Jackling house, Barkley Field projects before Woodside Planning Commission Jackling house, Barkley Field projects before Woodside Planning Commission (June 02, 2004)

By Andrea Gemmet
Almanac Staff Writer

The Woodside Planning Commission is set to grapple with environmental studies for two high-profile projects at its Wednesday, June 2, meeting -- Barkley Field and Steve Jobs' Jackling house.

Mr. Jobs is seeking to demolish the house built for copper baron Daniel C. Jackling, but to get the permit, the Planning Commission must first hold a public hearing on the recently released final draft of the environmental impact report and vote to certify it.

Known as a "focused EIR," it examines the effects of demolition on the house that is considered a historic resource. It details the 1926 Spanish colonial revival-style house's historic significance, its deterioration due to neglect, and alternatives to demolishing it.

The property's owner, Mr. Jobs, of Apple Computer and Pixar fame, has been seeking permission to demolish the house since 2001. Under state law, the house's historic value requires an environmental impact report be certified by the town's Planning Commission before a demolition permit can be granted.

Playing field

Also on the agenda is a public hearing on the town's plan to build an athletic field and playground on donated land off Farm Hill Boulevard, across from Canada College. Another type of environmental review, called a "mitigated negative declaration," has been prepared for the project, and the Planning Commission will be accepting comments on it.

Town Manager Susan George has been working with the field site's adjacent neighbors in the Woodhill Estates subdivision for months to try to overcome objections to the project. Any lingering concerns will doubtlessly be aired at the Planning Commission meeting.

INFORMATION

The Woodside Planning Commission meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, and is held in Independence Hall, 2955 Woodside Road. For information, call 851-6790.

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