Was valley committee's work for naught? Was valley committee's work for naught? (March 03, 2004)

By Sue Chaput

Last summer, the Town Center Citizens Advisory Committee spent a thousand hours exploring opportunities and possibilities for a new or different town center.

Each site committee gave an extensive report and presentation. Many pleasant surprises were found in some of the sites and scenarios. For example, a new town hall and corporation yard would fit at our eight-acre Ford Field on Alpine Road, while keeping the baseball diamond. In my opinion, it beats tearing out five tennis courts, a children's park, a soccer and a baseball field.

We requested that our research be posted for public viewing at the town center, the library and other venues. This did not happen. We were thanked and dismissed. Time prevented us from assessing more sites.

We were not asked to do more creative planning and processes such as the $83,000 charrette. By the way, we were there free of charge. The greater citizenship was never asked for more or better ideas. There was no public request for land availability, nor ways suggested to acquire potential sites. The finance committee did a stellar job of explaining tax advantages for a sale or gift of private property.

There seemed to be an urgent need for consensus. Would we want a new center on the current site? Can we always have what we want? The answer now comes, yes, at what price?

The estimated cost of a new Town Center last summer was $12 million to $15 million. I believe these projections will increase. Some experts have said to double the cost over the next few years for the proposed phased development.

Aesthetically, we can never acquire such a beautiful site again. As a 31-year resident, I've hiked every trail and walked every street. The present Town Center is the unique place for easy access to walk, sit, play, learn, visit and enjoy.

Most important is the gorgeous view of the orchards (thank you El Mirador), the Western hills, and the sky. We cannot reclaim this site once it is covered with buildings.

Wallace Stegner often referred to a sense of place. However, I'm certain he would choose open space in this case. We can bring it back from a "purpose-built" site to a restored, beautiful, useable open space park.

We pride ourselves on being a town of vibrant volunteers. Our work does not reside in buildings. Our spirit is in our energy and wisdom. It is in our will and enthusiasm, and for some of us, in our hearts. There are many different options. We can come to greater resolve.

Please consider these important issues and let your opinions be known.

Sue Chaput lives on Alamos Road in Portola Valley. She was a member of the Town Center Citizens Advisory Committee.

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