2. Security and Privacy
Chairman Lee Lippert and several members of the ARB suggested that there should be “continuity” between the project and Barron Square for pedestrians and bicycles. But when one looks at a map of Thain Way, it is obvious that this idea would ADD 17% to the distance (891’ vs 759’) from the center of the project to the intersection at Maybell Ave and Thain Way when compared to using the El Camino Real and Maybell Avenue route. Nor would this be safer since bicyclists can ride on the sidewalk on El Camino Real and there is a designated bike lane on Maybell Ave.
In terms of security for residents of Barron Square, the creation of a connection between the proposed project and Thain Way would provide easy access for anyone from El Camino Real to Barron Square. It was pointed out to the ARB that in the past when the fire access lane was not secured, Barron Square experienced a considerable amount of vandalism and petty crime. We don’t want to expose our residents to that again.
Finally, the architect pointed out to the ARB that as currently proposed the northwest corner of the property which abuts the cul-de-sac on Thain Way would be 10’ BELOW the street level and serves as the filtration point for rain water.
At the ARB meeting, one Barron Square owner requested that a ‘daylight plane study’ be required. Barron Square has a mature canopy of trees but any additional blockage of sunlight by the proposed project would have a detrimental impact on the residents.
This property is only 3/4 of an acre. For the owners to develop it with their current plan they require approval of a Zoning change, from RM 15 TO RM 30, which I believe would be opposed by the majority of Barron Square residents as well as the surrounding Community.
As I understand it, the BSHOA has requested the deed for the sale to see if the Codicil that Janet Thain included when she sold the rest of Thain way, was included by the Executor of Janet’s estate when it was sold to the Juan Trust. When that information is obtained I believe that we should “revisit” the use of that parcel in it’s entirety, & continue to follow this very closely.
The Archetect for this parcel designed the “Grey Box looking Bld:g. with the Solar panels on top”, as well as the Bldg. that Houses Starbucks & Subway. That alone causes concern for us.
Ree & Gary Dufresne
I just sent this message to Grennady Sheyner:
….Just getting to read your review of the May 15, ARB meeting. I’m concerned you didn’t include Laszlo Tokes’ very important comments made at the end of the round. He articulated the narrow substandard street, that is Thain Way, no continuous sidewalks, and other onsite private facilities that could attract ‘trespassing’ [my word]. I hope you will be able to write some addendum.
In addition, the suggestion by the ARB chair, that ‘it would be nice for children/people to meander around our sidewalks and get to know out community” is LUDICROUS. After the session, I asked him point blank if he ever visited out complex… because there are no sidewalks to meander around. If one leaves the street, they will be on private property and there are no sidewalks going into it [the complex]. Our substandard street requires our own residents to walk and bike down the middle of Thain and share it with our cars. Adding more pedestrians and bikes from a visiting property will add negatively to an already difficult situation.
thank you
Ruth Lowy
Thain Way, Barron Square
Is ARB’s approval of this ‘over the top’ project their way of punishing for defeat of the Maybell project? I hope we can stand together against this over reach of the zoning laws. Count me in.