On
9 March, I wrote about yesterday’s
San Jose Planning Director hearing on File # HA89-104-01 – about the three large old
stone pines that our
neighborhood ARCO gas station petitioned to remove.
Here is my husband’s writeup of the 11 March hearing:
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Three of the six of us there spoke about noise, light and keeping the
trees if possible. It seemed clear that they were going to approve
the request simply because of the “federal rules require us to let the
gas station install a vapor recovery system by April 1” excuse, and
they did. The trees lost out to a masonry wall, a reference to a
federal requirement and a promise to plant replacements – there wasn’t
even anyone from the gas station there to answer questions.
It turns out that the bright canopy lights are illegal and must be
removed, and that there is a chance that the graffiti and tagging will
be cleaned up. The planning dept was surprised that the station was
open all night (is it? The lights seem to be left on all night…).
We also got an immediate and helpful email update from the city planner
to whom we had directed our communications:
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Thank you all for your comments on the tree removal permit for the above mentioned site. I have opened a Code Case in regards to the illegal spot lights located on top of the canopy, as well as, the graffiti that has not been cleaned up. Both of these items are in violation of the gas stations site development permit, as well as, the zoning ordinance. This action should abate the graffiti and light nuisance. I will keep you updated on the Code Enforcement action. If you have any additional questions please let me know.
The summary is that the three old trees will be cut down and replaced with much smaller
trees; however, some of the problems of the gas station may diminish because we called
attention to them during the hearing process.
KatysBlog 