The Sequoias expansion has green light again The Sequoias expansion has green light again (October 20, 2004)

By David Boyce
Almanac Staff Writer

After an unsettling two weeks, the green light is again on for Portola Valley's Sequoias retirement community to build a two-story 21,500-square-foot treatment center for 24 physically frail residents near the entrance to the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve on Portola Road.

At the October 13 Town Council meeting, former council member Jon Silver withdrew a September 30 appeal that would have forced the council to hold a public hearing to review The Sequoias' plans and their recent approval -- on a 3-0-2 vote -- by the five-member Planning Commission.

The council had briefly considered reviewing the commission's decision on September 8 so as to further prepare the public for a building that will be more massive than is usual in Portola Valley, said Councilman Richard Merk. But the council dropped the idea after learning that a brief 10-day review period would expire before a discussion could be scheduled.

Mr. Silver said he filed the appeal to give the council a chance to review the decision and because he, too, felt residents needed a more extensive introduction to the proposed building.

But he said he came to regret his action after phone calls from several Sequoias residents and longtime Portola Valley resident Bill Lane. Mr. Silver said in an interview that at a meeting with The Sequoias residents council, he was surprised by the very high level of support for the center.

"This facility is critically needed," he said, adding that it would be nicer to have one "that complements Portola Valley and doesn't stand out."

In an interview, Planning Commissioner Ann Wengert said she had made "a very difficult decision" to approve the plan and was influenced by the six years of effort by the town's Architecture and Site Control Commission, The Sequoias management, and town staff.

Commissioner Craig Breon said he abstained because he was torn by the need for the facility and the desire for a somewhat smaller building.

Mr. Silver was apologetic in a five-minute address to the council. "All the decisions we make may not be perfect," he said. "I think more harm might have been done by going forward (with the appeal) than what might have been achieved."

Mr. Lane praised Mr. Silver's willingness to stick his neck out and take a position. "You didn't make a mistake," he said to Mr. Silver. "You made a statement. You expressed an opinion and I have great respect for you."

Councilman Merk, who said he was "very surprised" by the brief window allowed the council for review, thanked Mr. Silver for filing the appeal.

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