PC 06-23-80
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CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014
Telephone (408) 252-4505
MINUTES JUNE 23, 1980 REGULAR PLANNING COMlIISSION MEETING
PC-335
Page 1
CALL TO ORDER/SALUTE TO THE FLAG
7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present:
Commissioner Claudy
Commissioner Adams
Commissioner Blaine
Commissioner Johnson
Chairman Koenitzer
Staff Present:
Assistant Planning Director Cowan
Associate Planner Piaseeki
Planning Direetor Sisk (Arrived late)
Publie Works Direetor Viskovieh
APPROVAL/MINUTES Regular Planning Commission Meeting June 9, 1980 and
Regular Planning Commission Meeting Continued, June II, 1980
Com. Blaine, page 4, last par., line 7, ehange "the expert" to read, "the
City's eonsulting geologist. Change next sentenee to read: "...to date she
said several things have not been done."
Page 5, sentenee 1, ehange to read, "enelosure for the rest of the equip-
ment should be one enclosure." Next sentence, change to read, "...but, she
also said the tank had to be moved." Typo: in from it.
Page 6, pars. 2, 3, & 4, question of how to include the statements in the
motion.
Page 9, par. 1, line 3, strike wòrd "speetaeularly." Line 5, ehange sen-
tenee to read: "He said he would not eonsider cost as a major factor be-
cause half of it was coming back to Mr. Huntman.."
Com. Adams, line 11 (Page 4. par. I), ehange to read: "..the applieation
for approval was not followed by the applieant."
Par. 2, line 4, strike "thiekness about 2 psL" Line 7, strike "burst" and
insert "endured " in sentence. Line 8, after G-forces, add "resulting from
an average earthquake in the area."
Chr. Koenitzer, Page 9, add to: MOTION: on Condition 1117, "reloeation be
outside the boundary of the side and rear yard setbaek at least seven (7)
feet from the rear of the property line.
Page 6, line 2, ehange to read, "...permit a two-story home on a lot re-
stricted to one-story homes.fI
Page 7, line 2, change to read: "...faet that the total height of the pro-
posed structure would be 4~ ft. higher than present for a total of 20 ft.
Page 9: INSERT MOTION: Com. Blaine, Reeommend Approval 20-Z-80; Seeond:
Com. Claudy, PASSED 5-0
~!OTION: Approval of minutes of June 9, 1980, as eorreeted: Com.
and Seeond by Com. Adams. PASSED
APPROVAL/MINUTES Regular Planning Commission Meeting June 11,
ued from June 9, 1980).
Com. Johnson, page 14, par. 6, ehange to read: "...asked how the City woul
approach the Water Distriet should the Water District not reach out with
open arms."
Blaine
5-0
1980 (eontin-
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Page 2
INUTES JUNE 23, 1980 REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
age 20, par. 5, line 1: delete reference to Com. Claudy and replace with
om. Adams.
age 3, change Motion for Negative Declaration to show that Com. Claudy
ade the motion and Com. Adams seconded the motion.
age 5, Motion on denial of 2-V-80, change to read: "...because require-
ents III and 113 were not satisfied."
age 5, last par. last line, delete "once a day."
age 6, above Motion, at bottom of page, insert: Public Hearing Closed:
otion: Com. Claudy. Second: Com. Johnson. PASSED 5-0
age 8, insert, under unfinished business: CHR. KOENITZER announced
hat he wished to withdraw from consideration on Item #14 because of con-
liet of interest. He appointed Commissioner Blaine as chairman pro tern.
OTION: Com. Blaine, Approve June 11, 1980 as corrected. Second
econd: Com. Adams. PASSED 5-0
OSTPONEMENTS
,RITTEN CO~MUNICATIONS
letter received from Betty Moore La Brie, 19987 Twilight Court,
upertino, (dated June 23,1980), concerning the Clear lake project.
letter received Mr;iMrs. Otis Forge concerning their parcel of land
n Homestead Avenue -- part of the l-GPA-80 hearings.
RAL COMMUNICATIONS
UBLIC HEARINGS
T~! Ill, Application l-GPA-80 of CITY OF CUPERTINO: PUBLIC HEARING to
onsider various amendments to the City of Cupertino General Plan in-
luding, but not limited to 1) land use changes for a number of indi-
idual properties located throughout the commÚnity; 2) an evaluation of
lternative land use types and development intensities for property 10-
ated along Homestead Road, De Anza Boulevard, and Stevens Creek Boule-
ard; 3) a refinement of the City's Circulation Plan including a plan
o provide long-term financing of major transportation improvements.
irst Hearing continued. Tentative City Council hearing date -
uly 21, 1980.
ssistant Planning Director Cowan's review of the LAND USE/COMMUNITY
I~RACTER element of the General Plan indicated that there were two
asic objectives, and he said that the second objective would be the
resentation of the traffic report by Director of Public Works, Bert
. Viskovich from Staff Report of June 20, 1980 GENERAL PLAN TRANS-
ORTATION ELE~ŒNT -- PHASE II. Basically they wished to describe the
990 traffic level expectations and, perhaps more importantly, des-
ribe the policy applications that involve traffic in terms of land
se and street improvements -- standards on major segments of De Anza
oulevard and of Stevens Creek Boulevard. He said there was a different
ind of intensity of traffic performance, which they were calling the
rossroads Plan (a hypothetical plan). Background information on
raffic was presented by Public Works Director Viskovich.
ublic Works Director Viskovich called attention to his previous re-
ort and reviewed the highlights of that presentation. He said that
hereas the first report had dealt mainly with the total area of
'Zone 10," in this second phase development of the City'S traffic
odel, he wished to deal with "Zone lOa" and "Zone lOb." The percentage
MINUTES JUNE 23, 1980 REGULAR PLANNING CO}IMISSION MEETING
PC- 335
Page 3
of trips generated from the areas was totaled and reported for actual vs.
model - A.M. and P.M. peaks. Comparison of the model prediction with
that of actual mix of traffic (in field) as indicated by a license plate
survey (described in the previous Staff Report) was explained as being in
Categories I through III -- Zip Code distribution: (I) housing (lOb) re-
turning from jobs (shoppers and miscellaneous trips in-city generation.
(II) De Anza College (students, night shift workers, and commercial).
(III) Through traffic and lOa workers returning home to the south. The
results: (1) 56.8%. (II) 22.6%. (III) 20.6%. Details of the findings
were briefly described and 1990 traffic projected. (Ref. Staff Report,
June 20, 1980, submitted to the Planning Commission for study of l-GPA-80
by Public Works Director Bert J. Viskovich.)
The Commissioners questioned Mr. Viskovich on the various aspects of the
present traffic findings and the projected expectations of 1990.
Public Works Director Viskovich turned to the aspects of Area 4 - Cross-
roads Plan section of the General Plan LAND USE/CO}lliUNITY CHARACTER ele-
ment. The parameters of the De Anza Boulevard Undercrossing was ex-
hibited on the board and by transparencies (Figure 3, view looking north
on De Anza -- page 6 of Staff Report). The Commissioners joined with Mr.
Viskovich in a general discussion for understanding traffic patterns and
flow of the exhibited proposed plan. The percentages derived from I,
II, and III were applied to the traffic on the Crossroads Plan and were
explained. Each exhibit was gone through and explained as to the infor-
mation generated for use in the Staff Report.
Regarding Agenda Item #1, Application l-GPA-80 of City of Cupertino, the
Commissioners discussed the status of the 85 Corridor, the steps for
initiating financing for the Crossroads Plan. The request was made that
on both issues, a further report be developed for the Planning Commission.
It was determined that in projecting traffic generation, all the infor-
mation presently available had been factored into the figures of percen-
tages. The possibility of approaching De Anza College for a change in
class hours (to reduce impact of traffic at peak hours) was suggested.
The statement was made that in terms of numbers from the updated 1975
figures, the City had really reached the point of not being able to
handle any more traffic. A 20% increase had earlier been suggested as
possible to handle (based on 3% increase/year from 1975).
CHR. KOENITZER related that in a conversation with a resident he had bee
told that it was very frustrating that they seemed to be fighting City
Hall in that they were being asked to move from strip commercial on
Stevens Creek Boulevard back to or retrenching back from that position
to the general policy of strongly emphasizing Town Center. And, too,
emphasis had turned to creating housing opportunities within the City.
1<hen applications are reviewed there is public dismay over the density
of the projects. So, he said, they were now in the process of reviewing
the density and land use concepts. He asked that members of the public
speaking to the issues before them be prepared to present new material
to apply to the on-going discussions of the General Plan Amendment
process.
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MINUTES JUNE 23, 1980 REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
The disparity of traffic-generated percentages ..as discussed as
compared between housing, office, and commercial uses on properties.
The public utilities projections of 1964 se..er line construction
was brought up with the inquiry as to whether or not it ..as possible
to hook into the installation. COM. CLAUDY stated that the line
ran uphill, which would have to be considered. The fact that some
major land uses might disappear through business moves was dis-
cussed as it would influence use of the properties mentioned as pos-
sibilities for use changés
RECESS:
9:30 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.
CHR. KOENITZER announced that apparently because of the time factor
and the progress made prior to recess, that it ..as unlikely that
Agenda Item #1 would be completed. He asked for a continuation of
the meeting to finish the Agenda, and he noted that Item #1 had to
be complete before decisions could be made on Agenda Item #2.
MOTION: Com. Johnson, Continue Regular Planning Commission Meeting,
PC-335 to Thursday evening, June 26, 1980, City Hall
Council Chambers, Cupertino, CA.
Second: Com. Adams PASSED 5-0
COM. BLAINE said that one of her concerns, that should be added to
the Guidelines on Page 5 of the Staff Report, would be noise impacts,
and requirements of functional open space -- useful of itself and
also useful· in noise buffering for adjacent developments
COM. JOHNSON agreed with Com. Blaine, and suggested the addition of
another standard, "L" and suggested Staff might work out appropriate
language
In response to COM. CLAUDYSinquiry as to whether they were to act
upon the package, Assistant Planning Director Cowan advised that the
immediate purpose of the meeting should be to forward recommendations
to the Environmental Review Committee on the completed parts of
l-GP A-80.
CO~!. CLAUDY asked that attention be given to preventing what appears
to be a walled city -- walling off developments from De AnZR and
Stevens Creek Boulevards to produce sound attenuation required, and
he asked that ways other than walls be considered for residential
COM. JOHNSON noted that walling was considered as a Condition for
Stevens Creek and further suggested that the practice could be limited
to Stevens Creek with other design devices used elsewhere.
CQ!.\' ADMIS asked if they should not suggest specific types of entry
gates for underground or depressed parking.
COM. JOHNSON said that maybe they should not focus on security in
that (and COM. CLAUDY agreed) once you have got the area, you can
solve the problems encountered. They agreed, too, that guest parking
for developments having depressed parking should be restricted from
using public streets.
MINUTES JUNE 23, 1980 REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
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Page 5
Mr. G. D. Gibson, Koll Company, Palo Alto, CA, said they had 44 acres
fronting Rodriques, across from City Hall. He stated that Koll Company
was one of the first supporters of the Comprehensive Plan and Town
Center; and, he added, they, along with City Staff, were surprised with
the information on generation of traffic (origins presently and the
projections for the next decade). It felt like a tail wagging a dog;
however, he said, they were ready to wag. Having been involved in the
project since 1973 (including the 1976 and 1977 plans), he said that
he'd like to make the point that they have been discussing the theory an
philosophy of trying to perfect the character of the proposed Town Cente
project, the utilization of To'~ Center, the direction of types of use.
He advised that the May Investments, the Cali family interests and the
Koll Company had gotten together and worked out allignment of Torres
Avenue, general density of different types of uses on the residential,
commercial and office uses, and general placement of where the activitie
can occur. He urged that all due consideration be given to moving the
hearings along so that they could cooperate with Planning Department
and Public Works in working out feasible economic solutions for the em-
ployment of traffic signals, undercrossings, and whatever obligations
needed consideration. He complimented the solutions presented by Pub-
lic Works Director Viskovich and felt consultation, on his part, with
traffic engineers with experience in the undercrossing mode would be
helpful to him. Because it was unique, he said he felt that possibly a
lot of general Town Center feeling could be encouraged by this type of
traffic solution. He urged the Commissioners to move the issues along
and promised to do everything possible, as property owners, to work with
the City. He asked that they not continue to pass by the use on Town
Center for another three or four years.
Mr. Stan Siron, 10575 \~itney Lane, Cupertino, said that one of the
times he had addressed the Commission he had mentioned his concern for
lack of open space and park area. He called attention to Page 4 of
Assistant Planning Director Cowan's Staff Report, where he mentions the
need for parks due to the new residential areas that would come into the
Town Center area. He said the point he wished to make was that even
without new residential areas, there was need of open space and parks
for the present population of Cupertino, especially around De Anza,
Route 280, and Bollinger Road. There was a shortage in meeting the
1979 General Plan requirements (3 to 34 acres/thousand people) Even
projected to 1990, with not much increase in population, there was a
shortage. Financial problems had caused the dropping of requirements.
Now that the financial hurdle had been jumped, he asked for reinstate-
ment of the parks and open space requirements of the General Plan. A
Civic Mall (for the use of children's soccer teams) was recommended and
asked for in the Town Center area, with landscaping and upkeep on the
area provided by the City.
CRR. KOENITZER stated that he thought there had always been a 34-acre
open space-recreational-park plan for Town Center. Assistant Planning
Director Cowan mentioned that Eadon school was to be available and
Staff would prefer that area in addition to Town Center.
COM. CLAUDY noted the shortage of open space in every area of the City
and suggested that this was the last area out of which acerage could be
taken.
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MINUTES JUNE 23, 1980 REGULAR PLANNING CO}ft1ISSION }!EETING
}Ir. John Callahan, 19954 Wheaton Drive, Cupertino, said that again
they had been treated to a traffic study that had everything figured out
in 1964. He described a circuitous route he'd had to follow in going
across town in order to avoid stacking lanes of traffic. He said they
had been talking about alternatives, and one of the most interesting to
him was the area across from Penney's (mentioned by Chr. Koenitzer at
one point). He said that was an area ideal for high density by virtue
of being removed from single-family houses. It had room and two exits.
The residents would not be locked in as happened on Stevens Creek. He
didn't disagree, he said, with the statement that Stevens Creek Boule-
vard was already 90% full at the present time, and getting across or
making turns across traffic was impossible. Commercial development
would limit the hazards of traffic and inhalation of carbon monoxide.
He supported the plea for more parks. Mentioning the schools available
in the area, he asked how it could be proposed that a whole bunch of
high-rise units might keep the schools open. He asked what kind of
planning that was. He said they had talked about schools, crime, noise,
traffic; and, he said, nothing happens. The area over by Randy Lane
was recommended for the most that could be crammed in -- 42 units
,.ith exit onto Stevens Creek. Noting the figures used in the traffic
report, he interpreted that apparently the overpass was not needed at
the present time. He asked why it should be built. Mr. Callahan in-
formed the members of the planning commission that he was getting tired
of spending every other week with them or the city council.
Public Works Director Viskovich said he did not wish the 90% cal-
culation to get out of context. He said that Stevens Creek or De Anza
were not at 90% capacity presently.
}!r. William Clark, 20054 Wheaton Drive, Cupertino, said he wished to
touch upon something that nobody had touched upon: lfuen you get into
high density, the taxes go up. And he used high density communities of
San Francisco as an example or San Jose. This was true, he said, be-
cause people were consumers of taxes and not land.
COM. CLAUDY stated that they were building units in the 150 thousand to
200 thousand dollar range. He said they were not building slums.
And, he added, most of the units would be occupied by only two people
whereas, single-family homes had an average of 3), to 4 occupants. He
said he wished to get it across that they were building houses or units
that most of the people in the room could not afford, including members
of the Planning Commission.
CHR. KOENITZER pointed out that Proposition #13 had set tax rate in-
creases at 2%/annum; and, he also stated that Cupertino had a ·small tax
base to start with. The tax picture would not chanf,e very much one
way or another; it was simple mathemathics.
He announced that they wished to continue the Public Hearing, and that
they did wish to go on to the areas F, G. H, I, J, K, which needed
recommendations to be forwarded to the Environmental Review Committee.
MINUTES JUNE 23, 1980 REGULAR PLANNING COMHISSION MEETING
PC-335
rage 7
CO}!. BLAINE asked if it was possible, before they moved along, for Staff
to provide a traffic plan schematic or travel movement plans for the
areas under discussion. And, she said she would like to see what impact
there was on neighborhoods and people trying to get in and out to Steven
Creek. She said there was a lot of concern, which she shared.
Public Works Director Viskovich said she must be talking about the acces
to De Anza with the grade separation. He said the neighborhoods would
become aware that there was a whole new plan in the works, which might
relieve some of the concern. There would be public hearings scheduled.
COM. CLAUDY noted that depending upon where the grade lowering started
they'd have problems with the service stations, the vacant property,
and the Steak Pit areas of the Crossroads Center exits -- all kinds of
exits that would be blocked off. It would be much more difficult to
reach those areas. It was possible at the present time to get through
on a side street and get into the areas. That reflected a major con-
cern of the property owners.
CHR. KOENITZER advised that before action was taken on the Land Use/
Community Character Element and the Traffic-Circulation Element, they
would discuss Areas F, G, H, I, & J, taking each one in turn, asking
for public input. Then, he said, they would send their conclusions or
recommendations to the Councilor to the Environmental Review Committee,
whichever was directly concerned.
Assistant Planning Director Cowan said that it was a package and the
whole package would be returned in July for final action.
PLANNING AREA F, 4.5 acres, undeveloped, was exhibited on the board, an
described as being on the north side of Stevens Creek Boulevard between
Blaney and Portal, in two separate ownerships (one with 2.7 acres and
the other with 1.8 acres, zoned in a Mix since 1978, and Mix zoning
still applying. Staff suggested it be retained as residential as a
matter of scale.
Ms. Rose Mary Callahan, 19954 \;heaton Drive, Cupertino, said she would
like to transmit another copy of the 300-signature petition that had
originally been given to the Planning Commission in April of 1980. --
a third time additional copies had been submitted. The petition said
that the neighborhood did not want sites F & G in high density, but the
did prefer professional office zoning. She said she was really dismaye
that the Staff was so completely insensitive about what they kept up
saying. She related the various recommendations and progress reports
on designation of new zoning; however, she noted, the zoning had stayed
the same. She asked that government make every reasonable effort to
determine what the majority want and make their decision accordingly.
She noted that they were getting the same information as they had been
getting for the last few months. She asked if office was considered
commercial zoning or did it have its o,'ll zoning.
CHR. KOENITZER said that strictly speaking, in the General Plan they di
not distinquish between commercial or office; the designation was pre-
cise at the time applications were decided upon by the Planning Com-
mission.
PC-335
Page 8
}!INUTES JUNE 23, 1980 REGULAR PLANNING COlll1ISSION MEETING
Mrs. Janet Hammond, 199874 Wheaton Drive, Cupertino, said that her
property was adjacent to Site F, directly behind the 1.3 acres. She
said they were delighted when they thought they were going to get the
one-story office building. She asked that the commissioners not
consider each piece separately, but consider the overall scope of
the property; otherwise, she concluded, they were going to find them-
selves completely surrounded by high density developments. The 10-20
might be medium density, but they considered it extremely high density
and the neighborhood was in a uproar over the problem. Some of the
plans she had seen for three-story projects were totally unacceptable
and certainly not in character with the neighborhood.
Mr. Gary Cook, representing the owners of what was labeled the future
office complex, said he had not intended to speak because he didn't
think that he was involved with Site F. He thought they were talking
about ¡!r. Torres property. He was concerned because he was not pre-
pared to represent his client's interests. He said he did not be-
lieve the realities of the property were being considered from the
strictly economic point of view. As his client had proposed, he said
he would like to see a redesigning of an office complex.
CHR. KOENITZER stated that it had been general City policy, since
1972, that they wanted to try to get Town Center developed. And, he
said they were concerned about the overall development of the small
parcels and small office and commercial as to whether or not it was de-
sirable for the overall cityscape and for the purpose of getting a better
and bigger development on some of the other parcels
Mr. Herman , 19875 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Cupertino,
one of the owners of the furniture store located next to Site F, said
he was attending a meeting for a second time and recalled that it was
approximately two years previously he had attended a meeting about
the office complex for the commercial use of part óf Site F. He had
thought there was no worry about any changes as long as there was a
permit to construct on the site. He said the permit is still valid;
although, he said, Hare, Brewer & Kelley presently wished to develop
would like to develop it. He said he'd like to support their effort
to accommodate a combination of what he had and what they planned.
Mr. William Clark. returned to the podium to remark that there was a
great discussion going on about properties F & G and they were talking
about 6 acres, which he could not see as destroying the planned develop-
ment for Town Center. He said he didn't understand why the property was
not developed the way the citizens wished it to be. All of the citizens
were explaining what they wanted and were joined by the representative
of an adjacent site supporting the citizens; and, far from repre-
senting the citizens, the Planning Commission was trying to do something
different.
Mr. John Carlson, 10203 Portal Avenue, Cupertino, said he had attended
meetings a number of times, being interested in Area E, and he was par-
ticularly interested that the Planning Commission, after all of the
discussion and petitions with signatures indicating preference for
office or commercial, found that the newest member of the Planning
Commission made a recommendation that the zoning be 10-20 for resi-
dential -- complete disregard of all the statements made by all the people
actually involved in the neighborhood. He said he didn't understand that
kind of action.
MINUTES JUNE B, 1980 REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
PC-335
Page 9
(Mr. John Carlson returned to the podium to explain that
his comments as to the newest member of the Planning
Commission being Com. Johnson, was àn error. He said
he had meant to refer to Com. Blaine.)
COM. BLAINE corrected Mr. Carlson and explained that her motion for the
zoning density had been for 10-15 units/acre on Area E. She continued
by explaining that it was an interesting history that the Planning Com-
mission did not set zoning -- the Planning Commission recommends zoning
to the City Council. The City Council had wanted 20-30 units/acre.
Then the City Council wished the density lowered after the Planning
Commission approved a project that the Council turned down. She ex-
plained that the issue had come back to the Planning Commission for con-
sideration of the lowering of the density and not the change of zoning.
She said they did listen to the citizens and appreciated their frus-
tration. She said they never really quite understood why it was coming
back or what was required of the commissioners. The Planning Commission s
role was to recommend for approval of City Council what is felt to be th
best overall use of land in the city. -- not just one particular neigh-
borhood. Although she felt they represented all of the people of the
city, she stated that it was impossible to represent all the diverse
opinions of the citizenry.
COM. CLADDY said he understood that they were accused ~f playing God
and occasionally it might seem as though they did. However, it must be
remembered that the Planning Commission was charged with making planning
decisions and not political decisions. No doubt, in the same circum-
stances, from the same vantage point, he felt he would be saying the sam
thing he was hearing the residents saying; and he worried that he voted
against majority opinion.
Mr. Maurice O'Shea, 20367 Clay Street, Cupertino, said the impact that
got across to him was that after months of residents coming in to the
meetings with faithful diligence the town hasn't seen in 8-9 years,
and with almost 100% of the res1dents testifying to the Council and to
the Planning Commission that they wished lower density and wanted no
taste, part, tone, color of high density, that they are still not lis-
tened to. Use of the word representative was very interesting. He sai
he was losing faith that the Councilor the Commission was representati
He said he agreed with Mr. Callahan that the entire plan for the Core
Area represents a giant olympic effort against the interests of the
citizens of the town. He said he had to leave the meeting not knowing
what to do. Possibly getting Melvin Belli to engage the town. He said
he couldn't support any part of the plan. He stated that the thing was
dead in Cupertino. It wasn't going to fly, he said.
COM. CLADDY stated that somebody had to bite the bullet. He referred to
the information generated earlier in the meeting about traffic from
residential and traffic by office. He said they were not making a firm
decision, but only a recommendation to the Environmental Review Com-
mittee. And, he said he felt it was important to protect their interes
in Town Center. Housing goals were pertinent, and he said it struck hi
that housing was not going to add a lot of traffic problems. He felt
10-20 units/acre to be too high for the sites. Residential could be
done in two stories, and he recommended 8-12 units/acre.
PC-335
Page lO
I
HINUTES JUNE 23, 1980 REGULAR PLA.'lliING COM1-IISSION HEETING
COHo JOHNSON asked if when talking about Site F,
complex, which had fallen through, it sounded as
come back with alternate plans. He asked if the
Com. Claudy made allowance for that or if he was
parcel with the 8-l2 density designation.
the future office
though they wished to
proposal made by
covering the entire
CO~l. CLAUDY said that if they had taken out building permits, then they
could come in. If they did not have building permits the n that indi-
cated to him that they were not interested in building. \~at he was
talking about, he explained, was approved by the Environmental Review,
recommended by the Planning Commission, and approved by the City Council
and it would preclude anything but residential development on that site.
Although they might have an investment, it had to be recognized that
one did not always win on investments.
CO~[. JOHNSON remarked that it was a rather dram~tic turn of events
for that particular area and piece of land, which had been discussed
for a long period of time.
CO~!. BLAINE said that although she might not agree, she did listen to
what was being said and what was wanted. And she said that everyone
on the Commission listened and thought about it. She said ffie had been
involved in planning in the City for a long time and from the citizens
point of view and she felt that was why she had not changed very much
over the years. She said her concern was for the housing in the com-
munity and had nothing to do with the jobs/housing balance or imbalance.
She wished provision of a community with people of all ages, and with
people from a variety of economic backgrounds and educational back-
grounds in order to have a full community. With what had happened to
housing in the area, the only way in which they were going to be able to
keep citizens in the community was to provide all the types of housing
attractive to people. She said one of the things the town had to do was
to protect the area that was the center of the town. A small develop-
ment would not make that much difference in To,'ll Center, but she said
she felt the projects added up.
COHo ADAHS said he had to go along with residential, but he'd like
to suggest the modification of either or residential/office, whichever
came in first. For residential he suggested and supported the lO-15
density and on office space, nothing over 50,000 sq. ft. at the most.
The 50,000 sq. ft., he felt, might slightly impact Town Center, which
had the 250,000 sq. ft. total. It had the effect of keeping the jobs
in the City and shortening the trips. Most of Cupertino trips already
being in the City, he thought the mixture of housing and jobs in the
office complex could be a trade-off.
CHR. KOENITZER said he had started out working in '72, on the General
Plan. If those present felt they had been to a few meetings, he said
he had been to more meetings at Honta Vista High School alone. A lot of time
had been spent trying to get a look at the City for the next l5-20
years. At the time he had .started, it was a 20-year projection to
1990. He related that when attending meetings of organizations of
California planners, they get the information from the people looking
at the future that says that whether it is liked or not, the automobile
is on the way out. And, public transportation is going to be put in
for corridors of various types. Life styles are going to change and
MINUTES JUNE 23, 19BO REGULAR PLANNING CO}~\ISSION MEETING
PC-335
Page 11
jobs and housing are going to be planned together requiring higher densi y
along transportation corridors, where public service was available. The
best crystal balling of the futuTe, admittedly, might not be very good,
but i '. was the best available.
In 1972, the City, in looking at the future, had reached agreement on th
location of the big shopping center and also agreement on the smaller de
ve10pment for the TOIm Center site. He said there had been competition
as to which developer would get the City's blessing. Although he had
been in disagreement~ Com. Koenitzer said he still supported interest in
maintaining a second center -- Town Center. And, economic consultants
had indicated that to preserve the possibilities for that, Town Center,
would require that a lot of little complexes not be allowed. The small
"bite" developments created curb cuts and driveways, and small isolated
businesses. Although the City was interested, but not with much suc-
cess, in getting o~vners to combine properties for developers to produce
larger projects, they were still being asked to provide more housing as
part of the trend to balance jobs and housing. Many of the people were
already eliminated from the market by high prices and he felt he'd not b
able to afford housing in Cupertino at today's prices. He said that the
City could feel reasonably confidant that residential development would
always he in demand.
CHR. KOENITZER called attention to the fact that when density is reduced
the developers simply produce fewer but larger units on the same amount
of land. Very little was gained.
One of the forecasts for the future, he reported, was that the City coul
expect to find more and more unrelated people (or families) living in Rl
areas. Some of the rental property in town was already having more than
one family per home. He predicted that it would be a continuing problem
CHR. KOENITZER said he supported lower density on smaller parcels. The
8-12 or 8-15 units/acre would be viable to him for backing up to Rl area
With a combination of parcels, then he felt 10-15 units/acre would fit.
And, he added, the difference between 8-12 and 10-15 was not that signi-
ficant.
CO~¡. BLAINE brought up residential parking, street parking, and the
underground o~ depressed-garage parking. She did prefer the underneath
parking rather than use of the ground level open space for spreading a
layer of cars for tenants or guests. Only with more units was it pos-
sible to place the parking underneath. Chr. Koenitzer and Com. Blaine
agreed that underneath parking was expensive hecause of fire department
requirements for accowmodating their large equipment.
CO~\. JOHNSON asked if they were trying to build the underground parking
into the zoning codes. Com. Blaine responded that the concern was for
the density and intensity use of property.
COl.\. CLADDY asked if it ,¡as not true that they were not forced to accept
the recommendations of the fire department as a requirement.
Planning Director Sisk stated that it was a matter of trying to cooper-
ate with the Fire Department
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Page 12
MINUTES JUNE 23, 1980 REGULAR PLANNING CO~fMISSION MEETING
CHR. KOENITZER reminded the Commissioners that their goal for the
meeting was to determine a consensus and send the recommendation to
the Environmental Review Committee for study. lIe said he would like
to report the consensus as being:
CONSENSUS:
PARCEL F
Density of 10-l5 units/acre.
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
JHa ine ,
Adams
Koenitzer
Density of 8-12 units/acre.
Commissioner Claudy
Commissioner Johnson
HOTION: Com. Claudy to continue Areas H, I, & J for discussion at the
Thursday evening Regular Planning Commission Meeting Continued
from June 23, 1980
Second: Com. Blaine PASSED 5-0
PLANNING AREA G, 4 acres on Stevens Creek between Blaney and Randy.
Mr. Richard Dulleck, 19680 Junipero Way, Saratoga, real estate con-
sultant, retained by Clearlake Development, read into the record a 4-
page letter dated June 20, 1980, addressed to Cupertino Planning Com-
mission. Copies of the letter were provided to Commission members and
a copy is in the file.
Mr. William Irvine, 10560, Castine, Cupertino, architect on the pro-
posal, said that the project was designed for 20 units/acre incorporating
an underground garage. If they were required to reduce the number of
units/acre, then they'd have to come up with an entirely new design to
build. The present plan had about 60% landscaping on the site and less
than 40% in condos. He said that the atrium area was included in the
60%. Reduction of density would probably mean they'd have to go to
townhouses or similar design with a network of driveways and the normal
low landscaping of the neighborhood at about 25%. He said he believed
that intensity is as important as density.
Mr. Medford Snyder, developer, said he had purchased the property under
the General Plan. He said they had their Negative Declaration, but now
he said he understood it was going to come up on Thursday and the whole
thing had to be resubmitted for environmental impact.
MEETING CONTINUED to June 26, 1980, 7:30 p.m., Council Chambers,
City Hall, Cupertino
1:00 p.m.
ATTEST:
APPROVED:
f¿¡g~}-