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PC 01-15-92 ��'��� �-� Z,e�� CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA � 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, CA. 95014 �_ (408) 252-4505 MINUTES A STUDY SESSION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON JANUARY 15, 1992 � Commissioners Present: Chairman Mackenzie Vice Chairman Fazekas Commissioner Mann Commissioner Mahoney Commissioner Austin Staff Present: Robert Cowan, Director of Community Development Ciddy Wordell, City Planner ' Cheryl Kershner, Deputy City Attorney ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: ' - None PUBLIC TESTIMONY � CHAMBER OF COMMERCE � Mr. Don Allen, Cupertino Chamber of Commerce, stated they are ` following the process of the Grand Blvd. �concept. He stated the Chamber is concerned that the economic element is missing from this review procedure. He noted this needs to be considered to avoid ` problems in the future. He urged the Commission to take into consideration what the economic interests are when final decisions are made. He noted the importance of the trips and how they will be distributed. He feels retail will be important along the Grand Blvd., but stated the existing retail is not fully utili2ed as of today. He recommended using an economic model. He stated the Chamber is concerned about the quality of life' in Cupertino. He noted the Commission will be receiving reports which will help in � the process. � In response to Com. Austin's question, Mr. Allen stated the trip ends are the most important tool the City has. He stated distribution of the trips for residential uses would be the most ( important at this time. He stated they will present •a model explaininq the trip end distribution. Com. Mann questioned Mr. Allen's view on Mixed-use and the availability of financing. Mr. Al1en stated over a period of time banks and developers will come around and funds will become available. OAKS Ms. Nadine Grant reiterated comments from a statement from OAKS which was presented to the Commissioners. PLANNING COMMISSION MINIJTES Special Meeting of January 15, 1992 Page 2 I Chr. Mackenzie suqgested that OAKS look at the private recreation zoning laws. ' FAIR , Ms. Diane Moreno Ikeda, Co-Chair, stated that FAIR supports the + need for open space and feel what the Church is proposing will provide the open space and also the needs of the growing demand in Cupertino for housing. FAIR requested that the Planning Commission do not use the General Plan to tie the hands of the City. She noted the Commission has been fair to date. She also noted the planning process is lengthy, therefore it would be some time before any development can begin. Mr. Joe Tembrock, 20791 Schofield Dr., discussed community services � that St. Joseph's of Cupertino Catholic Church provide to the community. He noted it is important that the Church receive fair , market value for the property to continue such services to the community. Mr. Melvin Caldwell, 10300 E. Estates Dr., stated that Cal-PERS � will invest $25o million in backing developers for housing on this property. He feels it is unlikely that� this property will be purchased for open space and the State does not have the money to � maintain the parks they have. He stated the majority of residents in Cupertino have not spoke to this issue and noted the pro and con � groups at the rneetings have been close to equal. He stated this is private property and should be allowed the development as proposed. Mr. Jack Berkells, 21381 Milfred Dr. , stated he is pleased with the way Cupertino has developed, both open space and development. He feels the two year moratoriurn, as suggested by the Commission, give groups ample time to look at the possibilities of buying the property for open space. He feels this suggestion satisfies both � groups. Mr. Richard Schumacher, 11331 Bubb Rd., concurred with the pervious speaker regarding the two year moratorium. He stated the Commission has been fair. . � FAIRGROVE NEIGHBORS Mr. Don Burnett, 729 Stendhall Ln., presented a chart to the Commission outlining the goals of the Fairgrove Neighbors, he noted they are the same goals as proposed by staff, but priorities are different. He noted they are concerned about preserving the suburban character of the neighborhood. He feels level of service E will not be acceptable in the neighborhood. He noted the need for a neighborhood park. Mr. Burnett presented a chart outlining the housing needs in Cupertino and additional areas where housing could go. He stated it is important to try to meet State standards PLPsNNING COMMISSION MINUTES Special Meetinq of January 15, 1992 Page 3 I with regards to housing. Ms. Sharon Lopresto stated the housing problem should be addressed and resolved. She feels the mitigation payments are not helping � the housing shortage. She noted the Diocese should abide by the Williamson Act. . Mr. Edward Jajko stated that the Fairgrove Neighbors would like to see Cupertino as a low density residential community. He noted that the Fairgrove Neighbors suggested putting a hold on large scale development and solve the existing housing problem. He noted, rather than build rnore retail space, existing empty retail space should be used. He stated the neighbors feel that there is � no need for development agreements between the City and developers, as they should abide by City laws. He stated that Fairgrove Neighbors are not in support of the Grand Blvd. as they believe it � would split the City. He stated the beauty of the City can be accomplished without the Grand Blvd. � LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS � Ms. Suzanne Ford stated that the General Plan will determine the � City's growth, policies and land use decisions for several years to come. She noted members of the League have continued to participate in the General Plan process. She noted one of the ` committee's the League is involved in focuses on the housing element. Ms. Ford commented on the State's requirement for housing and if not complied to, will leave the City open for law suits . She noted more housing will be required if additional growth is allowed. Ms. Ford stated decisions on housing should be made, taking into consideration affordability and people oriented services. She commented on the Jobs/Housing imbalance. She urged the Commission to withhold land use recommendations to the City � Council on future development until they have studied the Nexus Study. Ms. Ford made a correction in the Statement to the Commission. MONTA VISTA IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION ( Ms. Ann Unger, President, expressed concern about the concept of affordable housing and it seems it will not be affordable for the average person working in Cupertino. She noted senior citizens need affordable housing. She stated apartments are affordable and are needed. Regarding the downtown concept, she stated there was once a downtown area in Monta Vista and expressed concern regarding this. Regarding open space, Ms. Unger stated that people tend to abuse the open space areas and expressed concern regarding the blight in Monta Vista. CURB Mr. Phil Zeitman stated that CURB represents many residents and PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Special Meeting of January 15, 1992 Page 4 Homeowners Associations. He feels there has been too much development in Cupertino as a result of the last General Plan. He stated this has resulted in scarring the land and must be stopped. He stated the voters do not want more development. He stated the major areas which should be included in the General Plan are: the existing General Plan has enough development to fit the needs of a � suburban community like Cupertino; CURB recommend the decreased alternative;�the needs of the current residential community must have first priority in land use planning, and urged that the General Plan shifts non-residential developrnent to residential wherever possible. He noted areas where this could be possible. The concept of the Grand Blvd. should not be included in the General Plan. Every effort should be made to keep housing off the main roads. CURB do support the parkway lot landscape option for Stevens Creek Blvd. He noted CURB's primary positions, noting that � open space, traffic and quality of life are important issues and should be included in the General Plan. Residential areas should be protected and there should be a small town characteristic in Cupertino. Maximum heights of buildings should be included in the General Plan. Preservation of all hillside areas must be addressed. The Williamson Act should be adhered to. Traffic should not fall below LOS D and prefer it to be higher. TDM ' programs should be implemented. He stated the City is for all the residents and the voters should be listened too. Chr. Mackenzie stated that the State's Environmental Quality Act is � a strict process, he noted he has served on the Environmental Review Committee and believe they are doing a good job. Mr. Zeitman feels the process should be publicized more to get the public more involved. APPLE/SOBRATO - APPLE PROMETHEUS Mr. Glenn Barber, Director of Real Estate, Construction and Facilities, Apple Cornputer Inc., noted that Apple, Hewlett Packard and Tandem have been cooperating in conjunction with one another with regards to TDM programs. He stated they have been working with a consultant regarding this matter and would like her to � comment on the economic impact which the potential expansion of Apple� Hewlett Packard and Tandem will have on the community. Ms. Lynn Sedway, President, Sedway & Associates, presented a copy of a report which summarizes her remarks to the Commission and Staff. She noted she will report on the economic impact of the proposed expansions of all three major companies. She stated most communities are concerned with their local fiscal and economic health, but Cupertino has been fortunate in this regard, due to the strong economic base of the three major companies. She stated they wish to expand within Cupertino and these are long term needs . Ms . Sedway outlined the fiscal. benefits to the City with having the PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Special Meeting of January 15, 1992 Page 5 1 major companies, as outlined in her report presented to the Commissioners. She noted the figures used in the report are conservative. She stated the hotels are used mostly by the three major companies. Ms. Sedway reiterated the on-going fiscal benefits and the revenues. She stated the hotel which Tandem has ( in their plans would have an additional benefit of $594,000. She talked abou� traffic and housing mitigation fees as outlined in the report. Ms. Sedway showed some additional economic benefits to Cupertino. She noted the three major companies account for 25 percent of employees within the City. Also, approxirnately 10.5 percent of current employees live in Cupertino. She noted Hewlett Packard spent almost $2 million, Tandem spent $900,000 on Cupertino vendors and with the estimate for Apple, Sedway concluded that the three major companies spent approximately $12,370,000 to Cupertino � vendors. She stated this is just what the companies purchase. Mr. Glenn Barber stated that each of the Corporations have � significant economics in this community. He noted he is speaking on behalf of Apple as well as a resident of the City. He stated many residents believe that the fundamental residential character � of the community can be maintained, while at the same time, provide � for the growth of the major companies. He stated companies need the ability to move from a leased base to an ownership base. he ' requested that the Commission increase the General Plan to allow the companies to grow on their own campuses. He feels this can be achieved with limited impact on the community. The following are ► Apple's request: the three major companies be allowed to expand; add density at the Cupertino Gateway site, on the front portion; add a fifth building to the Cupertino City Center building. He noted if companies are not allowed to expand they will moved out of Cupertino. He stated Apple believe that commercial corridors can be intensified by allowing selected intersections to become LOS E. They support adding housing, including converting excess school sites, and also on the City Center site. Com. Mann questioned if the companies where able to expand, where would the additional housing qo? Mr. Barber stated there should be mixed-use housing along Stevens Creek and some School sites, as well as offices that are now leased. Mr. Bill Valentine, Architect, presented slides to the Commission bringing them up-to-date on the Apple R&D project. Mr. Valentine discussed the issue of a rnuseum on campus. He stated there would be adequate parking for the museum and park. Mr. John Sobrato, Sobrato Development, stated the park and museum would be open to the public. He stated for all the development to happen they need to be able to expand. He stated the request from Apple for 600,000 s.f. is the lowest from the three companies. He PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Special Meeting of January 15, 1992 Page 6 � stated whatever increase in traffic, after TDM programs are in service, will occur at the edge of the City. He explained some potential TDM programs. He stated the staff report has focused on the traffic model, which does not take into consideration changing demographics and changing habits of people. He stated half the trips at pEak hour are not necessarily employees, but shoppers. ' Regarding the Level of Service, the Congestion Management Agency concluded that the appropriate level of service, in order for the region to continue to grow, and still to control urban sprawl, LOS E is appropriate. He noted D is preferred, but feels E would be acceptable at certain locations. He noted that the City should plan for D, but do not penalize severely if some intersections go to E. He stated in order to accommodate the needs of the Computer community, the City will have to reallocate some of the commercial � trips that were contemplated in the 1983 General Plan. He feels no more commercial is needed in the City. With regards to housinq, Mr. Sobrato stated there are opportunities to build along the Grand Blvd. He noted it can be high density. School sites are also opportunities for residential. He feels that the City has the opportunity to keep these rnajor cornpanies in the , City and should be thankful the companies want to stay. Mr. Glenn Barber stated that with the new development, Apple is planning for a long term commitment to the community. I Mr. Mark Kroll, Prometheus, stated the General Plan will dictate the future of Cupertino and the entire Silicon Valley. He noted the goals that were set by the Citizens Goals Committee where well thought through and balanced. He stated Apple and Prometheus have listened to the community and stated their proposal reflects a balanced approach. He stated City Center has been nationally recognized as a model for mixed-use, design and architecture. He noted they will pick up where they left off when development starts again. He stated as part of the mixed-use concept they are proposing to provide an additional 200 units of housing, and try to make them affordable. He stated they are proposing for every 1000 s.f. of office space they will provide one additional home and believe this would help maintain the jobs/housing balance. With regards to transportation, Mr. Kroll stated that development needs to be focused along the transportation corridors. Mr. Bill Valentine, Architect, presented a slide presentation of what is proposed for the City Center site. It will be mixed-use with retail, office and housing. He noted 200 housing units are proposed. In response to Com. Mann's question, regarding retail at City Center, Mr. Kroll stated it was not feasible to put retail in the existing City Center building. He noted they are proposing retail which will be utilized by people living on the site as well as the PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Special Meeting of January 15, 1992 Page 7 i employees in the offices. He stated critical mass is important to make the retail work. i I HEWLETT PACKARD � Mr. Dick Rosemeier presented a proposed plan for the expansion of � Hewlett Packard. He stated Hewlett Packard will always be open and honest about their plans. He stated in order to be viable in the computer business they need to expand. In response to Com. Mann's question regarding the portion of the property facing Homestead, Mr. Rosemeier stated they did not want to impact this area with a parking garage. He pointed out sites � which would be appropriate for housing. MEASUREX � Mr. Sherman Davis, Director of facilities, stated they have a site which is approximately 26 acres with 9 buildings on the site. He � state 75,000 s.f. is in the existing General Plan and this will ` complete the total site development. He explained the buildings on site and stated they still have intentions of building out the � 75,000 s.f. in the future. DIOCESE OF SAN JOSE ( Bishop Pierre Du Main, expressed his gratitude to address the Planning Commission and expressed thanks for the process. He stated the policy of buying the property was to eventually convert the property into revenue and serve the basic needs of the Diocese . Bishop Du Maine commented on the laws of the Diocese, which is to support the parishes, fund their major capital investments and improvements, to support their ministries, and offer loans for new parishes. He stated they would like a return on the property which would allow the church to address the Diocesan needs and to address and external debt to the bank. He stated the restoration of the Cathedral and the 1989 earthquake both contributed to the debt. He noted the Diocese of San Jose and its allied charities are the � largest single non-government providers of public services. He stated the present proposal meets all the needs and objectives of the community. He noted one half of the property will be donated for open space. Bishop Du Maine noted they have accepted the two year wait to see if the land can be purchased for open space. Mr. John Sobrato stated they have made a number of changes since the last proposed plan. He noted they are now proposing 480 units. Mr. Sobrato presented a site plan, outlining the changes. The riparian corridor has be expanded to 200 ft., there is now a 100 ft. edge along the park and have accommodated expanding the corridor along the Cristo Rey Drive entry to 150 ft. The grand . total of open space is approximately 100 acres. He noted what is PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Special Meeting of January 15, 1992 Page 8 , proposed is a series of village lots with lots of open space. SYMANTEC Mr. Roger Ozer, representing Lincoln Properties and Symantec, gave_ the background of both companies and where they are located. They ' are proposing phase II of Lincoln Town Center. It will be approximately 102,600 rentable square feet, three stories with 90 percent of the parking below grade. The building will look sirnilar to the existinq building. He noted Symantec would be the single tenant in Phase II and will also be part owner in Phase I and II. He stated the plan is still very preliminary and no formal application has been submitted to the City at this time. TANDEM � Mr. John Haley expressed his appreciation to staff for their help. � He noted he will present handouts to the Commission outlining his comments and some specific information about the economic impact. He stated they would like to expand their business, but wish to concentrate in one area. He stated intensification for Vallco Park � in not a new issue and is a logical area to have high density. He emphasized that tonight is to discuss the General Plan and not � specific plans. The General Plan should be left open for the types of intensification that is proposed, recognizing that there is every means available in the subsequent application process to � deliberate and address all the specific irnpacts that occur. He stated that Tandem do want to come forward with a development agreement when the City concludes its work on the General Plan. Mr. Haley presented a land use diagram to the Commission. He stated this is a district wide mixed-use plan. He noted Tandem is requesting a total of 1.7 million square feet of new construction. He noted it is important and an advantage to the City to expand adjacent to Vallco Fashion Park. He noted they will provide some affordable housing as well as market rate. He stated the retail will remain, but be revitalized. The proposed hotel will be closer to Vallco Fashion Park. He feels a suites style hotel will work � better in this location as opposed to a full service. Mr. Haley stated that Tandem is adjacent to freeway off-ramps which minimizes neighborhood impact. He noted he will work with the community to reach the community goals. He believes it is essential to have light rail service to allow the flexibility to grow. He agrees with other companies that certain intersections should be allowed to go to LOS E. He stated high-tech industries do not qenerate a mass arnount of traffic. He noted they look forward to the creation of a Transportation Management Association and to work with the other large cornpanies as well as the City . Mr. Haley presented scenarios of how the site will be developed and • the hope is to create an urban form. He noted they do have the PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Special Meetinq of January 15, 1992 Page 9 capability of creating visual imaqes of any of the scenarios developed. Mr. Haley gave an overview of the site plan. He recommended, from a land use perspective, the General Plan should acknowledge that the larger the area being planned, the better the potentially zoned. He also encouraged the General Plan language to include an allotment for increased R&D office space in the Vallco Park area that encourages and allows the company to grow. Finally, that the revised General Plan maintain the current General Plan designation of office/industrial with a consistent zoning designation of planned development for the Valico Park. In response to Com. Mann's questions, Mr. Haley stated they are proposing approxirnately 500 units. He stated mitigation will be applied first at the intersections, but does not think it is � possible to keep all intersection at LOS D. � Com. Mahoney questioned Day Care. Mr. Cowan stated that this is not a significant trip generator, but will be looked into further. Mr. Haley pointed out sites for the housing on the site plan. He noted they did do a community survey and the result was to make the � housing available to any employee/employer in the area. In response to Chr. Mackenzie's question, Mr. Haley stated they wish ( to keep the use permit for the headquarters buildinq, they will be asking for a renewal in the next few months. � WESTFIELD City Planner Wordell noted that Westfield is not in attendance, but a letter was received noting that they want to restate that they are requesting 300,000 additional square feet above their. General Plan allocation. Each Commissioner received a copy of the letter. � CUPERTINO UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT Mr. Jerry Matranga stated that good schools are very important to the community. He noted they will rehabilitate the schools when I the funds become available. Mr. Matranga explained the attendance in the schools within the district. He explained the school sites which are still schools and other sites which the district is leasing. He noted they are looking into a way in which the ! administrative services can be consolidated. He stated they are conducting and economic analysis of the four sites and once it is determined what is needed for schools, if there are any available, they wouid like to look at the alternative uses and how they couid best bring a revenue stream into the school district. He stated it is possible that they will have surplus sites within the Collins site, which could be used for residential development. He presented the schedule the school district is using as they go through the planning process. He noted it is a public process and the comrnunity is involved. He stated the school staff is ready to PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Special Meetinq of January 15, 1992 Page 10 work with the City. In response to Com. Mann's question, Mr. matranga stated he would need to work with the City when new housing is developed to see what the impact would be on the schools. He stated they are projecting peak enrollment based on current city plans, of about 13500 students. He stated they have the capacity within the elementary and Junior High schools which are now open. Chr. Mackenzie opened the hearing for public input. Ms. Georgia Stickell stated that open space does not equal habitat. She stated she is concerned about this issue, noting that patches of open space do not support the wildlife. She feels it is not i appropriate to talk about the nurnber of feet which is needed for the riparian corridor as there has not been and EIR. She stated with regards to people walking to work, it is a very hostile , environment for pedestrians. She requested the Commission consider the kind of housing so as not to degrade the existing neighborhoods. Mr. Cowan stated the key issues for the next meeting will be land � use, housing and transportation. � ADJOURNMENT: The Planning Commission adjourned at 9:30 P.M. to the next special meeting of January 22, 1992 at 6:00 p.m. � Respectfully submitted, � �- K.� 'C�,�.I��rd Catherine M. Robillard, Recording Secretary Approved by the Planning Commission � at the Regular Meeting of February 10, 1992 /s/ Don Mackenzie Don Mackenzie, Chairman Attest: /s/ Dorothy Cornelius Dorothy Cornelius, City Clerk