Noah D. Mesel Answers Questions

Candidate for
Council Member; City of Los Altos

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. Do you support the proposed Utility Tax for Los Altos? If not, what would you propose as financial alternatives for meeting the needs of traffic and safety, public maintenance and recreation?

Los Altos already has a Utility Tax, which Measure I proposes to increase from 3.5% to 6.25% -- about $1.1 million annually. I will not support this tax, because I believe taxing water and electric use is like taxing milk and bread, which we do not tax in California. The alternatives are (1) a more focused tax on cable TV and cell phones; (2) funding from our upcoming renegotiation of AT&T's cable franchise; (3) partnering with business to increase economic activity in our seven commercial districts to increase tax revenue; (4) less use of high-paid outside consultants.

2. Should neighborhoods be allowed to form "one-story overlay zones" in which a neighborhood of one-story houses could elect, by a super majority vote, to limit their area to single-story houses? If so, how would you propose to protect the property rights of those in the minority?

The City should work with neighborhoods to protect the charm and value of consistent character neighborhoods, but I think that one-story overlay zones are the wrong way to accomplish this task. The Planning Department must consistently enforce zoning and land use laws along with the Residential Design Guidelines. Additionally, the City should work with homeowners and developers to establish practical, enforceable rules for improving homes that permit property owners to exercise their rights without creating a nuisance or destroying neighborhood character.

3. The City Council is due to approve a new housing element to meet the city's share for providing affordable housing in the Bay Area. What steps can the City take to meet these needs?

Los Altos can take three steps to meet affordable housing needs. First, City Council should consider rezoning the areas surrounding business districts to permit construction of multi-family housing including affordable units consistent with the neighborhood. Second, we should reevaluate the rules that restrict property owners from adding second living units and rental units on single family home lots. Third, Los Altos should cooperate with other local cities to "trade" and fund affordable housing obligations so that the region can fulfill its overall commitment to the State. Under this system, we could provide financial assistance to surrounding communities that are able to absorb the affordable housing commitment our city otherwise would have.

4. What would you like to see the Los Altos City Council accomplish in the next 3 to 5 years?

I would like the Council to:

• revamp and improve the development design guidelines for our neighborhoods and for downtown;
• hire an economic development coordinator;
• cooperate with local businesses to follow through on redevelopment and improvement projects in Loyola Corners, Rancho, Sherwood Gateway;
• complete cable TV franchise negotiations with AT&T on terms more favorable to the City;
• update the City's Master Plan;
• complete work on the downtown CRS plan;
• agree on a Civic Center Master Plan, including possible conversion of the Hillview Center into a modern performing arts and cultural center
• hire an Ombudsman who will serve as a residents' advocate at City Hall.