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The Mercury News
December 18, 2002
 
Stanford down to 3 trail options
Footpath decision upsets community groups

By Kim Vo

Stanford University must analyze only three options for a recreational trail running southeast of its land, a move that has dismayed some community groups after two other routes they favored were dropped from consideration on Tuesday.

``The three we don't care for are the last three in the running,'' said Peter Drekmeier with the Stanford Open Space Alliance. ``It's a real disappointment for us.''

To win permission to build an additional 5 million square feet of laboratories, facilities and housing over the next decade, Stanford two years ago agreed -- among other things -- to build two trails on its land.

Where those trails should fall has been hotly debated among Stanford and some community groups. Because the trails would be permanent, Stanford insists they stay on the periphery of its property so as not to interfere with future development plans. However, community groups had lobbied for routes that cross the interior of university land, saying those routes were safer and more scenic.

Tuesday's decision by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors broke a months-long impasse between Stanford and the county. There had been five routes suggested for the southeast trail, which roughly hews to Old Page Mill Road. Discussions on a western trail along Alpine Road were delayed Tuesday because part of that land is entangled in a lawsuit.

The county wanted Stanford to pay for a thorough environmental analysis of all trail options, at a cost of $172,555. Stanford had refused, saying some of those options went far beyond Stanford's legal requirements and it shouldn't have to pay to research them.

In a letter to supervisors Tuesday, County Counsel Ann Miller Ravel said one of the southeast trails favored by community groups was ``legally infeasible'' and suggested it be dropped. Another possible route, one that skirts Los Altos Hills' northwestern border, can be considered only if the three remaining trails are ruled out, she said.

Supervisor Liz Kniss favored the trail near Los Altos Hills and voted against placing it on the back burner. However, she noted that the three trails being studied now are much better than the ones suggested more than a year ago.

``It's a compromise solution, as are many political solutions,'' Kniss said. ``I can't call it a major win.''

Stanford officials were pleased with the day's developments.

``I think things are good shape,'' said Larry Horton, director of government and community relations. ``The positive news is we are moving forward toward resolution.''

Final resolution is years away. An environmental study will probably take more than a year, said county planner Tim Heffington. The supervisors must then choose a route and negotiate its construction.


Page last updated December 19, 2002 .

 

 

Copyright 2001 Committee for Green Foothills