The North 40

By Barbara Spector

Los Gatos must utilize good land use policies for the development of any North 40 Specific Plan.

However, because some the property adjacent to the Yuki land is currently under development and because of the significant impact this large parcel could have on Los Gatos, the council will be preparing a specific plan for this area.

Many property development ideas have surfaced for the North 40 including: a hospital, housing, big box retail, offices, and a mixed use of retail and residences. As your councilmember, I will not bring with me a preconceived agenda about what should be done with this property. What I will do is listen to the input from our residents and business owners. What I won't do is be guided by the "fiscalization of land use," a term used by planning professionals when the goal of maximizing town revenue forms the basis for land use decisions. My determination will be predicated on the kind of sound land use polices that have created economic vibrancy for Los Gatos.

For example, I was a member of the Los Gatos Planning Commission between 1980-1988, during which time I served several terms as Chair and Vice-Chair. During my tenure, the Commission developed the General Plan, Zoning Ordinances, Hillside Plan and Downtown Specific Plan that have protected our hillsides, historic homes, neighborhoods and businesses for more than 20 years. Continuing those protections will always be my priority.