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An undeveloped piece of ground can have many names: briar patch, redwood grove, field of flowers, abandoned lot down the street, open space.
Be careful on that last one; it’s a term of art. The state has a definition for open space in a town’s general plan, and Portola Valley is now working on a related definition: “open space preserve.”
Getting the definition right is important because the town collects taxes and donations for the purchase of open space. This verdant, upscale town has shown strong interest in maintaining its verdant, upscale character, and key to that interest is buying and protecting desirable land when it becomes available.
“Open space preserve” is not an unfamiliar term in town deliberations, Town Planner George Mader told The Almanac, but a definition is needed. Residents recently renewed the tax for open space acquisition, and an ad hoc committee is forming to consider uses for the 6-acre Spring Down property adjacent to Town Center.
The town acquired Spring Down in 2000 for $3.25 million in public funds. It had been home to a private equestrian facility, now moved out, and some have talked of establishing a community vegetable garden or farm there.
Mr. Mader, on Nov. 11, recommended in a staff report to the Town Council that such preserves be retained in a “natural condition,” allow activities such as nature study and kite flying, and limit structures to benches and trail signs.
The council discussed the report and, after some unresolved disagreement over how restrictive to make the definition, handed it off for comment from volunteer committees with a natural interest in the matter.
Ad hoc committee meetings will be public, will start in January, and will be noticed in advance, including on the Web site. To sign up for a notice, click on eNotices on the home page and check the box for ad hoc committees.
An implicit promise?
The town adds to the open space acquisition fund some $225,000 in utility users tax revenues every year, paid by residents and businesses. Additional funding comes from events such as the annual Blues & Barbecue Festival, which regularly raises more than $50,000. A town dance that benefited open space was held Nov. 14.
Is there an implicit promise in such fundraising? Does it square with what donors and taxpayers expect and want? Opinions differ.
Councilman Richard Merk, saying that he was “very impressed” with Mr. Mader’s report, described a restrictive definition as a bulwark against the diluting effect of cultural trends.
The town is changing, and not always for the better, chimed in Councilwoman Maryann Moise Derwin. She knows of two younger homeowners, she said, who’ve illuminated their trees in violation of the ethic of protecting the town’s darkness.
Portola Valley has rural appeal because the community protected it, she said. “I feel that what George has produced here is holding the line,” she added.
Ms. Derwin asked Mr. Mader if his definition would allow a garden at Spring Down.
“I would say that changes the site,” he replied. “Community gardens usually disturb the area considerably.”
A garden could be in a park, he added, implying that such land is not open space and thus ineligible for restricted funds.
Councilman Steve Toben described himself as hesitant about a restrictive definition and proposed a “different perspective.” The town, he said, should consider whether the permitted activity would “nurture the development of the social capital of our community.”
A garden, he said, could engage neighbors who might otherwise never get to know one another, thereby countering the “centrifugal forces” that drive neighbors apart. “I think it’s sorely lacking in our community, as it is in every community,” he added.
Mayor Ann Wengert agreed on restrictions too finely drawn, and claimed a “very, very strong sense of unease” about prohibiting activities that hadn’t yet been thought of.
Joan Lane, trailblazing volunteer and Stanford’s go-to for ‘sticky problems,' dies at 97March 25, 2026 3:23 pm
Cawtion is vital. Pay very close to Georges advice.
As a conversationalist said:
Our victorys are temporary and our defeats are permanent
“CaWtion” is wright Mr. Kirkstock. And remember, if it wasn’t for the Optimist, the Pessimist wouldn’t know how happy he ISN’T!
I was at the Council meeting for other reasons, but have to say I found the conversation fascinating and I would urge anyone who is interested to get a copy of the packet which was prepared for this agenda item. I happened to pick it up to follow along with the discussion. There are lots of definitons and it helps to understand the different possible uses. Very good reading.