LAND OF RUSSIAN CONVENT IN WOODSIDE. IN CONSTERNATION, WE FIND THAT THE DISTRICT ARBITRARILY INSISTS ON TAKING OVER THE LAND, ONE WAY OR OTHER, IN SPITE OF ALL THE CONCESSION AND ACCOMMODATIONS THE CONVENT IS OFFERRING TO MAKE. YOU MUST ADMIT THEY ARE EXTREMELY REASONABLE. THE CONVENT PROCEEDED LEGALLY, MAKING SURE THAT THEIR PLANS MEET COUNTY REQUIREMENTS IN ALL RESPECTS , SO HOW COME THE DISTRICT SUDDENLY SHOWS SUCH INTENSE INTEREST ?? WHERE WAS THE DISTRICT BEFORE 1996 , WHEN THE LAND WAS PURCHASED BY THE CONVENT??? WHY DIDN' T THE DISTRICT RUSH TO BUY BEFORE ?? WITH 40 ,000 ACRES, DOES THE DISTRICT REALLY NEED 280 MORE ??? IF YOU HAVE TO SPEND, USE THE MONEY ON WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORS FEAR THE LOSS OF "THEIR USE OF THE PROPERTY" . IF THEY SOLD WHY SQUAK NOW ?? IF THE PROPERTY WAS NOT THEIRS TO BEGIN WITH, THE PERMISSION TO USE, IF THERE WAS ONE BEFORE, MAY VERY WELL BE GIVEN BY THE CONVENT IN THE FUTURE. IS THE DISTRICT, BY CHANCE, BEING USED BY THE OPPOSITION ??? POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS OR OTHER ??? AMERICA PRIDES ITSELF ON FREEDOM AND LIBERTY TO PURSUE HAPPINESS AND HERE WE SEE A SMALL GROUP ARBITRARILY DENYING THE CONVENT TO PURSUE THEIR HAPPINESS, IN SPITE OF ALL THE ADJUSTMENTS THE CONVENT IS OFFERRING TO MAKE. FOR PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED LIFE UNDER TOTALITARIAN REGIME AND CAME TO THE UNITED STATES FOR ASYLUM, SUCH TREATMENT BY GOVERNMENT AGENCY FEELS VERY BAD TO SAY THE LEAST. WE ARE FOR GOOD ENVIRONMENT AND JUDICIAL USE OF LAND AND OTHER RESOURCES TOO, BUT LET US BE REASONABLE ! ! EMINENT DOMAIN ??? HOW COULD YOU ??? LET THE CONVENT STAY ! ! ! THEY WILL ACTUALLY USE ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE LAND AND THE REST WILL BE OPEN SPACE. COUNTING ON YOUR COMMON SENSE, AND GOOD JUDGEMENT, RESPECTFULLY BELMONT, 8 MARCH 1998 mrosd RED' �i MAR 1 9 1998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT u i I I9 4 I I j 4 4 A II TO: Mr . DAVID T. SMERNOFF DIRECTOR MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FROM: LEONID J. AND SVETLANA KARPENKO DEAR Mr . SMERNOFF WE ARE APPALLED TO HEAR THAT THE DISTRICT, WIELDING LEGAL POWERS AND TAXPAYERS MONEY, IS PLANNING TO USURP THE LAND OF RUSSIAN CONVENT IN WOODSIDE. IN CONSTERNATION, WE FIND THAT THE DISTRICT ARBITRARILY INSISTS ON TAKING OVER THE LAND, ONE WAY OR OTHER, IN SPITE OF ALL THE CONCESSION AND ACCOMMODATIONS THE CONVENT IS OFFERRING TO MAKE. YOU MUST ADMIT THEY ARE EXTREMELY REASONABLE. THE CONVENT PROCEEDED LEGALLY, MAKING SURE THAT THEIR PLANS MEET COUNTY REQUIREMENTS IN ALL RESPECTS, SO HOW COME THE DISTRICT SUDDENLY SHOWS SUCH INTENSE INTEREST ?? WHERE WAS THE DISTRICT BEFORE 1996 , WHEN THE LAND WAS PURCHASED BY THE CONVENT??? WHY DIDN ' T THE DISTRICT RUSH TO BUY BEFORE ?? WITH 40 ,000 ACRES, DOES THE DISTRICT REALLY NEED 280 MORE ??? IF YOU HAVE TO SPEND, USE THE MONEY ON WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORS FEAR THE LOSS OF "THEIR USE OF THE PROPERTY" . IF THEY SOLD WHY SQUAK NOW ?? IF THE PROPERTY WAS NOT THEIRS TO BEGIN WITH, THE PERMISSION TO USE, IF THERE WAS ONE BEFORE, MAY VERY WELL BE GIVEN BY THE CONVENT IN THE FUTURE. IS THE DISTRICT, BY CHANCE, BEING USED BY THE OPPOSITION ??? POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS OR OTHER ??? AMERICA PRIDES ITSELF ON FREEDOM AND LIBERTY TO PURSUE HAPPINESS AND HERE WE SEE A SMALL GROUP ARBITRARILY DENYING THE CONVENT TO PURSUE THEIR HAPPINESS, IN SPITE OF ALL THE ADJUSTMENTS THE CONVENT IS OFFERRING TO MAKE. FOR PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED LIFE UNDER TOTALITARIAN REGIME AND CAME TO THE UNITED STATES FOR ASYLUM, SUCH TREATMENT BY GOVERNMENT AGENCY FEELS VERY BAD TO SAY THE LEAST. I WE ARE FOR GOOD ENVIRONMENT AND JUDICIAL USE OF LAND AND OTHER RESOURCES TOO, BUT LET US BE REASONABLE ! ! EMINENT DOMAIN ??? HOW COULD YOU ??? LET THE CONVENT STAY ! I ! THEY WILL ACTUALLY USE ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE LAND AND THE REST WILL BE OPEN SPACE. COUNTING ON YOUR COMMON SENSE, AND GOOD JUDGEMENT, �I RESPECTFULLY BELMONT, 8 MARCH 1998 mrosd T' AEE :-�7 4CLI e-A-2) MAR 1 1998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL 1 OPEN SPACE DISTRICT r �, �.. � f �`` � t d � � ,, I � l F �, - ., 1 f 5 E 1 V 1 1 __ __ TO: Mr . JED CYR DIRECTOR MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FROM : LEONID J . AND SVETLANA KARPENKO DEAR Mr . CYR WE ARE APPALLED TO HEAR THAT THE DISTRICT, WIELDING LEGAL POWERS AND TAXPAYERS MONEY, IS PLANNING TO USURP THE LAND OF RUSSIAN CONVENT IN WOODSIDE. IN CONSTERNATION, WE FIND THAT THE DISTRICT ARBITRARILY INSISTS ON TAKING OVER THE LAND, ONE WAY OR OTHER, IN SPITE OF ALL THE CONCESSION AND ACCOMMODATIONS THE CONVENT IS OFFERRING TO MAKE. YOU MUST ADMIT THEY ARE EXTREMELY REASONABLE. THE CONVENT PROCEEDED LEGALLY , MAKING SURE THAT THEIR PLANS MEET COUNTY REQUIREMENTS IN ALL RESPECTS, SO HOW COME THE DISTRICT SUDDENLY SHOWS SUCH INTENSE INTEREST ?? WHERE WAS THE DISTRICT BEFORE 1996 , WHEN THE LAND WAS PURCHASED BY THE CONVENT??? WHY DIDN 'T THE DISTRICT RUSH TO BUY BEFORE ?? WITH 40 ,000 ACRES, DOES THE DISTRICT REALLY NEED 280 MORE ??? IF YOU HAVE TO SPEND, USE THE MONEY ON WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORS FEAR THE LOSS OF "THEIR USE OF THE PROPERTY" . IF THEY SOLD WHY SQUAK NOW ?? IF THE PROPERTY WAS NOT THEIRS TO BEGIN WITH, THE PERMISSION i TO USE, IF THERE WAS ONE BEFORE, MAY VERY WELL BE GIVEN BY THE CONVENT IN THE FUTURE. IS THE DISTRICT, BY CHANCE, BEING USED BY THE OPPOSITION ??? POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS OR OTHER ??? AMERICA PRIDES ITSELF ON FREEDOM AND LIBERTY TO PURSUE HAPPINESS AND HERE WE SEE A SMALL GROUP ARBITRARILY DENYING THE CONVENT TO PURSUE THEIR HAPPINESS, IN SPITE OF ALL THE ADJUSTMENTS THE I CONVENT IS OFFERRING TO MAKE. FOR PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED LIFE UNDER TOTALITARIAN REGIME AND CAME TO THE UNITED STATES FOR ASYLUM, SUCH TREATMENT BY GOVERNMENT AGENCY FEELS VERY BAD TO SAY THE LEAST. WE ARE FOR GOOD ENVIRONMENT AND JUDICIAL USE OF LAND AND OTHER RESOURCES TOO, BUT LET US BE REASONABLE ! ! EMINENT DOMAIN ??? I HOW COULD YOU ??? t LET THE CONVENT STAY ! ! ! THEY WILL ACTUALLY USE ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE LAND AND THE REST WILL BE OPEN SPACE. COUNTING ON YOUR COMMON SENSE, AND GOOD JUDGEMENT, RESPECTFULLY BELMONT, 8 MARCH 1998 m r o s d MAR 1 q 1998 ".A REGIONAL J �� '� i � p � i . i i I i i TO: Ms . MARY C . DAVEY DIRECTOR MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FROM: LEONID J. AND SVETLANA KARPENKO I DEAR Ms . DAVEY WE ARE APPALLED TO HEAR THAT THE DISTRICT, WIELDING LEGAL POWERS AND TAXPAYERS MONEY, IS PLANNING TO USURP THE LAND OF RUSSIAN CONVENT IN WOODSIDE. IN CONSTERNATION, WE FIND THAT THE DISTRICT ARBITRARILY INSISTS ON TAKING OVER THE LAND, ONE WAY OR OTHER, IN SPITE OF ALL THE CONCESSION AND ACCOMMODATIONS THE CONVENT IS OFFERRING TO MAKE. YOU MUST ADMIT THEY ARE EXTREMELY REASONABLE. THE CONVENT PROCEEDED LEGALLY, MAKING SURE THAT THEIR PLANS MEET COUNTY REQUIREMENTS IN ALL RESPECTS, SO HOW COME THE DISTRICT SUDDENLY SHOWS SUCH INTENSE INTEREST ?? WHERE WAS THE DISTRICT BEFORE 1996 , WHEN THE LAND WAS PURCHASED BY THE CONVENT??? WHY DIDN' T THE DISTRICT RUSH TO BUY BEFORE ?? WITH 40 ,000 ACRES, DOES THE DISTRICT REALLY NEED 280 MORE ??? IF YOU HAVE TO SPEND, USE THE MONEY ON WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORS FEAR THE LOSS OF j "THEIR USE OF THE PROPERTY" . IF THEY SOLD WHY SQUAK NOW ?? } IF THE PROPERTY WAS NOT THEIRS TO BEGIN WITH, THE PERMISSION TO USE, IF THERE WAS ONE BEFORE, MAY VERY WELL BE GIVEN BY THE CONVENT IN THE FUTURE. IS THE DISTRICT, BY CHANCE, BEING USED BY THE OPPOSITION ??? POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS OR OTHER ??? AMERICA PRIDES ITSELF ON FREEDOM AND LIBERTY TO PURSUE HAPPINESS AND HERE WE SEE A SMALL GROUP ARBITRARILY DENYING THE CONVENT TO PURSUE THEIR HAPPINESS, IN SPITE OF ALL THE ADJUSTMENTS THE CONVENT IS OFFERRING TO MAKE. FOR PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED LIFE UNDER TOTALITARIAN REGIME AND CAME TO THE UNITED STATES FOR ASYLUM, SUCH TREATMENT BY GOVERNMENT AGENCY FEELS VERY BAD TO SAY THE LEAST. WE ARE FOR GOOD ENVIRONMENT AND JUDICIAL USE OF LAND AND OTHER RESOURCES TOO, BUT LET US BE REASONABLE ! ! EMINENT DOMAIN ??? HOW COULD YOU ??? LET THE CONVENT STAY ! ! ! THEY WILL ACTUALLY USE ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE LAND AND THE REST WILL BE OPEN SPACE. COUNTING ON YOUR COMMON SENSE, AND GOOD JUDGEMENT, RESPECTFULLY BELMONT, 8 MARCH 1998 m r o s d MAR 1 1998 !I MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL �r•T - � _� I l E y IM I ' S I r 1 { I -_ J TO: Mr . PETE SIEMENS DIRECTOR MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FROM: LEONID J . AND SVETLANA KARPENKO DEAR Mr . SIEMENS WE ARE APPALLED TO HEAR THAT THE DISTRICT, WIELDING LEGAL POWERS AND TAXPAYERS MONEY, IS PLANNING TO USURP THE LAND OF RUSSIAN CONVENT IN WOODSIDE. I IN CONSTERNATION, WE FIND THAT THE DISTRICT ARBITRARILY INSISTS ON TAKING OVER THE LAND, ONE WAY OR OTHER, IN SPITE OF ALL THE CONCESSION AND ACCOMMODATIONS THE CONVENT IS OFFERRING TO MAKE. YOU MUST ADMIT THEY ARE EXTREMELY REASONABLE. THE CONVENT PROCEEDED LEGALLY, MAKING SURE THAT THEIR PLANS MEET COUNTY REQUIREMENTS IN ALL RESPECTS, SO HOW COME THE DISTRICT SUDDENLY SHOWS SUCH INTENSE INTEREST ?? WHERE WAS THE DISTRICT BEFORE 1996 , WHEN THE LAND WAS PURCHASED j BY THE CONVENT??? WHY DIDN'T THE DISTRICT RUSH TO BUY BEFORE ?? WITH 40 ,000 ACRES, DOES THE DISTRICT REALLY NEED 280 MORE ??? IF YOU HAVE TO SPEND, USE THE MONEY ON WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE IMMEDIATE NEIGHBORS FEAR THE LOSS OF "THEIR USE OF THE PROPERTY" . IF THEY SOLD WHY SQUAK NOW ?? IF THE PROPERTY WAS NOT THEIRS TO BEGIN WITH, THE PERMISSION TO USE, IF THERE WAS ONE BEFORE, MAY VERY WELL BE GIVEN BY THE CONVENT IN THE FUTURE. IS THE DISTRICT, BY CHANCE, BEING USED BY THE OPPOSITION ??? POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS OR OTHER ??? f AMERICA PRIDES ITSELF ON FREEDOM AND LIBERTY TO PURSUE HAPPINESS AND HERE WE SEE A SMALL GROUP ARBITRARILY DENYING THE CONVENT TO PURSUE THEIR HAPPINESS, IN SPITE OF ALL THE ADJUSTMENTS THE CONVENT IS OFFERRING TO MAKE. FOR PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCED LIFE UNDER TOTALITARIAN REGIME AND CAME TO THE UNITED STATES FOR ASYLUM, SUCH TREATMENT BY GOVERNMENT AGENCY FEELS VERY BAD TO SAY THE LEAST. WE ARE FOR GOOD ENVIRONMENT AND JUDICIAL USE OF LAND AND OTHER RESOURCES TOO, BUT LET US BE REASONABLE ! ! EMINENT DOMAIN ??? HOW COULD YOU ??? LET THE CONVENT STAY ! ! ! THEY WILL ACTUALLY USE ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF THE LAND AND THE REST WILL BE OPEN SPACE. COUNTING ON YOUR COMMON SENSE, AND GOOD JUDGEMENT, ; RESPECTFULLY BELMONT, 8 MARCH 1998 mrosd MAR 1 1998 �� I . ;� i �� � � '� �s i _ � � _ � i � ��... �.. � � Melvin A. Piestrup 13800 Skyline Blvd. Woodside, CA 94306 Home phone: 650-851-0633 Phone: 650-328-7337 Fax: 650-328-7343 e-mail: melpie@ix.netcom.com March 10, 1998 Ms. Betsy Crowder Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022-1404 Dear Ms. Crowder, As my elected representative for Ward 6 of the MROSD and a resident of Kings Mountain, I would like to encourage you to vote yes for the total acquisition of the property recently acquired by the Russian Orthodox Convent. I have been a resident of Kings Mountain since 1975 and in that period I have seen the very positive impact of MROSD land acquisition. One of the arguments being voiced in an open letter to "Residents of Kings Mountain" by one of my active neighbors (Ms. Carrie German) is that public access to these lands would "mean a negative impact on the animals, fauna and neighboring properties." In another section of the letter she states her fears of potential public use of these lands: "The main problem with this (acquisition) is the public. If there is a trail from your property onto MROSD land, the public will use it no matter how many signs and gates are put up. They will show up in your yard--lost, in need, curious, looking for a shortcut or better view. Therefore you will allow your trail to grow over and you will use the park entrance, wherever that may be. The public will park in front of your house because there is shade. You won 't be able to take your dog hiking with you and you will have to hike during park hours. " I repeat this argument because of, in my view, its wildly speculative nature. I remember similar arguments against the formation of MROSD. The Public was not to be trusted: hoards of folks stomping down flora, visions of people chainsawing off burls from Redwood trees for tables. Oh, and don't forget that loss of tax base!! One need only remember what the Kings Mountain area was like prior to MROSD. Purisima Canyon was being logged by an absentee landlord, the creek bed and logging road were being used by off-the-road vehicles and motorized dirt bikes for races. For those of us living above the canyon, the roar of the dirt-bike engines was a regular weekend occurrence. I'm not sure what the effect of all this was on the flora and fauna, but it was sure hell on the creek bed and road. My wife and I have regularly weekend hiked most of MROSD lands for more than a decade. I have not seen the fears of Ms.German and others realized. MROSD lands appear to be free of trash, and physical abuse. This is not necessarily because of the stewardship of MROSD, but, in my view, because of the public's care of these lands. There is surely impact on these lands by the public, but compared to what? More housing, more logging, and the simple hell-raising of off-the-road vehicle crowd? _ RE r IV D MAR 1 1998 MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT II - Well, maybe I'm being speculative. But it seems to me that distrust of public ownership usually comes from the large land holders and some of the very rich. They got theirs, and the hell with the rest of us. These lands are precious.... stunningly beautiful. One need only go down the trail from the Kings Mountain Store to see spectacular view of the mountains and ocean that are onlysurpassed, in m view, b those of Big Sur. M favorite (of many) P Y Y g Y Y is that of the view off the backside of Bald Mountain, a recent MROSD acquisition. These beautiful places are open to all of us now, thanks to MROSD. The proposed acquistion has this class of beauty... buy it! I believe you will get a lot of fear generated regardless of your decision on this issue. I believe there is a general fear of some residents that MROSD will come and take our housing away. As I understand it, MROSD goes only after land and that usuallyexisting housing is left to the owners. I realize this is difficult to accept for g g many who hold large properties, but ultimately this is for the good of the general population who voted MROSD into being. I note t at carlicr many of my neighbors signed a petition urging MROSD acquisition of this particularly beautiful piece of property. At the time I did not sign it because of my desire to think more fully about it.... and I have. Put me on it!! Sincerely () Melvin A. Piestrup Ed Cydzik 343 Bluefish Court Foster City CA 94404 March 8, 1998 President Betsy Crowder Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District 330 Distel Circle Los Altos, CA 94022 Dear President Crowder: I am writing you with respect to the article which appeared in the Peninsula Edition of the San Francisco Chronicle this past Friday March 6, 1998. 1 am shocked at your Board's desire to condemn land belonging to a group of Orthodox Nuns against their will, through the use of eminent domain. Based on the article, your proposed actions are insupportable if one looks at the total cost to taxpayers of San Mateo County. It appears to me that the nuns are willing to bend over backwards to accommodate your desire to preserve open space, by selling you a majority of their property, and by declaring a large majority of their remaining land as permanent open space. strongly urge you and your fellow Board members to consider the opinion of taxpaying citizens of this county, and work out a compromise with the nuns, rather than spending millions of taxpayer dollars on an objective which will not net the county any additional open space, and generate negative publicity for you, your fellow Board members, and the Mid-peninsula Open Space District. Sincerely, If R R.... �� Ed Cydzik � 1 � 1998 MOPEN SPACED STRICT REGIONAL SECTION B 1 TUESDAY 1 MARCH 3, 1998 1 SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS - r— �I MIA Opeomspace a enc . in log mon g.,_ Y , r 3Y CAROLE I2AFFERTY alr . t,•t �n ozx(t ,�t .N+,, e: c rll /� rnfs� Irp ;rni Im Ito 1Cv1M1 &"11' Y�. I ercury*—Staff Writer •r..� - .Ny7 could lose Ia ld W LI.Y V ,,6V1 E7lI�IQ,p ll. -dI.4111Cb'BI,Y�`• JSTt.An order of silent cloistered Russian Orttw rWud arivf(a XW Jd yes'-land ls'aw important wildlife W .ox nuns who wish to develop a monastery on. Open Space District spokesman"It's different'.step towa¢a t domaut:'q!d: ''u iborridor between vital San F}artt�vC4r heir San Mateo County hillside faces aPerin- from a totalitarian government co in with In ula open space agency that g coming thattNe pro r shed lands andoffersa'spectactilar;try may evoke emu- guns-Its fair market value. No one is taking posed monastery complex will be highly vlsi-.rrridge lini:They sythe ent domain powers to seize the 284 acre one's m y 'offered thr arlY property." ble front marry miles ,' And wiWspoil the'atahn&t$l million for-Uieit&nd;,m>?rh roperty.:.: t,t, . Smith said the district wanted to save the pristine torture:of then al area'IN6 property:',.than thej paid for the'property in 199gT'• The Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladu- wildlife habitat and beauty of the unspoiled rlies on Skyline Ridge in the kills of the Kmgs f Wi"W5!Outrageoust"]'said Colleen Dlolie it had lands seized three times in Russia and San Mateo County ridge line. 1• .,Mount area-vest of WoodAide-inAmincbr or Iav4er for the'hunsJ1n7hi*U if cdnt€rrq him before fleeing to find freedom from reli- A public hearing will be held March 18 at: porated San.Mateo County. . . order of nuns.They've had'propertytion"us persecution,their lawyer said.- - district headquarters in I os Altos at which the• "It will be v6fvisibleh:l ere's a S ,to 40-1 t edi&Russia acid twfce bttChina.It's••th "We're not throwing anyone off their land," seven-member board of directors will decide foct4dgh onion domej"Sndth:said.tiEWe're--;xfi fe iro [fiat once ud Malcolm Smuth,a Midpeninsula Regional on a resolution of necessity.This is the first ben over bickward.to' agadrrthey+are faEe g try'and''cGmPro�tuFE•it,i> n'tt�v:altll'3eeNUNS1Pa " � : , ` It.v:� u;:,ul�ttvFngru:�•rre t I ,. ,� rt�, dlr.,••r -L-cf:i•.?t,�•�-cry: Sllra�H F Nuns could lose land ■NUNS "We've searched all ove;xortli-. ern California for 10 years W find the right setting,"said Mic2iael I{les:'s (heir ProPertl to a govern- toff,a spokesman for the convent. mental action in the U.S." "Unfortunately, (the site) is also The:nuns moved to the United coveted by the open-space district_" States more than 50 years ago to Last year the San Mateo County PracP99.their religion without ha- Planning Commission — in a 3-2 rassnent,Doherty said. vote—approved a preliminary con- The nuns' supporters say that cept plan for the monastic complex. they have offered the agency a corr, The nuns now must prepare an Promise in which 90 percent of the environmental impact report and land would be preserved in perma- get county approval nent open space and only 3 percent At public hearings before the will be disturbed by construction. county planning commosion,sever- Furthermore, the nuns have of- al environmental groups and nefgh- fend sophisticated landscaping pro born spoke out because they were Posals to screen their buildings,to concerned the nuns' Proposals scale down their plans by a third,to would decrease the value of their lower the height lines by five feet, properties, ruin the ridge line,and and to sell the open-space district 60 cause noise with the clanging of percent of their land for 5300,000. bells and cars swishing up the drive. But negotiations that have lasted One neighbor, Al Bell, said he 3'h months have broken down would ask the open-space district to The issue has been brewing for use its powers of eminent domain to more than two years. In 19% the buy the nuns'land.Some local resi- Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vla- dents formed a committee to thwart dimir bought the massive acreage, the nuns'plans. and ever since they have tried to de- But dozens of other neighbors velop part of the land into a moms support the nuns. tery and living quarters for 20 nuns. "I feel the nuns have tried hard," The nuns are living in San an- said Terry Burnes,county planningcL m wo's Mission district, which sup- administrator."It ought to be possi- porters say is not conducive to a qui- ble to accommodate all these objec- et,contemplative life. fives on a site this size." 'AL-M Open space district may condemn land where church wants to build convent By MARION SOFTKY condemning land for highways— They particularly object to the the district has the power to pay transfer of three density credits Push is coming to shove on the just compensation to the owner from Pescadero Marsh and the ad- future of the 294 scenic acres on and buy the land for public use. ditional allocation of water.Also,a Skyline Boulevard where the Russ- The rugged land,located west of 40-acre parcel might be set aside; ian Orthodox church wants to build Skyline Boulevard and 2 1/2 miles for future development. a complex, which would have a south of Route 92, has been con- "This development is approxi- convent for 20 people,a retreat,and troversial ever since the Russian mately equivalent to between 10 a chapel with a 40-foot onion dome. Convent of Our Lady of St. and 16 single-family residences, After months of unsuccessful Vladimir bought it in 1996 and or an apartment building or motel," negotiations to buy the controver- proposed developing a convent said the district's press.release.' sial property for open space, the complex for 10 elderly nuns who "The magnitude of this develop- Midpeninsula Regional Open needed quieter surroundings than ment on a. coastal.ridge; Space District is prepared to use its their current home in San Fran- gardless of its use,is inapproynate ultimate weapon:eminent domain. cisco's Mission District. for these sensitive open~space The district board will hold a The preliminary concept plans lands,and will forever desti oy the public hearing Wednesday,March that won approval by San Mateo land's unique character and 18,at 7:30 p.m to consider a"res- County last May call for a religious ronmental value."� ' `. olution of necessity," the last re- complex of 18,000 square feet with The district has an course tomQd preserving the a 24-car parking lot.The next stage and made.a pur'c :offer 1 undeveloped,highly visible coastal for.the developers was a fo W ap- million, well ridgeline from development. The plication with environmental anal~= paid for the p hearing will be at district headquar- sis and formal hearings'by the district also said itr *� tens,330 Distel Circle in Los Altos. county Planning Commission. in seeking a coorpi+c�amse If approved by the district board, Neighbors and environmental- move buildin the first gs f1~}t►4,rid the action would be rst step� public acre It in ists have challen ged the use as too and allow _ acquiring the property for the pub- intense on land that is important for hired a consultant to assist locat lic.Through eminent domain—a open space,preservation,of coastal ing an alternative site'" habitat,and trails. meet the eeds the power that is frequently invoked in scenery,wildlife n of ch .and trust !, may. klkla e convetn By STETT HOLBROOK and beginning eminent domain proceedings ,report:; rr suggested.that the development be pushed back Half Moon Bay Review _P/Aly District officials say:the action is a``last-. f?Neighborsand opepspace advocates oppose i from the ridgetop.That too was rejected,Smith recourse' to.preserve.the undeveloped land— the development on grounds it will detract from t said..The district is now looking for alternative After being ousted from Russia and China,a located on:a Kings Mountain ridgetop, thepriftrne natq#e�f t teta pnd mpe ilnatitve property,.Sites. Russian order of cloistered nuns now.faceVhe The nuns;purchai� Xfhe 280-acre`parcel in wirdlife.`The tax-lsu rfed ope i space distf�ct Colleen Doherty, an attorney for the reli possibility of being bounced from San MAteo,, '1996 with,Ipldns to;:build a convent there. It' .'has taken up the fig after•months of negotia- gious order,said it is the nuns who are bending �-. „•- County. This ouster would deal with,open would include a 40-foot-high dome�topped).jiQVfailed!.Both si es.claim-to have•.offeted over backward$ to reach a compromise. The space, however, not religious freedom. chapel, retreat center, 25-car parking lot and generous compromises. order reportedly offered to dedicate 90 percent The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space living quarters.The nuns currently live in San "We're kind of bending over backwards to of the 280-acre parcel to permanent open space. District Board of Directors is scheduled to meet .Francisco's less-than-serene Mission District. 'work with them,"said Malcolm Smith;spokes- For a price of$300,000,the nuns would then March 18 to discuss the adoption of a"resolu- Last year;`the county Planning Commission,-, man-for.the open space district. The district turn over 60 percent of the land to the open tion of necessity" to acquire the Our Lady of approved the nuns'_preliminary design plan one reportedly offered the nuns almost$1 million .space digtrict,including many of the ridgelines Vladimir religious order's Skyline•Boulevard a 3-2 vote.An environmental firm hired by the for.the property, more than they paid for it in property,the first step in condemning the land nuns is now preparing an environmental impact `1996,That offer was rejected.The district also Please see NUNS, Page 11A Nuns Continued from Page lA t ,;,We have to treat this as any other in question.This would alfow public de�PMC L' trails throughout the northern and �''said _the development western ,,will actually,be Jocated,in a swale, portions of the'property, not on,a ridgetop.-Under the order's The remaining 40 percent'of the proposal,the tallest;ridge would be property would then serve as a conveyed,to.the••district. y .monastic reserve, the majority,of ::.'"I he'only:thing they want is the which would also rertiain as perms_ removal of•the,buildings,",Doherty Went open space. Only' about 3 said. "Period." eroCntofthe la d would Mt!fed by D e t 4AS1I i� �� ,6:f toe's �i+n that confiseaftns' land,.they . (the;,Midpeninsula Open Space moved to the Uqjited States oescape Distrtct);is interested in,they-w6uld re�`igiou.t' get undeMir"proposal sl 1said."If' rri yhon;It isFthe'"ulti-. we're-usingonl ;;;3 at4 iro"Y" e'nuns now-face "Y percent of.our the doss of their nA'againAhAaid. Property. why is'this'so`terrible?" The nuns'offer was turned down ■ The Midpeninsula Open Space by the open space district. ;DistrictBoi rd "It will still include building and; a puhll' h bfDirectorsw711hold development on the most prominent Marc108 tQrrng.on.'the',cpnveijl I ridgetop,"Smith said of the propos- office; lncata d uOp ni Dist Circle a t al. "It's a significant'development. Los Altos."+- 'r'. .r 4tJ ",;.y�. 4 4 +}• r t t ��. '11 'fie Y a'1 u n s e e n onrverz C o a onv � BY IVterit adetm tion.STAFF wstrER Opponents of the project aren't mol- Skyline Boulevard two miles south of Michael Klestoff, a San`Francisco lifted. Lennie Roberts of the Committee Highway 92. REDWOOD CITY—A group of nuns real estate agent 4 who::,serves as for Green Foothillssaid the property is , The area overlooks Half Moon Bay Planning a controversial convent in spokesman for the convent, said.only an important :connection in linking". as well as coastal mountains and val- Woodside that features a 40-foot three percent of the 280-acre parcel'' open.space from Skyline Ridge to.the leys and provides a vital wildlife cor- chapel topped by an onion dome con- will be disturbed. The project would coast. ridor in the region, he said. tend there is no need for court action include.a convent building to house 20 'While under the convent plan 90 "The magnitude of this development to halt their development on a pristine nuns, the chapel building and a six- percent of the land would be left alone, is inappropriate for these sensitive ridge. room "retreat center" where visitors most of it is steeply sloped and not open-space lands and will forever de- Representatives of the Convent of would stay. l able to be developed anyway. stroy the land's unique character and There would be a total of 18,000 "This is a major development on a environment-value,"Smith said. Our Lady of Vladimir, a Russian Or- square feet of building space, he said. very spectacular, breathtaking site" Former San Mateo County Super- thodox order, held a news conference The nuns plan to screen the chapel and should be left alone,she said. visor John Ward is also representing Thursday in Redwood City to say the with tall trees and have offered to sell "The land of most'interest to the, the convent, now housed in quarters in nuns have answered all the concerns of 60 percent of the property to the dis-. _ public would not be accessible to the, San Francisco's Mission District de- those objecting to the project. trict. The remainder of the land would public,"said Dave Perrone of Save Sky- scribed as less than ideal. A March 18 public hearing has been be kept in open space through condt- line Open Space. He said limited money is available to scheduled by the Midpenlnsula Re tions attached to county permits. Malcolm Smith, a spokesman for groups such as Midpeninsula Regional gional Open Space District to consider "What is so objectionable?" he said. the open space district, compared the Open.Space District for land acquisi- forcing the nuns to sell the land "We're asking for the,public's support. project to building 10 to 16 homes or a tion .and that they should be spent through an eminent domain court ac- This is not right." hotel on the ridge property that lies off more wisely. i -', s•1,,�'••� [.. t ` M..r '.•�'.+� 'r ..i•*r ",ram .. • ki � r I �r� � � I rr � �r � 1 e r r • r n; Co r � I•A .nn �'•t 'f r'ro ! �.i.�'' "-� "•'%'1�`� ,rt .. ;.. ��:.n::� yj By Eve Mitchell and Anastasia Hendrix .; "Of course we pray for that too,now,"said,troversy. Abbess Eugenia, referring to plan4 to move. .. Board members of the Mid-peninsula Re- The nine Russian Orthodox monastic nuns their convent from the noisy urban corner at gional Open Space District are considering who comprise the convent of Our Lady of St. 19th and Capp streets in the Mission District exercising eminent domain rights to acquire Vladimir spend most of their time deep in to a new home on a pastoral hilltop near the sisters',284 acres of land and preserve it for prayer. Woodside. public use`and habitat fo> mountain lions,deer They meditate for hours in their chapel,its It is that desire for peaceful surroundings and bobcats. The district'contends that the light green walls covered with hundreds of that has thrust Abbess Eugenia and the eight proposed convent and chapel — which would gold-framed paintings of saints and its ceiling other sisters into the throes of a heated con- 'be built on just 6 acres = will be•placed on a darkened from burning candles and frankin- prominent ridge line that offers stunning tense. Woodside land views of the Pacific Ocean and should be left Near W side is this pastoral tract o Wearing black robes that cover all but their p f alone as open space. faces and clutchingbeads, the pray for re- below,acquired by the nuns., local open „ Y P Y The outcome depends on God and the demption, repentance, restraint and — lately space district opposes the sisters'plan to — even real estate. build a convent here. [See CONVENT,A-16] 4 a` us keA ul W y r� •{ �1���� e\�n 74 �+ T}V;PM � k�`� ���'�'T¢�."�"�+t � C 't���fI$.�}'t�a .:�; � ,• f;+,�'♦ a 1 � - :w:.. � \\ a, f`P1 P x P � '�� f`§,i,�p w�'�,.. *+, .+i•Y� �� ♦ X �#'�,���'1�, tt�xN�d�`Pti�t� � 4 '1 � 1 4:1���r+��2r ��� *�♦.� " ,• 1 0� u�4��,�, - 1,�Fia Ong,�yp����,,v;'}��,t''�k�i�t r�p�,�h�M F�`` .♦-.,���� `. } '._ "�.. 11 .ti,A,' F C��:S �,�\�•, � .�, 1�. q'l'y��.s -.�.. t'$� {"{: {4;K MP,,r��-1t Y,��M1�,,. '�} •k,►. �'� �F�fl'� - • �4' t 1 +��,!` t i,ait .�- �\�;r t;� � � `� m ? � � �hA � gx1P�,Y.a�}'� Ck 3�F�•{'+... � + - _. d '� `"M�It„ 4 is dr�;��M`�'�� ,X i, �,. `.1� '.�{�. _ �kA 0a c� - -. \ �`�w�"�'8, ♦ ���t"x ,,".�4.;". y�� -�e�`�wYi r��ir�G.���y,"�st�yy.,7�i�+':T..:' '�': .. '.. - rT\7 +�, q ^wv;�,x t R tF,P ,�r �X• i .tS i'vLF "ti r � • ♦ CONVENT from A-1- We bot-nd the heavy wooden That's why seeking eminent do- for the convent,'eaid she thought it doors r the same as it has main would be a waste of tarp wea�itotthet.tlieconventiaonce Plan for convent for cent era'money,said Michael Klesi ,gain in a situation that could re- Betwet.. prayers, services and a,member of&h%San Francis, cult in the lose of their property. evokes resistance moaeet meals ofbeansandrice,theo bYea a odoz C r,y y.361tiirT'theLTS thati,this odd of the le," said the 87- sisters stitch church vestments, �(d }iappen.;to therm," said year-old abbess in her native Rua embroider;malre candle and'bake 'a .0 district will �€LZohetty:}I'lea<the uitimate'irony." .^ I. �T1fe.A spade` Sian.She hag dedicated 10 years to Prosforq a holy bread shaped like a a hearing on the matter March 18 Anastasia Hendrix is an)&am- the relocation effort. dinner roll with a smaller roll on at its'Los Altos office. finer a writer and Eue Mitchell One sister,who like all the oth- top—symbolic of the world ive live Colleen,Doherty, an attorney is iner�oorreapondent ere does not use'a name,said they in and the afterworld-,;. I W4"'1js. can't understand why someone And they comfort the'devouin would want to stop them from times of need. building their convent "People usually come when they The nuns have promised to•..,are very troubled or there isjtrage- keep 90 percent of the property as dy in.their,femil,Y,-",-said the�iater. it is and to obscure the buildings ;'"Phatiswhatis:pUadealaab&Ahej with trees so they will not be seen site tha0ve ha3e chosen. is;fari from a distance. L enough a*ayto be"ren see ti�rt-near "And,in a way,we are also en- enough`to still be able to serve the dangered species," said the sister, Orthodox community." speaking in a hushed tone,the tick- : ;='`It took years,so find the perfect ing of a grandfather•clock across place.s,atd the s�atei,one�gf thifew,. the room still audible ,in the'fvrdei w_ t En "We're kind of puzzled by > v this because society used to be able ' to discern the difference between Spotted tram the highway x . church and monastics from corpo- She spottedyit�wh1 rations,and now it seems like they-'.,`along Interstate:280,�and are lumping us together with hotels -'-to it as an ideal location:-` and Kmarts and Walgreens, and '.Two years ago,the convent pur- that kind of hurts." chased the property along Skyline Besides, she said, "monastics 'Boulevard front the Roman Catho'• are the original environmental- lic.Arc6diobsio of'San.Frencisc0I ists," because they revere nature . for$700,000,money raieed.IM4 .. ' and strive to protect it as much as through estates thatUS-ibeimt possible. willed to them and from the"eales The sisters want to move to the of their holy bread. 'v. "{ Kings Mountain site, 2.3 miles : 'The surrounding area is home south of Highway 92,because it is to several hundred Kinge`•Moun- very similar to the area where the twin residents and includes state monastery originated — the tiny ', park land and open space.-W lva rural town of Cherdyn near the Some, like Carrie Gergtan,see,: Ural Mountains. -the sisters as ideal ne' �r ' "It scares me(that. Fled to China could end up acquiring)s piece of. property through e After the Soviet government minentdomainr. claimed their land,the sisters fled a piece property owned by eoine to China.They were soon forced to one withh at leas a 1,500- t YIC record of ecological stewardshipof flee a second time. the land,"German said. Abbess Eugenia arrived in San Others are less convinced;dqy-• Francisco 50 years ago to re-estab- ing that they fear the Convent lish the convent at its current site, would increase traffic in the=area a converted Presbyterian church and compromise the with columns outside,a picture of "The representatives of the the Virgin Mary over every en- nuns are oversimplifying it by de- trance and an Orthodox cross,out: picting'it as the poor little'nuns lined in blue neon,atop the roof. .who are looking for a home vs..the. local residents," said Lie'Pitt, a retired newspaperm,4,_P' ht lived on Skyline Boulevard for 22 es years.,:� sariJ�:3 prt.ctttr San Mateo "'Phis would open up a Pando ra's box for a lot of other(develop- ment) activities that could hap-• pen,"said Pitt,one of more than 200 people who have signed a peti- tion asking that the district aoQuire 92 so the property' 1 r.,t 1 :I I r G2F Preliminary plans approved,- San Mateo County approved the preliminary:plans to,build,the oodside one-story, 20-room convent last year, including a 40-foot-high SAN MATEO dome-topped chapel.Final approv- COUNTY 35 a4 al is pending,and the convent has 1 offered to'yell 6(i lie,Tegt of-the f parcel to the district t'or$300,tS00 sin,", E%WINEe cs as a possible solution. and selfish I HAVE met with the Midpe- ninsula Regional Open Space Dis- trict on occasion with regard to a variety of issues. I try to be open, responsive and f the goals and principles of the o hedistric. But their effort with regard, to Ahe Russian Orthodox nuns'•property is incredibly arrogant, selfish,and greedy, all under the guise of an unwarranted environmental con- sideration. The proposed.build site is outside the scenic'corridor;and the nuns have'Scaled baclillfbih four buildings to three." :..: T ^ The nun&have ypffered to,de- clare 90 percent of their land peg- manent open space,and they are proposing that any 3 percent of the 280-acme,'pia,`rcl'will'`be af-' fected by their 'I" 7ti.tnr;w The district is out of line. is an example of the,axiom:O ih aboard ship,pull up the plank.Vu This is'not about the'envIAn- ment. This.is%not about'3open space.This is about NIMBYisfn.<' Mike Nevin,Sv* viso Comity r -� Eattorial Nuns need hom-e"' , but not on Skyliirx-.. IT IS TIME for the Russian Orthodox Church to rethity its plan to build a church,convent and several other buildings, on a ridgetop parcel along Skyline Boulevard just north of Woodside.The site might be appropriate for a much small development to accommodate less than a dozen nuns cunr`en ly with the order, but the church's ambitious proposal to co struct 18,000 square feet of buildings and a substantial p ing lot on the 284-acre site is overzealous,especially in' of the opposition from neighbors and the Midpeninsula Red ,r gional Open Space District. t The church purchased the parcel on the western side.ryof ridge overlooking Burleigh-Murray Ranch State Park µ the Roman Catholic Church about two years ago $700,000.Its original proposal called for constucting vent for 20 cloistered nuns,a chapel topped with an ont dome that would rise 40 feet from ground level,aip dence for a priest and a caretaker,a retreat center,for studies,and 24 parking spaces. r Considering costs of the approval process;consul' planning and construction;this project would be eno¢ expensive.It would also seem out of scale,both for.the ful of nuns and for the rugged mountains where it is pl w Rather than press on with this project,*.church sh`the c take advantage of the generous$1 million buy-out_off the open space district,or at least scale down th6`pro that it will have less impact diiAhe mostly iindd�el"a' that is visible from Highway 92 and other.locagons'am Half Moon Bay.The open space district is'bir}ng a_conA` to assist in locating a suitable site that would meet ifie of the owners. So far, the two sides have been-n-unable'- despite extensive negotiations,and the open soace`distn considering taking steps to condemn the'properly:On . 18 the district board will hold a public hearing on,a. of necessity which could lead to the forced sale of the ty to the district for permanent open space'anci � There is no doubt.that the small'order of nods from , Russian Convent of Our Lady of Valdimir deserves al away from its busy Mission District church in San Fri But the development proposed by the Russian Ortliodo Church is much more than an escape for a few nuns:It` x suggests a major church center which could attracte'a laige< number of people and cars to a cherished rural area. l 4�{� MiEE5 Prole, Moon site Mateo Bay r:-f 92 Open Space Ywarm 28 SK INE San BLVD.--+ % Carlos Group Wants 35 INGS AN OUR N RD. MATED CO. Woodside Menlo Nuns' Land Park Detae aril ,},:Stan Universitj`• Monastery is planned .;ty -`'r3'°"& 1 for Peninsula acreage N .NU S,� fi .-5-.KwYIiSp t By Marshall Wilson • ) From Page A17 Chronicle Stoff Writer about religion.It's an issue of de- f ,� velopment and the loss of the land Orthodox nuns who saw'indi- as open space.",-. ;,,,, w asteries seized in Russia and China ' Despite the religious overtones ' now face a Peninsula land eonserriy f the issue has turned into a classic vation agency that wants to'clairnt` sus pespace.Bay battle over growth, , " property they bought to;build a' Two years ago the'nuns pals' monastery,an attorney for the sis- $700,000 for the property about ' tens charged yesterday. '' is two miles south of Highway 92 off Skyline Boulevard. Located`next Sisters from the Russian';con- to a state park,the property'con- vent of Our Lady of Vladimir;wt>4o tams sweeping views of.the coast; cloak all but their faces in`;W ek`t' and habitat for deer,bobcats,birds, and seldom speak in public,"Gva1i"'t. and other wnante to build the monaste "bii' 2k n Plans can for the construction a tson ry of a convent for 20 nuns', six- , acres high above Half Moon Bay,:, room religious retreat with a care-. But the Mid peninsula Re ional , taker's residence,and a chapel" p .. topped by an onion-shaped dome Open Space District has set a ; 90 feet high. County supervisors March 18 hearing to start eminent last May approved a concept plan domain proceedings. on a 3-to-2 vote. t t In response to critics,the nuns "'This would be an egregious{ scaled back the project from four taking of private property.`, e to three buildings and offered to cannot show there's a public iieces paint the dome a dull color rather. sity," said Colleen Doherty,` aJ01 than bright gold. They also plan torney for the sisters, at a news extensive landscaping. As a compromise,Doherty said i conference yesterday. r,'QtP YleC the sisters offered to sell e0 per- "It's a heavy hand,no question cent of the land to the.district form q& about it," said John Ward the, �,000.,Theaiaters,also•proposedt) Itr. declaring 90 percent of the land-ir� •ca v. nuns'development consultant and permanent open .space, 'which' a former county., supervisor. would,achieve most of what the- "What's ironic is they Cam1 6.to ° district wants at no cost to taxpay. ers,she said. �,5• ,. i. America for freedom." ` €. r X = But opponents say the project Nine sisters who averagq about would be equal in scope to build-' l' 70 years of age want to leave�.their, ing a dozen or more homes or a church in San Francisco's,noisy' motel. Mission District for the quiet of the "Looking at the effects on the Coastal hells. land,it will cause both visual and -` _' other impacts to the complex of The district wants the`land to' traits and open space preserves -and wildlife areas," said Lennie allow the public the same opportu Roberts of the Committee for pity for tranquility. 4 ' Green Foothills, which supports ) 'This is a property that is`so'vis the district's move. ible and valuable atop•a co'as"tail Smith said the district is not „ q r moving to acquire the land for the ridge line, said Malcolm Smith, benefit of a'few local residents.He district spokesman. "This 'is'not, said the district is sensitive to the V`.> t• sisters'plight. NUNS: Page A24 Col.1 our Lady of Vladimir began in 1910 when a group of Russian nuns , was directed to revive a closed monastery in the Ural Mountains. Forced to flee the Red Army dur• ing the Russian revolution, they later established and lost two mon- asteries in Chia before settling is San Francisco 50 vears ago. Regional Open S, ce MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT NOTICE OF NTENTION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT on March 18, 1998, the Board of Directors of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the District's office, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, California, will hold a public hearing during which it intends to consider and may adopt a resolution of necessity that would authorize and direct the taking of the property located at 12140 Skyline Blvd., San Mateo County, Assessor's Parcel Number 067-310-110, approximately 284 acres as shown on the attached map. i Dated: March 10,1998 By: L. Crag Britton General Manager i 1 330 Distel Circle • Los Altos,CA 94022-1404 Phone:650-691-1200 FAX:650-691-0485 • E-mail:mrosd®openspace.org Web site:www.openspace.orgn Board of Directors:Pete Siemens,Mary C.Davey,Jed Cyr,David T.Smernoff, Nonette Hanko, Betsy Crowder,Kenneth C. Nitz • General Manager:L.Craig Britton