Loading...
PC 12-11-75CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014 Telephone; 252--4505 MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSI� HELD ON DECEMBER 11, 19752 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY HALL CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SALUTE TO THE FLAG i Vice -Chairman Adams called the meeting to .order at 7037 p.m. with', the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Comm. present: Cooper, O'Keefe, Woodward, Vice -Chairman Adams, Chairman Gatto (9>40)e Comm. absent; None Staff present; Director of Planning and Development Sisk Assistant Planning Director Cowan Assistant City Attorney Kilian Assistant City Engineer Whitten Housing Rehabilitation Counsellor Hendee PUBLIC HEARING to CITY OF CUPERTINO Public Hearing to consider a specific general plan for the old Monta Vista commercial area bounded by Freeway Route 85.on the east and'Byrne Avenue on the west and consideration of a street plan line for Stevens Creek Blvd. between Freeway Route 85 and Ridgeway Drive (entrance into De Anza Oaks residential development). First Hearings The Planning Director summarized the December 10, 1975, staff memo regarding the Stevens Creek Boulevard Plan Line Study and Appendix A,.Street Design Primer. He said the.intent of this meeting was to discuss the many alternatives available and to assess them, No decisions were expected at this meeting. The Assistant Planning Director stated the people living within 300' of Stevens Creek Blvd. received a letter informing .them of this public hearing. The>impact.of the widening of Stevens Creek Blvd. through Old Monta Vista could change, some of the land uses, PC-211 Page 1 PC-211 MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 11, 1975 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Page 2 The Assistant Planner said the study has been broken down into three subsections: 1. Old Monta Vista, from Bubb Road to Phar Lap Drive. If a 4-lane road is decided upon it will disturb the downtown section. 2. Phar Lap Drive to Foothil•1 Blvd. There are some environmental issues involved here. When crossing the flood plain we will have to be very careful about building the bridge, etc. If a 4-lane road is built the section near Old Cupertino Road would be just too dangerous; therefore, the staff would then recommend closing of this intersection and establishment of some type of new north/south intersection across Stevens Creek Blvd. 3. Foothill Blvd. to De Anza Oaks Subdivision. Some of the problems here are the truck traffic and the Church property. Right now, there is just one viable way to get out of this property. If an ingress/egress is decided upon to Stevens Creek Blvd., this would probably mean 4 lanes for Stevens Creek Blvd. Stevens Creek Blvd. is the only good road from downtown Cupertino to the foothills. McClellan Road is too windy and the City Council has decided not to straighten it'out substantially. Options: Retain the present character of downtown Monta Vista or consider some type of urban renewal. Planning objectives are to identify some viable means of getting through the area. In order to do this we must hire accoustical engineers, air quality people, urban economists, etc. We must study the social problems and get involved in creek environmental study. The final stage will be implementation of a program decided upon. Vice -Chairman Adams asked for comments from the audience. Mrs Thomas MacDonald, 22157 Clear Creek Court, President of Oak Dell Ranch Homeowners, said they had a Board of Directors meeting and introduced some problems. They are on the boundary of Subsections 1 and 2. He said they don't want Reach 2 to be a freeway cutoff, particularly for trucks. Safety dictates widening of the road westerly of the creek. They would like improvement of the sidewalk along the roadway. They would like some parkway --size lanes, not very wide lanes and narrow medians. Proper access to Phar Lap Drive concerns them because this is their main access. They must think of the possibility of a signal at that intersection, with increased traffic. When #280 backs up at peak hours many cars leave it and take Foothill Blvd. to Stevens Creek Blvd. An extension of #85 could help alleviate this. They are thinking in terms of just a service road, deadending at McClellan Road. MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 11, 1975 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING PC-211, Page 3 Mr, McDonald said the Cupertino Road intersection at -Stevens Creek Blvd. is extremely dangerous and probably should be closed off now. An extension of Janice Avenue would probably be helpful,.but they question the economics of purchasing the right- of-way for it They advocate a plan for removal of the old service stations and billboards, They.have some concern for the residences immediately south of the Boulevard in Monta Vista and do not advocate a loop road through downtown Monta Vista-. They . encourage the City and the County to provide integrating develop- ment and elimination of present.structures that are eyesores. I The Assistant Planning Director addressed the possibility of a temporary extension of #85. He said our consultant has assumed the freeway extension to Saratoga -Sunnyvale Road in the traffic projections for 1995. If it is not built it will putfurther pressure on Stevens Creek Blvd. .Mr. John Ennals, 10481 Florence, said that at the end of Phar 1 Lap Drive a lot of school children walk to Monta Vista High j School along Stevens Creek Blvd., so some type of pedestrial walkway is necessary, A 4-lane road through here is an open invitation to those trucks. He cited theunsuccessfulbusinesses'' in Old Monta Vista. He would like some studies to see how we could improve this area economically. Mr, J. Gordon Laughlin, 22021 Stevens Creek Road, Oak -Dell Farm owner, wanted to know specifically how wide the road will be at Stevens Creek Blvd. He wanted to know if there is -going to be some type change in the -elementary school -bus stop,.because the cars go by here quite fast. He wanted to know to what lengths the City will go as far as an EIR;-air quality and noise studies. The Assistant Planning Director said the EIR will cover all these points. A growth impact analysis has already been done. Mr. R. D. Koenitzer, 10060 Phar Lap Drive, stated that at the present time the only way you can get to Varian Park is a circuitous route some 2 or 3 miles. He would like to see a good pedestrian access along here. The Assistant City Engineersaid he would like to discuss alternate plans for the Oak Dell area and he would like to separate this from the Stevens Creek Blvde plan line. The staff feels there should be some type of bicycle and pedestrian access, Mr. Don Gaubatz, 10033 Hillcrest Road, said the closing of Cu.pert no Road would be welcome because it is dangerous. Quite a bit of traffic filters up in his neighborhood.He is not convinced the Janice Drive extension would solve the problem because there is nothing to slow down the traffic ,along Stevens Creek Blvd. PC-211 I MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 11, 1975 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Page 4 Mr, Louis Stocklmeir, 22120 Stevens Creek Blvd., said he is primarily concerned about the bridge crossing the street westerly to Carmen Road. The environmental impact would be of grave concern to him because the widening will take out a great deal of the original topography that has been there since De Anza camped here. It will disturb plantings that have been there for 3/4 century and will change the views of the present residents and proposed subdivisions. His objections to the original plan line were the curves in the road. These have been alleviated somewhat. Whichever way the road goes in, it will affect him. He asked if some thought has.been given to the original 6 lanes. His objection is the lateral curve at Phar Lap Drive. He asked if the grade will be changed. The Assistant Planning Director stated Mr. Stocklmeir did a lot of work on the plan line some two years ago which is reflected in Plan 2A. This was placed on.the bulletin board. His plan is to shift the right-of-way north. Mr. Stocklmeir stated his plan line relates to the present topography. The Assistant City Engineer said the right-of-way widths and cut and fill are very schematic at this time. The environmental impact report and simple economics will affect it. Mr. Art Mussou, 10161 Camino Vista, is concerned about the property west of Foothill Blvd., going on up to Permanente. Since the road stops at Permanente, he sees no need for widening it; it would just become a bigger drag strip. At this point, there was applause from the audience. Mr. Harold Mindell, 575 Edgewood Road, San Mateo, owner of 11875 Stevens Creek Blvd., said he would like' to see a more desirable business district in Old Monta Vista. He would like to see the City of Cupertino annex Monta Vista. Barring that, he would like to know if there are any plans to bring in sewer and electric service along with street improvements. He .noticed the improvement plans don't show anything regarding the railroad right -of --way. Mrs. Jane Brokaw, 10081 Carmen Road, said Plan B would go smack through her house. She likes Mr. Stocklmeir's plan better. She does not believe improvement -of the buildings in downtown Monta Vista will help because this is primarily a residential area. There are enough good and large shopping centers close by. She lives in the County because of the rural atmosphere ar.d she does not want to be annexed or be wiped out by the widening of Stevens Creek Blvd. She suggested just a slight widening of Stevens Creek Blvd. in some areas. She said people are coming down Stevens Creek Blvd., through Monta Vista to #85. She would like to see a traffic signal at Stevens Creek Blvd. and Foothill Blvd. She believes widening of Stevens Creek Blvd. would only be to accommodate the commute traffic. She would like to see Carmen Road and Cupertino Road closed because they are both dangerous. The Assistant Planning Director said Foothill Blvd. and Stevens Creek Blvd. intersection will be at Level F by 1995, according to our traffic consultant. V. III MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER ll, 1975 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Mr. Edward Gavigho, 22430-Cupertino Road (Phone 252-67.50), said he has lived there for 30 years, They have the last family vineyard in exis•tance and an extension of Janice would go right through the middle of it, Mr, Joe B. McCune, 10079 Carmen Road, said he has lived there for 27 years', He said he spoke with a gentleman from the State Department of Transportation who said the, extension of #95 is .so far down the road he should forget about it. We don't have enougl money to maintain the present highways.. He asked .how this project would be funded. Vice�Chairman Adams said nobody has these answers -at this time. The purpose of ths-public hearingis to air the•people's feelings. Mr. McCune.said that other than peak hour traffic, there is absolutely no problem getting out of Carmen Road, He said the traffic\ today does not warrant widen- ing of Stevens Creek Blvd. from Bubb Road to Foothill Blvd Comm. Woodward reminded the audience that this study is for the purpose of planning for the future. Mr. Stocklmeir.said we should not overlook the -fact that when the City accepts this plan line the people s ould be aware of the fact that their property is frozen or locked into i o. He said nobody would purchase a home built on an established plan line. Mrs. Darleen Romero, 10148 Adriana Avenue, Monta Vista, said she has lived her entire life in this rural area. She objected to removal of the stores in Old Monta Vista. She said she: has, no problem getting out onto Stevens Creek Blvd., but does have.a problem getting through -all the traffic signals now. She sees no advantage to change. This is a rural residential area and the people want to keep it that way. Many of the people are old. and have their own opinions but can't come to City.Hall to express themselves. Comm.. Cooper thanked all the people who came to this meeting to express their opinions.. She said the City really.wants to know: what the people want. She asked that the staff explain to the people what no change to Stevens Creek Blvd., means in terms of levels of service in years to come. The Assistant City Engineer said he would prepare a handout for the people, describing,levels of serviced Comm. Cooper asked that this report include the information of where this traffic is coming from. Mr,, Hugh Jackson, 22420 Cupertino Road, Monta Vista; asked that the people be notified at least 2 weeks in advance of the next public hearing on this matter. He asked at what time in the proceedings the City would be negotiating with the County. The. Assistant Planning Director stated the County has gotten out of the urban service area. The City would do all the planning,. If there is funding involved, the County would be expected to,parti- cipate.. PC-211 Page 5 PC-211 MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 11, 1975 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Page 6 Mrs. Ann Anger, Monta Vista, asked that at the next public hearing there be a map color -coded to indicate which properties are in the City of Cupertino, the County, and in Monta Vista. She is a long-time resident of Monta Vista and has been working to keep downtown Monta Vista. For instance, she said Rifredi's has been in Cupertino since about 1961. Mr. Jack McGovern, 10060 Pasadena, is concerned about the level of smog over the valley. If we are going to make more room for cars, then more cars will appear. He would rather see alternative methods of travel. Mrs. Diane Duerkop, 10191 Prado Vista, said she has lived there for 1-1/2 years. She said that if there are 4 lanes on Stevens Creek Blvd., then the trucks will just go faster. She would rather see improvement of 280 exits farther east. She would like to see traffic signals at Stevens Creek Blvd. and Foothill Blvd. Mr, Laughlin would like a study of where the people are going that use these streets. Perhaps shift changes, staggered shifts, etc., could be instituted. Mr. Henry Esterly, 22321 Cupertino Road, said his wife shops at Homestead and Foothill Blvd. and at Cali Bros. She suggests more people should use #85 and stay off Stevens Creek Blvd. Mr. John Plagge, 22754 Majestic Oak Way, of Westridge Homeowners Association, said Chappel Industries is constructing four duplexes at Silver Oak Way. He asked if consideration is given to Silver Oak Way opening onto Stevens Creek Blvd. He would like to put emphasis on the fact that in the very near future we will need traffic signals at Stevens Creek Blvd. and Foothill Blvd. Comm. Woodward said a decision has been.made on Silver Oak Way. The Planning Director said the intent is to extend it to Stevens Creek Blvd., but its actual decision was left open because of the Stevens Creek Blvd. plan line discussions. Mr. Mussou said downtown Monta Vita is being used as a bypass by commute traffic. Even if the population doubled in Manta Vista, people would not have a traffic pr3blem with the present roads. He agrees there is an immediate need for a stop light at Stevens Creek Blvd. and Foothill Blvd. The Assistant City Engineer said that in the present 5 Year Capital Improvenents Program this traffic signal is scheduled for 1978 79. He urges the people to attend the budget hearings in the spring to make their thoughts known. e 'MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 11, 1975 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Mr, Gene Collins,, 10090 Peninsula Avenue, Cupertino, at the corner of Peninsula .and .Grand -- better known as Tortilla Flat said he likes it the.way it is. He said nobody. wants to purchase land along Stevens Creek Blvd. because it is frozen. He asked if the City has given thought to putting a solid fill over the dip in the.. road.' He .said there. could.. be underpass for people to. come out from the golf courses Mr. Louis Stocklmeir gave the history of Stevens Creek Blvd., which.was not a road until 1873. At that time, 5 of our very earliest pioneers of the western part of this valley settled along here. In 1776 the Indians camped along the creeks here. In the 1850`s there was a.ver.y large oak where the bridge presently is. Capt, Stevens sold his property herein 1864. Chairman Gatto. arrived at the meeting at .this point..: Mr, Stocklmeir said the first post office site in Cupertino was on the east bank of Stevens Creek,. north of the bridge, although it was never used. The Assistant City Engineer said traffic signals. are usually funded by gas tax funds. - Vice --Chairman Adams called a recess at 9:43 p.m. Comm. Woodward left the meeting. The meeting reconvened at 10:02 p.m. It was decided the next Stevens Creek Blvd. plan line study session would be held on Thursday, January 15th at 7:30 p.m. Comm: Cooper would like the telephone tape to include information' of this public hearing. Mr, C. Hernandez, 22601 Stevens Creek Blvd., said he is afraid that if.Silver Oak Way is extended to Stevens Creek Blvd. the commuters will use it as a shortcut to get around the congested intersection. Mr; Robert E. Tolbert, 20720 Fourth 'Street, #16, Saratoga, said he owns property on Stevens Creek Blvd. Until this plan line is settled there is very little possibility of improvement of the business district, They have to take secondary type tenants because rumorshave spread about the area. It is very difficult to get any decent businesses to move in. He advised the Planning Department to let people know that it will be 5 to 10 years before anything happens here. He owns the property on the south .side 'of Stevens Creek Blvd., just west of the railroad tracks. PC-211 Page 7 PC-211 MINUTES Or .THE DECEPIBER 11, 1975 PLANNING COMPIIS SION -MEETING Page 8 Mr. Jim Duerkop, 10191 Prado Vista, Cupertino, said that even though the widening of Stevens Creek Blvd. in Section 3 involves a minimal amount of land it will only encourage the trucks to go faster. Ile asked if it is our responsibility to widen Stevens Creek Blvd. to augment the people who won't use the freeway. Ile was impressed by the fact that the City is planning up to 1995. Fie said many of the people now living in the area are there because of its rural atmosphere. If the roads are widened our rural areas will disappear. It seems to On that a businessman would need some incentive to improve. Perhaps a small commercial center with a rural atmosphere would be successful. Comm. Cooper said she was encouraged that a lot of people came out. to this meeting and gave input. The City has bee.. talking about 4 lanes in that area, based upon traffic projections done by experts in that field. If the people don't want widened roads then it is important that these people reali::e what this means. Comm. O'Keefe said he needs additional input. This is a small stretch of land but but it affects many p,_�ople and the character of the area. Chairman Gatto noted this plan liie has been discussed several times. We are not ready to make any decision at this point. The existing character of the neighborhood has been the one factor that has been pointed out that it must be preserved. He believes the character of, the area is more important than engineering projections at this point. He believes.the unique character of the local shopping area should be preserved. Comm. Adams said traffic is like water -- when it bottles up in one area it seeks other routes. He wants to make sure the people living up there realize what -the future holds for their roads. ADJOURNMENT 1• Vice -Chairman Adams adjourned this meeting at 10:27 p.m, to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 1976. APPROVED: /s/ John M. Gatto Chairman ATTEST: /s/ Wm. E. Ryder City Clerk