It's a pity for the city of Mountain View, home owners and the general neighborhood residents in regards to the rejection of the 315 Easy St. project. That particular area of town needs a "facelift". The recent homocide, and general crime / gang activity in the area is a cause of concern. It is a known fact that introducing upscale homes have traditionally turned problem areas around. This area of Mountain View is a trouble area, according to the crime stats. Low cost housing = increased criminal activity.

I completely agree that the neighborhood could use a facelift. On top of the gang activity I've also heard that Easy Street historically has had a reputation as an "easy" place to purchase illegal drugs, etc.

The thing about the 315 Easy St. project, though, is that the developer was trying to pass what was essentially a condominium project off as a rowhouse project (rowhouses have fronts that face the street whereas condominiums don't have to). That is why the council sent the developer back to the drawing board.

The developer was probably trying to market these houses as rowhouses in order to fill the demand and fetch more money on the market. However, the lot is simply too long and too narrow to allow street fronts for all the planned units. Perhaps the developer could return to the City Council and just pitch the project as a condominium project.

Hopefully, the City Council can balance the city's need for more affordable housing units with the neighborhood residents' concerns about living in a safe, crime-free neighborhood.

Easy St. has no gang activity what so ever. This is a myth.
There is crime in every neighborhood and Mountain View is no exception. Illegal drugs is part of our society and will continue to be. Attaining drugs is no different from Easy Street than from the more affluent neighborhoods in Los Altos, Palo Alto and etc.

The owner of Easy Street is a sick bastard and only out for the money.
They are increasing rent at this location and wonder how $950 a month is considered affordable housing for studios that are old, unmaintained by management.

There is really no crime here. Mountain View Police rarely patrol the area as compared to other neighborhoods in Mountain View.

The developer should not return to the City Council. The developer needs to find a way to keep affordable housing in Mountain View. By developing good apartments at affordable prices. That is all.

What about the recent murder at Whisman Park on Easy Street? Sounds like gang activity to me. According to the Voice "both Escalante and Jauregui are confirmed Mountain View Sureno gang members". What's even more disconcerting is a member of a gang shot and killed a "life-long friend" and member of the same gang:

Web Link

As for illegal drugs... I often see police cars patrolling the corner of Easy Street and Middlefield Road. An acquaintance of mine from Foster City who is a recovering drug addict tells me he would often go to Easy Street in Mountain View to "party". Seems like if attaining drugs was really as easy elsewhere he would not have taken the time to drive to Mountain View.

Agreed, there's no crime here. The recent homicide was an aberation. I see police cars everywhere in Mountain View, not just in this neighborhood; they're just patroling, doing their job. I've never noticed any indication of illegal drug activity here, and must point out to the previous poster that this apartment is just one of many along street at least ten blocks long.

Glad to hear the owner's been thwarted in her plan to destroy my home, which is perfect for my needs. True, the lack of maintainence is an irritant, but I accept it as part of what keeps this "dilapidated, crumbling building" affordable.