VIDEO: Updated: Planners Deny Downtown Apartment Project

The Los Gatos Planning Commission unanimously recommended Wednesday evening that the Town Council deny a a 32-unit, downtown low-income apartment complex on a 1.49-acre lot at .

The denial came after nearly five hours of testimony and debate by community members and planners who expressed concern about several aspects of the project located between College Avenue to the south and the Los Gatos Creek Trail and Highway 17 to the north.

It was standing-room only inside Town Hall's chambers packed with more than 100 residents who either supported or opposed an affordable-housing project in downtown Los Gatos.

More than 30 people spoke before planners, about two thirds of them against the town building the low-income apartment complex at .

They contended the project is too dense and unsafe, would obstruct views of the mountains and create a traffic and parking nightmare around Main Street leading up to Maple and Dittos lanes.

"I wonder, why the rush to judgment?" asked Terry Maas, owner of the El Gato Penthouse Apartments, which would be next to the project. He was referring to the planners, who were expected to make a recommendation to the Los Gatos Town Council Wednesday night on the land's rezoning.

But Rich Branden, who lives on Summit Road, said he supported the development, because he and his mother have tried to find an affordable-housing unit in Los Gatos for several years.

Similarly, John Lynch, a representative from the Los Gatos Interfaith Clergy Association, said the project is sorely needed and deserved community support. 

"As a body of faith-based groups serving Los Gatos, [we] are well aware of the need to provide reasonably priced housing within the town limits for people of all income levels," Lynch said, reading a prepared statement. "Many within our community have been blessed with a level of prosperity that is enviable to much of the world. Providing affordable housing can ease the burdens of many who work in our communities or wish to live close to family and friends. Unfortunately, the very prosperity we enjoy creates a housing market that makes it impossible for all but the well-do-do to afford a home in the area." 

Opponents said they weren't against affordable housing but against the amount of units proposed for the site.  

The project would be comprised of two, three-story structures with 16 one-bedroom units and 16 two-bedroom units. It would also have 58 parking spaces. 

In 2008, ROEM Development Corporation approached town staff with an interest in developing affordable housing in Los Gatos. Since then, town staff has held several discussions with ROEM, a staff report said.

ROEM requested a $5.3 million loan from the Los Gatos RDA's Affordable Housing Fund. The area is in the Central Los Gatos Redevelopment Project Area, consistent with the Town's General Plan, according to the report.

The units would be low and moderate income. The town bought the property in December 2009.

Brad Clawsie, who lives on College Avenue, said there is Web site opposing the project, stopdittoslane.com. He said story poles, which have been erected on the site, show the development will occupy the entire lot, requiring the chopping down of surrounding trees. He also said nearby properties will lose sunlight, views and insulation from the sound of the highway.

The council is expected to hear the proposal April 4.