PC 04-30-91
CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 252-4505
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL STUDY SESSION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
HELD ON APRIL 30, 1991
SALUTE TO THE FLAG:
ROLL CALL:
commissioners Present:
Chairman Mackenzie
Vice Chairman Fazekas
Commissioner Mann
Commissioner Austin
commissioners Absent:
Commissioner Mahoney
staff Present:
Bob Cowan, Director of
Community Development
Ciddy Wordell, Associate Planner
1. presentations from community groups regarding General Plan
goals and alternatives.
Foothill De Anza Communi tv ColleQe District:
Mr. Mall Leal, Director of Business Services, gave a general
overview of Foothill/De Anza College District. He noted 53 percent
of students are day student, 43 percent evening students, De Anza
has a full day starting at 5: 30 am ending 11 pm, which has an
effect on the city and its services. He stated they have over 1
million square feet of building space and the new parking structure
added one half million square feet to the facility, noting De Anza
as a whole entails approximately 112 acres. He noted De Anza is an
integral part of the city with many amenities for the residents of
Cupertino.
Regarding future construction Mr. Leal stated the new parking
structure has provided sufficient parking at this time, but they do
predict growth within the next five years. 4000 s.f feet has been
added to the administration building, they are currently planning
and have funding approval for a 65,000 s.f. Advanced Technology
building, also an 18,000 s.f. addition to Campus Center. Projects
also include a 65,000 s.f. addition to the Learning Center, 7000
s.f. addition to Fine Arts area and 18,000 s.f. addition to Child
Care building. In the future there have been plans developed for
an addition to the Flint Center as well as to expand the Art
Gallery, including a new galleria. De Anza is now looking at
changes of about 19,000 s.f. to the classroom area, they hope all
construction will start within five to six years. He noted a long
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Special study Session Meeting of April 30, 1991
Page 2
range plan has been developed through the year 2005, their plans
are to add an Academic Conference Center with parking beneath.
There are provisions for additional future parking structures and
the possibility of housing has been considered.
Regarding potential problems, Mr. Leal stated traffic is a problem
on stevens Creek and McClellan. He noted they have been working
with the City to move the McClellan st. entrance closer to the 85
Freeway. Mary st. entrance will be widened and an r,¡dditional
entrance on Stelling is being considered. They are interested in
potential for a Mary St. overpass.
Cupertino Citizens for Parks (CCFP):
Mr. Don Cochran noted the area of interest to this group is the
triangle area between Stevens Creek and Rodriguez. Mr. Cochran
stated the goal of this area is to see a park on the property with
a play area and picnic area, noting it should be a place to get
away from traffic and noise. The park should appeal to all age
groups and well designed parks near high density population do
appeal to people. No sports field is necessary, could be a low
maintenance proposition, it would be compact and simple. Some of
the benefits are: more open space to local residents; place to
escape from the office; sets a standard for City core atmosphere.
Consideration has to be given to how it will fit into Grand Blvd.
plan. Mr. Cochran went over some of the obstacles, noting there is
a policy against parks less than five acres, but this can be worked
through, smaller parks are more appropriate for the area. City
funding to maintain the park as well as the land being owned by
Prometheus are also obstacles.
Some of the Recommendations made for the Commissioners to consider
is to work together with citizens and staff to get a park in this
area, buy land from Prometheus, give density credits to Prometheus
in return for a park. Mr. Cochran urged the Commissioners to
support a park.
Fairqrove Neiqhbors:
Ms. Nancy Burnett noted this group formed last August and presented
a map showing the neighborhood. The area was annexed inj;o
Cupertino in 1978. Two major concerns of the group are traffic and
a neighborhood park. She noted they were once promised a park and
have been waiting years, Sedgewick school site was a potential
until the school district built on this property. She noted they
have met with Steve Dowling and Parks & Recreation Commission and
shared their concerns regarding the park, but there is nothing firm
at this point. She noted the neighborhood supported Measure T so
as to retain Fremont Older as open space. She also expressed
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special study Session Meeting of April 30, 1991
Page 3
concerns about losing neighborhood park and the orderly transition
of school children. She noted there is a 1 acre site located in
their area which may be a potential park.
Regarding traffic Ms. Burnett stated this is a major concern and
future development will increase the traffic. Ms. Burnett
presented graphics addressing the four scenarios for non-
residential growth. She also noted the accident statistics in the
area as provided by the City are done between May and June which
are the lightest months for traffic. She discussed the change area
map, num~er 6, noting this is the largest area with the most growth
potential and their neighborhood is south of it. She noted they
are concerned about the relationship between City revenue and the
growth scenarios.
Monta vista Improvement Association:
Ms. Ann Anger, President, expressed concern regarding the blight in
the City. She presented copies of her concern to the Commissioners
and addressed it. Ms. Anger noted the City of Cupertino needs an
Ordinance declaring trash a public nuisance. She noted the
Ordinance is needed to protect property values and neighborhoods
and noted she had taken various Council Members and City Officials
on tours to show the problem of the blight. Ms. Anger reviewed
other cities plans and enforcement to solve the problem of blight.
Cupertinians Uraina Restraint on Buildina (C.U.R.B.):
Mr. Phil zeitman, Chairperson, expressed concern regarding the high
amount of metropolitan type of buildings and the increased density
in the City. He noted continued increase of density will create
polluted living conditions. He stated the development allowed
should be limited to that which will directly benefit Cupertino
residents. He stated the needs of the residential community should
be a priority and development of non-residential buildings should
be limited to what is allowed by the current General Plan. The
amount of residential growth should be limited to that required by
regional and state mandated standards.
Ms. Janet zeitman noted that cupertino is running short of
available land and it is important that development is planned
carefully. She stated that the needs of Cupertino residents must
be met. They want to keep Cupertino a suburban city and to do this
the number of building units to be developed as well as height of
buildings must be controlled. Ms. zeitman stated there must be
minimum sizes allowed for apartment houses, city amenities must be
considered. The current General Plan allows for substantial non-
residential growth, which will make meeting affordable housing
needs difficult. She noted the current General Plan allows for
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Special study Session Meeting of April 30, 1991
Page 4
enough square footage and not to increase this.
Mr. Don Burnett, 729 Stendall Lane, expressed concern regarding
increase traffic and stated that efforts to control traffic in the
past by major developers has not been successful. She stated the
residents need more assurances. Movement within the City should
have a high priority. Pedestrian walking is dangerous and this is
a problem. Plans for bicycle facilities should be considered.
Mr. Dick Carey, Barbara Lane, reiterated CURB's goals and concerns
regarding land resources, environmental resources and economic
resources. The primary goal on land resources is that Cupertino
should not develop non-residential buildings for revenue purposes
only, there must be other important values contributing to the
welfare of the residents. The integrity of the neighborhood should
have top priority when considering building proposals. A major
concern of CURB is that decisions are not made on short term gains
at the expense of long range consequences. The goal on
environmental resources is based upon the recognition that the
excess use of natural resources leaves a lasting imprint on the
community that cannot be reversed or can only be reversed at a
cost. He expressed concern regarding providing water to the
proposed buildings. He noted the economic resource goal is for
Cupertino to maintain a healthy economic atmosphere and to do this
there must be a balance between residential quality of life and the
urban production of tax revenue.
Mr. Joe Houser expressed concern regarding the quality of life in
Cupertino and stated that many who carne to Cupertino came for the
amenities it offers and does not want this to change. Each new
project must be weighed on the overall impact on Cupertino, the
open space left must be maintained. He stated the residents of
Cupertino are concerned about over growth.
Mr. Phil zeitman urged the Planning Commission to keep within the
existing General Plan growth allotment, with abundant open space.
Development of hillsides, particularly st. Joseph's property should
be weighed fOr the impact it will have on existing city services.
He stated protection of neighborhoods should corne before non-
residential buildings.
Orqanization Advocatinq Keepinq St. Joseph's as Open Space (OAKS):
Mr. Stephen Hayes, Chairperson, stated this organization was formed
approximately one year ago, with a membership of 125 citizens of
Cupertino and surrounding communi ties. He noted the group is
dedicated to the preservation of the natural heritage of the st.
Joseph's Seminary. He noted OAKS has support from 40,000
residents. The mission of OAKS is to preserve st. Joseph's
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Special study Session Meeting of April 30, 1991
Page 5
Seminary as open space. He noted OAKS is aware of the complex
issues related to the property and they must be addressed. These
include: fair return for the Church; available and affordability of
housing; the increase demand for infrastructures; environmental
damage; need for open space. He noted there is a need for
expansion of open space. The OAKS vision is for the preservation
of st. Joseph's for family recreation; as a spiritual retreat for
the community and at the same time to maintain a wild life
sanctuary. He stated it is OAKS intent to maintain the ~edication
of urging more open space well beyond the conclusion of the General
Plan proceedings.
Modern Transit Society:
Mr. Mike Bollack, Board of Directors Member, stated that they are
interested in all forms of modern transit and the economics of
transportation. with regards to the General Plan, he stated the
Modern Transit Society does not favor automobile congestion and
therefore, favor very little growth beyond the existing General
Plan. He noted any economic growth should not occur unless there
is a way to handle the traffic associated with that. He noted the
General Plan should include triggering mechanisms to allow
increased growth, but only if there is effective Transportation
Demand Management. He noted the City has a responsibility to
locate potential future transit stations, the areas around the
station become change areas and would give the City more variation
in its character. Mr. Bollack discussed future transit services in
the bay area and opportunities for the City of Cupertino to take
advantage of these. Mr. Bollack presented a report to the
Commissioners explaining a Transportation Demand Management which
relates to employee parking and the benefits of this. He felt this
TDM program should appear in the General Plan and summarized it as
written in the report presented to the Commissioners.
Leaaue of Women Voters:
Ms. Elaine Lyne, Vice President, statèd the League appreciates and
supports the public input to the General Plan and urges this to
continue.
Ms. Sue Mirch-Kretschman noted the League is committed to an urban
environment beneficial to life and resource management in the
public interest. She stated the General Plan should be used as an
education document to the citizens as well as a guide to the city's
growth and to be adhered too, once adopted. She stated
communication is important. Land use decisions should relate to
and protect the overall quality of the environment with the primary
goal of the plan being environmentally beneficial to life. She
stated density should be decided on the availability and the
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Special Study Session Meeting of April 30, 1991
Page 6
potential availability of services. The league of Women Voters
encourages the City to develop policies that will assure sufficient
land at reasonable costs on which to build housing. She noted
housing for low and moderate income families should be provided as
part of all planned neighborhoods or communities. JObs/Housing
imbalance needs to be addressed.
Cupertino Villaqe:
Ms. Gail Lee, representing Cupertino Village Merchants, summarized
a letter presented to the Commissioners regarding Tandem and
Hewlett Packard's Master Plan. She spoke in support of both
stating that both plans show far sited, good and responsible
planning which will be beneficial to both their own corporations
and Cupertino in general.
Cupertino Chamber of Commerce:
Mr. Herman Hitchman, Vice President of Government Relations,
referred to the Written position Paper presented to the Commission.
He noted the written position Paper was adopted after a lot of time
and thought went into this document.
Mr. Don Allen, President Elect, noted members involved in the
written position Paper were also involved in the citizens Goals
Committee. Mr. Allen discussed the strategic vision of the city
and would like to see this carried further. He noted the advantage
of specific strategic planning is that there are specific goals and
objectives and are held accountable to these as well as having
review sessions. Mr. Allen presented slides to the Commission
explaining ·~e tax base revenue sources to City; breakdown of
expenditures of the city, which do change; fiscal budget for the
City of Cupertino; Tax breakdown - make-up of the various types of
taxes. The great majority of taxes corne from sales tax. A chart
was presented explaining the estimates of revenue vs. expense. He
stated they are predicting a deficit in the City within the next
six months. Mr. Allen stated the quality of life in Cupertino
should be maintained, but the city will go into deficit if changes
are not made. He noted if the city is going to maintain today's
quality of life, expenses are going to have to be limited as well
as augmenting revenues.
Mr. Allen Bidwell stated at the last General Plan Review, 10 years
ago, when major companies located in Cupertino developed plans
there was little or no mention of child care, on-site housing,
traffic mitigation, open space, underground parking and quality of
life, noting these concerns are now being addressed. He noted many
members of the Chamber of Commerce gave their support to Measure T.
Responsible and Reasonable growth is manageable and provides the
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Special Study Session Meeting of April 30, 1991
Page 7
revenue needed to maintain the quality of city services that both
businesses and residents desire. He noted sales tax provides more
revenue than either property or the utility tax and believed that
the additional retail development will provide the funding needed
to maintain the quality of life.
Chr. Mackenzie stated the
suggested proposals from the
writing.
Director of Community Development
various groups can be submitted in
Mr. Cowan explained what was meant by Trial Court Funding Bill. He
stated Cupertino is considered a low property tax city and the
State provides money to make this up, but is unlikely to happen at
this time.
In response to Com. Fazekas question regarding the need for
additional lanes on stevens Creek, Mr. Leal stated they hoped to
provide more access to the south of the Campus which would reduce
the traffic on Stevens Creek. Mr. Fazekas questioned the impact of
light rail on the students attending the college. Mr. Leal stated
this would reduce traffic, but would depend on the inter
connection. He felt if mass transit does occur along the 85
freeway it would reduce traffic by approximately 15 percent and
losing lanes would seriously impact the college.
In response to Com. Austin's question regarding housing, Mr. Leal
stated that housing is a low priority at this time, but would be
provided for students primarily.
In response to Ch~. Mackenzie's question Mr. Leal stated the
parking structure lS part of the 1 million s. f. he addressed
earlier. Mr. Leal stated any kind of growth on campus will be
multi-story. In response to Ms. Wordell's question Mr. Leal stated
they are currently reviewing the campus plan as it relates to both
the interface of traffic and foot traffic on and off the campus, in
addi tion to this to make better access for buses stopping. He
noted they are developing a grand entrance which would be primarily
on the Mary st. entrance area.
In response to Com. Austin's question regarding traffic on Stevens
Creek and how they envision the Grand Blvd. concept, Mr. Don
Burnett stated he supports the concept and image projected noting
it is a definite visual improvement. He encouraged bicycle
commuting and has been working with the traffic engineer on this.
In response to Com. Fazekas question regarding density on
residential property, Mr. Burnett stated the group has not reached
consensus on this issue.
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Special study Session Meeting of April 30, 1991
Page 8
In response to Corn. Austin's question regarding non-residential
buildings not being built, Mr. zeitman stated the buildings should
not be built unless they are beneficial to the residents not only
in tax dollars, but also the quality of life. Mr. Burnett felt
there is enough growth left in the existing General Plan that would
provide for sufficient revenues to sustain the amenities the city
has.
In response to Com. Fazekas question regarding the Grand Blvd., Ms.
Burnett stated the Grand Blvd. has not been discussed within the
group, but felt if the Grand Blvd diverted traffic away from their
neighborhood while providing city dollars, it may be favorably
looked upon. In response to Com. Fazekas question regarding
housing in the Vallco area Ms. Burnett stated John Haley, Tandem
Representative, will attend the next meeting of the Fairgrove
Neighbors and they will then understand more of what is being
proposed.
In response to Com. Mann's question Ms. Burnett stated she was
referring to the 1 acre site which is the Anderson site in the
neighborhood.
In response to Corn. Austin's
potential transit stations, Mr.
Society do not locate potential
question regarding location of
Bollack stated the Modern Transit
stations.
In response to Com. Fazekas question regarding the proposals of
high density, Mr. Allen stated there must be a balance to what is
built, office, retail and housing are needed, which the City can
control. He felt it is time to have mixed-use and there is a need
to find a way to accommodate people living and working in
Cupertino. He noted the Chamber of Commerce vision of the Grand
Blvd could create a way of life and a feeling of family in the
communi ty. He stated to get people out of cars amenities are
needed to encourage this.
In response to Com. Mann's question regarding charging for parking,
Mr. Allen stated society is not ready to enforce this.
Chr. Mackenzie opened the hearing for public input.
Mr. Bollack stated with regards to Com. Mann's question, that the
proposed TDM program is not paid parking, the plan as set up does
not cost to drive everyday, but there is an opportunity to earn
money if a person does not use the parking everyday. He noted the
same type of plan could be used at apartments. He stated the plan
is about choice.