30th March 2011
Council Approves Expansion Project
The City Council of Palo Alto gave a polite go-ahead to a developer who campaigns to develop the Palo Alto Commons, a greatly praised and locally owned independant living center for seniors close to California Avenue.
The plan will add .83 acres to the current 1.7-acre site at 4301 El Camino Way and convey 44 new rental units and 38 parking spaces. The fresh building will reach to three stories and necessary zoning alteration by the council on Monday.Called as a strong community asset and a needed resource, the council approved the project collectively.
Councilwoman Karen Holman refrained from the vote for the reason of a conflict of interest.Advanced density, higher buildings and fewer parking are from time to time met with resistance, but this project gathered extensive support. The developer, Stephen Reller, told the council his group has met about six times with neighbors, ensuing in more parking spaces and a customized driveway to curb traffic. Quite a few residents of the commons appeared to support the process.
The new building will accommodate eight studio apartments, 17 one-bedroom apartments and 19 two-bedroom apartments, with facilities such as a lounge, fitness room, indoor pool, common bathroom and dining room.
The developer also gave an explanation about the parking space issue, that numerous of the new residents are not likely to be drivers. Though they will have access to a local shuttle the developer plans to finance and run. The project saw undivided votes by the city’s Transportation and Planning Commission and the Architectural Review Board.
