Portola Valley Notes Portola Valley Notes (September 15, 2004)

Council won't appeal Sequoias expansion

At the end of last week's Portola Valley Town Council meeting, council members talked about reviewing the Planning Commission's September 1 decision to allow The Sequoias retirement community to build a 21,500-square-foot assisted-living center near the entrance to the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve.

Town zoning ordinances, however, gave them only a limited time to decide to appeal the decision: at their next meeting or within 10 days, whichever is later, said Town Attorney Sandy Sloan. Residents have 30 days for appeals. The council's deadline passed Monday, September 13.

The Planning Commission had approved the plan on a vote of 3-0-2, with two abstentions. The Architecture and Site Control Commission voted 3-0 to approve the plan, with two recusals.

Councilman Richard Merk asked for a council review in light of these "weak" endorsements and the height and visibility of the facility's walls.

Supes to rule on Ladera lighting plans

At its meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, September 14, the county Board of Supervisors will rule on an appeal of a county Planning Commission decision denying the Ladera Oaks Swim and Tennis Club's request to upgrade its tennis court lighting. The supervisors' chambers are in the Hall of Justice, 400 County Center, in Redwood City.

Portola Valley Mayor George Comstock invited Town Council members to attend the meeting. Ted Driscoll said he'd attend and would resist the club's call for mediation. "We could compromise our darkness away," he said.

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