Los Gatos council rejects appeal against assisted living facility for seniors

Vote potentially keeps a higher-density project from being built

At its Tuesday night meeting, the Los Gatos Town Council rejected an appeal against the development of a three-story assisted living and memory care facility, avoiding the possibility of a future project of greater density and size.

The planning commission approved the proposed project, which is located at the intersection of Winchester Boulevard and Shelburne Way, last month. It calls for the demolition of an office building and four residential buildings, as well as the construction of a three-story, 125-unit building.

Eric Hulser of Los Gatos filed an appeal against the planning commission’s decision, claiming that the group granted special permission for the project, which would have an impact on his neighborhood.

Swenson Builders developer Jessie Bristow stated that if the project is not approved, the land could be redeveloped to house a six-story, high-density building under state housing laws that streamline construction of residential units on lands zoned for office buildings.

Vice Mayor Mary Badame and Councilmember Matthew Hudes voted against rejecting the appeal, while Councilmembers Rob Rennie and Rob Moore, as well as Mayor Maria Ristow, voted in favor of rejecting the appeal.

“I don’t want to make a decision on this specific project because I’m afraid what comes next will be worse,” Ristow explained. “We know from our housing laws that there is a risk with everything, but I believe we need to look at this project on its merits, as the planning commission did.”

Hulser, one of the two closest homeowners to the project site, said the planning commission approved variances for maximum height and lot coverage, which increased the project’s size and scope. The planning commission approved the development of an office building on the property in 2017, but the project never materialized.

“When we bought our house in 2019, we were fully aware of the previously approved office building.” “However, this development is not an acceptable alternative,” Hulser stated. “All I’m really asking is that the building adhere to zoning requirements and not be granted any special privileges.”

There would be 107 assisted living units and 18 memory care units in the facility. According to Jennifer Armer, planning manager, the assisted care units will count toward the town’s housing element requirement, but the 18 memory care units will not.

“In the grand scheme of things, I really think a three-story building is a change, but it’s not massive or unreasonable,” said Bristow.

Monte Sereno representatives were also concerned about the project. Even though the site is zoned for commercial development, Mayor Bryan Mekechuck and former councilmember Liz Lawler said the project would affect a number of Monte Sereno residents. The building’s back walls would reach 50 feet in some areas, which some residents and councilmembers argued was too high for what was currently permitted.

Moore contended that the town needed housing development and that this project checked a lot of boxes.

“I believe this is a worthwhile project.” Listening to the developer, I believe this is the best project we’ll get on this property. “I believe this will be much preferred over other potential uses, particularly in the current market,” Moore said.