Los Gatos approves controversial office building

The Los Gatos Town Council voted 4-1 on Tuesday to approve the construction of an office building near downtown, which at one point had been the center of controversy among residents in the area.

The proposed building — adjacent to the northboundHighway 17 entrance at Highway 9— is described as high quality, well-located and accessible.

Access was an issue with people who live on Alberto Way, which is where office workers will enter the building’s underground parking garage.

The project quickly became controversial because it was originally proposed as a 93,000- square- foot building. Residents of several nearby senior housing complexes said that was too big, arguing it would eliminate their hillside views.

Some seniors wanted the project denied outright, while others said a 66,000- square-foot building would be OK.

The developer came down to 70,000-square-feet.

That set the stage for the compromise that was reached Tuesday night, with the Town Council deciding the building can’t be any larger than 69,000-squarefeet.

“While it’s disappointing for the neighbors that want a denial, I really do think that we have massaged this project to a point wherewe have reached the best possible solution,” Councilwoman Marico Sayoc said.

ViceMayor Steve Leonardis cast the lone no vote; he supported a 67,000-squarefoot building.

Tuesday’s Town Council vote is final and retains key elements of the original plan, including a free community shuttle that will loop around town, taking workers and nearby residents to grocery stores, and downtown shops and restaurants.

An open space area that could be turned into a dog park also will be available to the public.