All five Los Altos city council memberswent on the record as being in favor of the city buying the entire5.74-acre St. William school site.
Open space and outdoor recreation were the top two uses mentionedby council members at the May 14 council meeting.
“Open space to me means open space for our youth – not justspace we look at,” said Los Altos Mayor Patti Williams. “Iprefer to say that we acquire the space for recreational use soour public is not misled.”
Councilman Lou Becker agrees. “I favor it all, and I wantopen space – ball fields, picnic space, a dog area. And tear downthe buildings, ASAP.”
Councilman Bob Gray said he sees a benefit to the whole communityby buying the property, but that he does not want an indoor sportsfacility there.
At the April 23 meeting, council members voted 3-2, in closedsession, to authorize City Manager Dianne Gershuny to enter negotiationsfor buying the property. Negotiations continue and no action wastaken at the May 14 meeting.
“To vote to move ahead with purchase, that action would takeplace in an open, public city council meeting,” said CarolScharz, Los Altos city clerk.
Depending upon negotiations, it could be on the agenda as soonas May 28.
Nine residents spoke at the May 14 meeting about the St. Williamsite which is located in a residential area of Los Altos at theend of Rosita Avenue behind the Covington School property.
People expressed concerns about cost of the property, estimatedto be in the $5 million to $6 million range, giving the churcha fair price, funding the purchase, planning the use of the spaceand fearing a loss of city services because they worry no moneywill be left after buying the site.
“This thing is snowballing and bulldozing its way through,”said neighbor Ann Testa who has not wanted the city to acquirethe site for an indoor sports facility.
Councilman Francis La Poll said, “We will not be cuttingour service level” by buying the property. “I am committedto a fair price,” he said. “I want to assure ownersand the church of that.”
Regarding affordability, Williams said that “I would nothave supported it (acquiring the site) if I hadn’t thought wecould do it.”
Becker said he wants “a ballot initiative that would includea bond. We should not cut community improvements.”
Financing and land use will be discussed at later dates.
“The community will determine the uses,” said CouncilwomanKris Casto. She pointed out that Grant Park planning took threeto four years.
“The community will come together in the future,” shesaid, to develop plans for the St. William land. “Our windowof opportunity is here now – to proceed with the purchase of thesite.”
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