Agenda Item # 8.1 - Jonathan Fox | Received 02/25/2022TM20-01
395 Lewis Street
Good evening Mayor and Councilmembers,
My name is Jonathan Fox and it is a pleasure to address this body for the first time. My immediate family
has lived in this community for many years. Although (for the moment) I do not call Gilroy my primary
place of residence, it is my continuing goal for the City to ensure orderly development. Upfront I must
acknowledge my deep appreciation for the work our elected officials and city staff perform everyday.
In general, the proposed four-lot subdivision, TM20-01 & AS20-02, is not a cause for concern. Infill
development of four residences on a vacant, underutilized parcel in a single-family neighborhood poses
insignificant impacts to adjacent properties. The goal of this comment letter is to encourage the City
Council to ensure a greater degree of public benefit - largely around the areas of residential design and
bike lanes. I am of the opinion that local jurisdictions should advocate for public benefits as part of every
development proposal, but especially for a subdivision.
Massing
Although the City of Gilroy does not have residential design guidelines, I believe it is within the City
Council’s purview to ask for modifications to better align the project with Architectural and Site Review
Permit FInding C, “ . . proposes a residential design that is compatible with the neighborhood character”.
The project is proposing two-story residences adjacent to single-family residences on Lewis Street and
Chestnut Street. The two-story residences can fit in nicely with the surrounding neighborhood with a few
minor changes. First, start the conversation with the developer. If the two parties come to a common
understanding, then enforce it as a condition of approval.
Recommendations
●Incorporate a Condition of Approval, requiring Planning Staff to review revised architectural
drawings prior to the issuance of a building permit:
○Reconsider the classical columns and railing at the front elevation. This is an
architectural statement that does not relate to the existing neighborhood.
○Breakup massing and Incorporate variations in color and material to decrease the
apparent height of the two-story residences adjacent to one-story residences
■Belly band breaking up a two-story residence is insufficient
○Relocate balconies to the rear yard to capture views of the slough and trees
■Rear yard balconies are more functional
Bike Lanes
As noted on Figure M-2 of Gilroy’s 2040 General Plan [2040 GP], the City envisions a Class II Bike Lane.
This is defined as, “a separate lane for bicycles that is striped on the roadway” (M-5 2040 GP). I
appreciate the developer’s street dedication and public street easement but these would be required for
any subdivision abutting a nonconforming public street. I believe it is within the City Council’s purview to
take this a step further and request developers to contribute funds to the implementation of planned
Written Correspondence
02/28/2022 City City Council Regular Meeting | Agenda Item # 8.1
trails and bikeways. First, start the conversation with the developer. If the two parties come to a common
understanding, then enforce it as a condition of approval.
Applicable General Plan Policies
M-2 New Development - Require new development to include a system of sidewalks, trails, and bikeways
that link all land uses, provide accessibility to parks and schools, and connect to all existing and planned
external street and trail facilities in accordance with the Mobility Diagrams.
Recommendations
●Request the developer to pay into a fund for the implementation of a Class II Bike Lane on
Chestnut Street, beyond a standard development impact fee
●Require the developer to pay into a fund for a crosswalk striping from the Miller Slough bridge to
Chestnut Street, beyond a standard development impact fee
Miscellaneous
●Explore a permeable driveway to reduce impacts on the City’s storm drain system
●Ensure the portion of Lewis Street adjacent to subject property is ADA compliant
●How will trash collection affect a planned Class II Bike Lane?
●Coordinate with the 341 Lewis Street for the removal of the power pole/overhead
○Can we condition another property to underground their electrical?
Thank you for considering these comments. I look forward to meeting the Council on Monday’s virtual
meeting.
Jonathan Fox
February 25, 2022
Written Correspondence
02/28/2022 City City Council Regular Meeting | Agenda Item # 8.1