Parks committee flags closed-session negotiations over Rosati’s parking lot, asks for input on field parking availability

The Portola Valley Parks & Recreation Committee reported that town council negotiators met in closed session about a potential lease or sale involving the parking lot at 3919 Alpine Road (Rosati’s), and committee members said they were concerned the talks might affect parking for field users.

Committee members said public records indicate the council convened a closed session titled “conference with real property negotiators” with negotiation parties listed as Darcy Smith, town manager, and Greg Stlair of the Aaner restaurant group. Members said the meeting produced no public report but indicated the council has received an appraisal and has begun negotiations on price and payment terms.

“I don’t believe we’ve formally talked about how I’d like to structure any agreement to ensure there is adequate parking for soccer,” a committee member said, noting that parks and field users should have input on availability and terms. Several members asked staff to follow up with the town manager so the parks committee can provide timely input on any agreement that would affect field parking.

Town staff and the town manager will review committee concerns and determine whether the proposed terms require further committee involvement or council action. The committee did not take a formal vote but asked staff to monitor negotiations and to advise the group about any time-sensitive items that could affect field programming or game schedules.