20200511 Housing Letter v1 (002) desk item
20455 Silverado Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
Tel (408) 252-7054
www.cupertino-chamber.org
Anjali Kausar
Chief Executive Officer
2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OFFICERS
Marisa Spatafore, President
De Anza College
Sean Panchal, President Elect
First Maganson Holdings, Inc.
Rod Diridon Jr., Immediate Past President
Apple Inc.
Keith Warner, VP Finance
Pacific Workplaces
Mike Rohde, VP Special Events
Main Street Cupertino
Mark Tersini, VP
KT Urban Properties
Laurie Webb, VP
Seagate Technology
John Zirelli, VP
Recology
BOARD MEMBERS
Rich Abdalah
Abdalah Law Offices
Donna Austin
Cupertino Historical Society
Craig Baker
Cupertino Union School District
Claudio Bono
Cupertino Hotel
Polly Bove
Fremont Union High School District
Catherine Chen
State Farm Insurance
Sandy James
Sand Hill Properties
Kevin McClelland
Leeward Financial & Insurance Services
Hanh Mo
Kaiser Permanente
Vivian Wong
Boston Private
May 11, 2020
Cupertino Planning Commission
Cupertino City Council Members
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
Re: Senior Housing in Cupertino
Dear Commissioners and Council Members,
There are few issues more central to the life of a community than
housing.
As recently as 2018, the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce has identified
affordable housing as a priority for the community. New senior housing is
especially beneficial to the community as it allows members of our
community with grown children to move from the larger homes they no
longer need while remaining in the community (aging in place).
The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies recently published
a report indicating that by 2035, one-in-three U.S. households (versus
one-in-five now), will be headed by someone 65 or older. Many of these
Baby Boomers, the report notes, intend to “age in place,” or stay in their
homes or communities.
Yet, only one percent of housing stock is currently equipped with no-step
entrances, single-floor living, wide halls, and doorways to allow a
wheelchair, electrical controls reachable from a wheelchair, and lever-
style handles on faucets and doors—“universal design” elements that help
occupants age in their homes.
Appropriate senior housing is needed by our community now. And the
need will continue to grow.
It is the sincere hope of the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce that the
Cupertino Planning Commission and City Council will give the current
proposal for senior housing their most serious consideration and support.
Sincerely,
Anjali Kausar
CEO, Cupertino Chamber of Commerce