portola valley planning commission

In addition, under the guise of reporting on a Planning Commissioner recusing herself, the reporter used the story to present an unbalanced, biased view of an evolving situation. Vahtra has volunteered to help low-income people file their taxes for a decade for an IRS tax program. City of Portola Pay Schedule for 2023-2024 Fiscal Year, City of Portola Proposed Operating Budget for 2023-2024, City Council Regular Meeting April 26, 2023, Planning Commission Agenda Archive - 2018, Planning Commission Agenda Archive - 2017. 765 Portola Rd, All of the buildings in the development will be two stories, according to the proposal. I don't come into this with any backstory. Karen VahtraKaren Vahtra, an electrical engineer and co-editor of the Portola Valley Post, has lived in Portola Valley for 20 years.Vahtra co-founded a technology company that went public in November 2001. Contact Us She said this role wouldn't impact her ability to serve on the Planning Commission. The town is trying to move quickly to modify its housing element, which covers planning for new homes for 2023 through 2031, so it can maintain local control and evade the so-called "builder's remedy. Warr noted that he served on the ASCC through a tough period when nearly all of the design standards were modified to guide and protect Portola Valley from becoming like some of the other adjacent communities. Embarcadero Media Town staff presented three possibilities for developing 4370 Alpine Road during the meeting after receiving a petition opposing three-story development of the site, along with other requests to decrease development. He believes potential buyers would include longtime Portola Valley residents who own larger properties looking to downsize as they retire, as well as young families who grew up in the area and cannot afford to live in town at a price point in excess of $6 million. The creator of the town's social media platform, a retired attorney, an architect, an engineer and tech company founder have applied for two open seats on the Portola Valley Planning Commission. Blogs Uploaded: Tue, Jan 10, 2023, 4:14 pm All rights reserved. Your contribution matters. I don't come into this with any backstory. Portola Valley, CA . Krashinksy is a computer engineer at NVIDIA, where he's worked for over a decade. Where does she quote the opposing views stated at the same meeting from the residential neighbors who live in the neighborhood surrounding the property in question? To get all the local news, including many stories you cant find online, pick up the Post every morning at 1,000 Mid-Peninsula locations. "The 4394 Alpine Road site could be up to three stories, an average 1,280 square feet per unit, with 1.5 spaces per unit, plus nine guest spots. We are dedicated to protecting and enhancing the high quality of life based on the foundation of the Towns General Plan, with a focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Palo Alto Online A Portola Valley resident's threatened lawsuit against the Town Council and Planning Commission if they don't rescind their votes approving environmental studies for the town's housing and safety plan, has been delayed until at least Sept. 11. Sign up to be notified of new comments on this topic. Portola Valley considers amending zoning ordinance to allow "public buildings" in R-1 residential zone On March 17, 2021, the Planning Commission heard an application by the Woodside Fire Protection District to renovate, upgrade and expand its existing fire station on Portola Road. Print Edition/Archives To view links to available agendas or minutes, select the Meeting Date from the Minutes and Agendas page. She did state that she doesn't like the state mandates for a housing element, but said under the pressure from the state, the town has done a good job on its draft element. All the commissioners are volunteers appointed by the Town Council for 4-year terms. Spotlight Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. The Planning Commission is responsible for addressing policy matters related to general land use and development in Town. The Commissioners serve two-year staggered terms and are appointed in July of each year. Portola Valley: Five seeking two seats on Planning Commission by Angela Swartz / Almanac Uploaded: Tue, Jan 10, 2023, 4:14 pm 0 Time to read: about 7 minutes The Portola Valley Town Council top right (Judith Hasko, Jeff Aalfs and Sarah Wernikoff) conduct interviews with Planning Commissioner candidates. Welcome to the Building & Planning section of the Town's website. The apartments will be clustered into three buildings with four apartments each. The Architectural & Site Control Commission normally meets on the2nd and 4th Mondays at 6:00 pm in the Historic Schoolhouse. Privacy Policy. "We all wish the maps were already done," Planning and Building Director Laura Russell. Promotions, About Us Get daily headlines sent straight to your inbox in our Express newsletter. The sites are not in the "very high" or "high" fire danger areas. Photo by Magali Gauthier. We are dedicated to protecting and enhancing the high quality of life based on the foundation of the Town's General Plan, with a focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship. "It (recusals) got to be a much bigger thing than expected. Terms of Use Make sure that you add admin@pvnu.org to your contacts so that our emails go to your inbox! Obituaries, Send News Tips This latest round includes an obligation to plan for much more new housing than in years past, and San Mateo County municipalities have struggled to submit plans that meet the stricter state requirements. A horseman, Warr is a native of rural Oregon. People, we can do better than this! Help sustain the local news you depend on. Around the time she resigned, several other committee members did as well. The town council will get the final vote. Several other residents at the Nov. 30 Planning Commission meeting also implored Hasko to participate. Judith Hasko in Palo Alto on Sept. 9, 2022. "It (recusals) got to be a much bigger thing than expected.". "Unfortunately today it remains unclear to me if I can participate or not," Hasko said, noting that she appreciates the sentiments of residents encouraging her to not recuse herself. Place a Legal Notice The Portola Valley Town Council is also scheduled to vote at the meeting on ratifying Town Manager Jeremy Dennis' Jan. 4 emergency declaration in response to the recent storms. Architectural & Site Control Commission; Planning Commission; Town Committees; Town Hall; Town Staff; General Plan; Municipal Code; Transparency / Open Government . Departments Planning & Building Department Resource Center. However, the Commissiongenerallyonly meets on an "as needed" basis. Krashinksy completed his bachelor's degree at University of California at Berkeley and holds a Ph.D. from MIT. The site is being considered for new housing. The creator of the town's social media platform, a retired attorney, an architect, an engineer and tech company founder have applied for two open seats on the Portola Valley Planning Commission. Town staff presented three possibilities for developing 4370 Alpine Road during the meeting after receiving a petition opposing three-story development of the site, along with other requests to decrease development. The Town Council must ratify such a proclamation within seven days. Some residents again urged the town to slow down its housing element process, with former Town Council candidate and Emergency Preparedness Committee Chair Dale Pfau calling the builder's remedy fears a "red herring." You would transition to townhouses, then you would enter the neighborhood.". Note: This is an evolving story. Portola Valley Planning Commissioner continues to recuse herself from Architectural & Site Control Commission Home When I clicked on the WebLink to read the previous week's story, this is what I received: Town Attorney Cara Silver is captured below. Become a Member Community Calendar "I am very familiar with the design and construction process as I participated extensively with the architect and contractor when I built a house here that was completed in 2006.". Portola Valley's housing element has yet to be accepted by state housing officials. Copyright 2023, The Daily Post. Sorry, but further commenting on this topic has been closed. Fighting back: Serial ADA lawsuits trigger disputes over legislation but agreement about accessibility education, Menlo Park: Meta launches Threads app and gains 40 million users overnight, as rival Twitter threatens lawsuit, Students rally, Stanford Law faculty react to Supreme Court's affirmative action decision, Stanford researchers aim to answer the question: 'How do you improve air quality in schools? Regular Meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Tuesday of the Month at 6:00 p.m. Under our existing ordinance, the enhanced fire resistance standards of Chapter 7 A would apply to any new structure, including any project to alter or improve an existing structure that affected 50% of its floor area or 50% of its exterior wall surface. here. She said she also spearheaded an effort with many residents in town during the COVID-19 pandemic to sew and repair about 1,000 masks for the community at large. We are distressed that this project has not been stopped and that our interests are not being listened to, resident Mary Hufty told the town council in May. Become a Member "Portola Valley exists in a stunningly beautiful landscape of mountains, hills and steep ridges straddling the geologically active San Andreas Fault, covered with oak forests and riparian zones along creeks and riverbeds," said Flynn, who has lived in Portola Valley for about two decades, in her Dec. 21 letter of intent. On May 5 the Planning Commission decided to postpone consideration of the proposed amendments until a subsequent meeting. She has a background covering education, city politics and business. Come on, this is a critical statement that Laura Russell is now quoting as definitive. PR MediaRelease In regard to the Stanford site, with no building the site would be considered high fire risk, but once built out, it would be reduced to a moderate, staff said. TownSquare His clients have included the Woodside Priory and Woodside Fire Protection District, he said. He has learned that the town has been "under great strain" with the regional need for more housing was colliding with a desire to preserve the town's rural character and the need for geologic and fire safety. Here you can find information about our government operations, local news, and upcoming events. "I chose Portola Valley over the neighboring communities because I love nature, open space, and a quiet environment," she said. Brothers moved to town just a year ago, but said she feels like an "old timer" in Portola Valley having grown up in Palo Alto off of Arastradero Road near Gunn High School, roaming the hills of the area. Mountain View Voice From this section you can find an overview of theBuilding & Planning Department, including information on how to apply for various building permitsand a section where you can download pdf's of Townordinances and regulations. 2023 Almanac Online. We are excited to welcome a new Town Clerk to Portola Valley. "I encourage Judith to participate," said resident Marcin Pawlowski, noting that she was the top vote-getter in November's council race. We are thrilled to have you as a subscriber to Portola Valley Neighbors United. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. Terms of Use Follow AlmanacNews.com and The Almanac on Twitter @almanacnews, Facebook and on Instagram @almanacnews for breaking news, local events, photos, videos and more. Congratulations to Judith Hasko and Craig Hughes, who were also endorsed. Finally, you may review and download pdf sections of the Town'sGeneral Planin this section. Staff met with neighborhood residents and developed conceptual approaches based on public comments. Planning Commissioner, Portola Valley Planning Commissioner Appointed position (2014 -current) Partner, Cooley LLP (2001 -2006) Education. He formerly served on the ASCC from 1991 to 2012.A horseman, Warr is a native of rural Oregon. Ronny Krashinsky, who joined the town's Sustainability Committee in 2022, said in a Dec. 22 letter of interest, that he was "struck by the beauty" of the town's design guidelines and conservation guide when he moved to Portola Valley two years ago. The Commission handles land use issues within the City. She told the council on Monday that she has a lot of experience working on California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) cases. P.O. Council member Craig Taylor wondered if Warr would himself have to recuse himself from the entire housing element process as Hasko has done. Mountain View Voice Time to read: about 7 minutes. Privacy Policy Please make sure your comments are truthful, on-topic and do not disrespect another poster. Uploaded: Wed, Jul 5, 2023, 9:23 am Fighting back: Serial ADA lawsuits trigger disputes over legislation but agreement about accessibility education, Menlo Park: Meta launches Threads app and gains 40 million users overnight, as rival Twitter threatens lawsuit, Students rally, Stanford Law faculty react to Supreme Court's affirmative action decision, Stanford researchers aim to answer the question: 'How do you improve air quality in schools? Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Next stepsThe Planning Commission had planned to make a formal recommendation to the council on the housing element on Dec. 13, but staff moved the next meeting to Jan. 4 to give people more time to review the plans.The Town Council will review the housing element package for adoption over the course of two or three meetings in January before resubmitting the document.Watch a video of the meeting here. The state did institute the builder's remedy in Santa Monica after it failed to submit a compliant housing element.With builder's remedy, cities and towns could be required to approve any project that has 20% of its units designated for affordable or low-income households or 100% moderate income households even if the project exceeds the zoning and general plan density requirements, according to a Nov. 10 staff presentation to Portola Valley's Ad Hoc Housing Element Committee. "It is important I figure this out. Lynda Brothers, a retired lawyer, applied for the one-year term in a Dec. 19 letter of intent. As you can imagine, I am frustrated with the situation as I want to participate in all these important discussions as much as possible. Krashinksy is a computer engineer at NVIDIA, where he's worked for over a decade.He has learned that the town has been "under great strain" with the regional need for more housing was colliding with a desire to preserve the town's rural character and the need for geologic and fire safety.He's closely followed the Ad Hoc Housing Element Committee and related Planning Commission and Town Council meetings. The third plan would establish setbacks of 30 feet on the Nathhorst Avenue side, and 25 feet on the other two sides of the property. Zoning PVNU One of the seats is for a one-year term (ending in December 2023) and the other is for a two-year term (ending in December 2024). He said he would like to see consensus and balance brought to the town's commissions. Portola Valley, CA | Home The two selected will replace Judith Hasko and Craig Taylor, who left the commission in December after getting elected to the Town Council. "The omission of tree removal data is one illustration of the inadequacy of the DEIR," she and co-author Valerie Baldwin wrote. ', Palo Alto High School students build solar vehicle for national Solar Car Challenge. M-F: 8 am to 12 pm, 1 pm to 5 pm The need to perform the State-mandated wildfire hazard and risk assessment in order to decide whether and how to exercise its authority to protect public safety against wildfire hazards and risks in town. It is true that the reporter once again has reported one side of the discussion. Get the latest local news and information sent straight to your inbox. Redwood City Pulse, 2023 Almanac Online "I encourage Judith to participate," said resident Marcin Pawlowski, noting that she was the top vote-getter in November's council race. After public comment at the start of a Nov. 30 Portola Valley Planning Commission meeting, commissioner Judith Hasko, who was elected to join the Town Council in December, said she needed to make an announcement. This latest round includes an obligation to plan for much more new housing than in years past, and San Mateo County municipalities have struggled to submit plans that meet the stricter state requirements. Following that exodus, vice chair Dale Pfau was removed from his post.She said she also spearheaded an effort with many residents in town during the COVID-19 pandemic to sew and repair about 1,000 masks for the community at large. Portola Valley Planning Commission considering key findings for Neely Special Pubs Building & Planning permit counter hours:M-F: 8 am to 12 pm, Created By Granicus - Connecting People and Government. Photo by Angela Swartz. My approach is pretty simple: I act as a neighbor and a representative of the public. Krashinksy is also a member of the town's ADU Ambassador team.Krashinksy lives next to The Sequoias retirement community, which is included in the housing element's site inventory. The 4394 Alpine Road site could be up to three stories, an average 1,280 square feet per unit, with 1.5 spaces per unit, plus nine guest spots. Place a Legal Notice Hasko, who is set to join the Town Council next week, said she consulted with her counsel and Town Attorney Cara Silver at the start of a four-hour Wednesday, Dec. 7, meeting. An environmental impact report is being prepared. "Local impacts of the storms so far include: Local flooding on Portola Road and Mapache Drive Minor mudslides on Portola, Alpine, Hayfields, Westridge roads Silted up drainage ditches on Portola and Alpine roads Fallen trees on Portola, Alpine, Los Trancos Woods roadsThese are the applicants:==Lynda Brothers==Lynda Brothers, a retired lawyer, applied for the one-year term in a Dec. 19 letter of intent. Planning Commission | Portola, CA PR MediaRelease His clients have included the Woodside Priory and Woodside Fire Protection District, he said. Redwood City Pulse, 2023 Almanac Online All rights reserved. "I do you think there's value because of the insight I can have from both the applicant's and the opponent's position.". You may also subscribe to receive e-notices of upcoming meetings via our Subscribe to Notices page. Home & Real Estate "I feel the town would benefit by having, again, a practicing design professional on either the ASCC or the Planning Commission," he said. Jennifer Torres joins us after over 7 years with the City of Rio Vista. Circulation & Delivery Don't be snarky or belittling. . "I felt that I could contribute and I hope one of many that we could calm the level of anxiety in the town and that we could all kind of return to where life was a lot easier," she told the council on Monday. Permitting and entitlement for public and private development projects, Development of new land use policies, based on current thinking and innovative ideas, though a public engagement process, Response to State law and reporting requirements, particularly related to housing, Answer questions about the Town's policies and assist them through the process, Enforcement of the Towns municipal code, Section II - Planning & Building: Department 300. The Almanac's coverage of any issue, especially one that extends over a lengthy period of time, should never be judged based on a single story. Town staff plan to work with the property owner to come up with a plan that works. Portola Valley Planning Commissioner recuses herself from housing Portola Valley, CA 94028, Town Hall hours of operation: As you can imagine, I am frustrated with the situation as I want to participate in all these important discussions as much as possible. Some residents have asked the town to hold off on completing its housing element until the Woodside Fire Protection District has finalized its fire hazard maps, which will outline fire risk in Portola Valley and update the fire code. She told the council on Monday that she has a lot of experience working on California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) cases.Brothers moved to town just a year ago, but said she feels like an "old timer" in Portola Valley having grown up in Palo Alto off of Arastradero Road near Gunn High School, roaming the hills of the area.She said in her interview with the council that she's always wanted to serve on a Planning Commission. Rather than strengthen or enhance the home hardening standards established under Chapter 7A, some of the changes proposed by the Planning Department would instead create new exemptions from or limitations to the existing standards. If Rusty and his crew have something constructive to add to the housing element process, they hardly need a "privileged and confidential" process. The town is trying to move quickly to modify its housing element, which covers planning for new homes for 2023 through 2031, so it can maintain local control and evade the so-called "builder's remedy.". Brothers, a former biochemical geneticist, said she went to law school with the goal of "addressing scientific matters in the public policy arena." "Vahtra has volunteered to help low-income people file their taxes for a decade for an IRS tax program. Palo Alto Online The exterior of 4370 Alpine Road in Portola Valley on Dec. 6, 2022. The owner of 4370 Alpine Road, Rich Thesing, said he found out about the town potentially designating nine units of housing for his property through an article in The Almanac a couple of months ago. The council at the same meeting that Hufty spoke at ended up voting 3-0 to send a letter to the group responding to some of the claims it has made about the project and the towns handling of it. Portola Valley: Town begins public meeting process for Stanford housing Due to COVID-19 policies The Planning Commission will be meeting on Zoom the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. Home Portola Valley is facing a lawsuit if the town's Planning Commission and Town Council doesn't rescind its votes to approve environmental studies supporting the town's housing and safety plan. Screenshot. Portola Valley resident's LLC threatens to sue if town doesn't do more Become a member today. "I am very familiar with the design and construction process as I participated extensively with the architect and contractor when I built a house here that was completed in 2006. The Architectural & Site Control Commission meets 2nd and 4th Mondays at 7:30 pm in the Historic Schoolhouse. The news? He said he would like to see consensus and balance brought to the town's commissions. A Portola Valley resident's threatened lawsuit against the Town Council and Planning Commission if they don't rescind their votes approving environmental studies for the town's housing and safety plan, has been delayed until at least Sept. 11. "We all wish the maps were already done," Planning and Building Director Laura Russell.Since fire maps of the town are outdated, Fire Marshal Don Bullard said on Dec. 1 that he worked with the district's mapping consultant, Flame Mapper, to assess the five housing inventory sites on Alpine Road, according to a staff report.Flame Mapper said that all of the parcels, except the Stanford University site (known as the Stanford Wedge) would fall under moderate fire danger. "Everyone believes in Judith's integrity," said Patterson. If you are already a registered user and the commenting form is not below, From this section you can find an overview of the Building & Planning Department, including information on how to apply for various building permits and a section where you can download pdf's of Town ordinances and regulations. Portola Valley's housing element has yet to be accepted by state housing officials.Resident Dave Cardinal offered to help donate to a town legal defense fund to "make sure we don't need to cave to bullies," during the June 27 meeting.In a May 4 letter to the Town Council and town attorney, Day, claimed that the environmental review conducted by the town, called an initial study/mitigated negative declaration, is "deficient in numerous important ways." ', Palo Alto High School students build solar vehicle for national Solar Car Challenge. She said she worked in appointed roles for the state and federal governments. She will be a great addition to the Town . During her career, she was involved in environmental cleanup projects. Town staff plan to work with the property owner to come up with a plan that works.The owner of 4370 Alpine Road, Rich Thesing, said he found out about the town potentially designating nine units of housing for his property through an article in The Almanac a couple of months ago.Thesing said he thinks townhomes three-bedroom, 2.5-baths for about $2.5 million to $3 million would fit into the neighborhood well. Uploaded: Wed, Dec 14, 2022, 11:01 am She said that given the extreme threats of climate change, it is important that the town continue to encourage the adoption of green and sustainable building practices. Building & Planning permit counter hours:M-F: 8 am to 12 pm, Created By Granicus - Connecting People and Government. TownSquare She also volunteers with Stanford Hospital. To view links to available agendas or minutes, select the Meeting Date from the Minutes and Agendas page. You would transition to townhouses, then you would enter the neighborhood. Ronny KrashinskyRonny Krashinsky, who joined the town's Sustainability Committee in 2022, said in a Dec. 22 letter of interest, that he was "struck by the beauty" of the town's design guidelines and conservation guide when he moved to Portola Valley two years ago. those who are registered users. "We believe that it would be beneficial if the parties had the opportunity to further discuss the issues raised in this letter to avoid any need for litigation to enforce the applicable CEQA requirements.". News Town of Portola Valley - City Council Advertising Info Building & Planning permit counter hours:M-F: 8 am to 12 pm, Created By Granicus - Connecting People and Government. Photo by Michelle Le.
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