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CC 11-02-82 ~~..~,.-~~:.,.~",.. ,1".' ."," . . . ',-:'"",'''",'' .. . CITY OF CUPERlINO, STATE or CALIFORNIA 10300 Torre Avenu~, Cupertino, CA 95014 Telephone: (408) 252-4505 Iß.HIITES or 1'HE ADJ\)UJNEl) REGULAR MEETING or 1'HE CITY COUNCIL HELD ON NOVEMBER 2, 1982 IN 1'HE COUNCIL CBAKBER, CITY HALL CUPERTINO, CALlFORRIA The meeting was called to order in the Council Chamber by Mayor Gatto at 7:05 p... SALUTE TO TIlE FLAG ROLL CALL Counc. Present: Johnson, Plungy, Rogers, Sparks, Mayor Gatto Staff Present: City Manager Quinlan City Clerk Cornelius Director of Public Works Viskovich Director of Planning and Development Sisk Director of Parks and Recreation Dowling Assistant Planning Director Cowan City Attorney Kilian PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Application l-GPA-80 of City of Cupertino: General Plan Amendment to consider a comprehensive amendment to tt.e City of Cupertino General Plan for the Stevens Creek Boulevard Planning Area. The General Plan Amandment will concentrate on land use, traffic cir- culation, housing and econoaic issues which affect the entire community. The Stevens Creek Boulevard Specific plan will concen- trate on the develop..nt of a more detailed land use, circulation and urban design plan fcr properties whir.h abut the reach of Stevens Creek Boulevard between Stelling Road on the west and Stern Ave"ue on the eact. Mayor Gatto stated that the first item to be discussed would be traffic and first the staff would aake a report, then public input would be accepted after which Council will discuss the item and, if desired, the publ~c would then have an opportunity to respond. Director of Public Works Viskovich reviewed transparencies showing zones in Santa Clara County, Jobs versus housing by zone, morning trips starting from the housing in Zone 10, trips ending at jobs in Zone 10 and a summary of trip distribution. (City Clerk' s Note: The City of Cupert ino is located in Zone 10.) He reviewed levels üf service aGd strpet d~,ignations with Council. Council requested information from Sunnyval~, Santa Clara and San Jose for comparison in regard [0 level of service. CC-59;¿ Page 1 , , ~- MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 2, 1982 CITY COUNCIL MEETING Mr. Viskovich answered questions regarding differences in peak traffic and regular traffic, provided an explanation of data on Pages II and 23 of the traffic report and answered questions pertaining to Pages 4-21, 22 and 23 in the draft General Plan Amendment. Hr. Paul Sonnenblick, Upland Way, asked if the undeveloped land men- tioned in the draft CPA included the urban service area of Cupertino. (He vas informed it was the core area of Cupertino.) He asked how many jobs would be generated with the current General Plan at buildout (38,000 jobs), how many jobs would be generated with the Planning Commission plan (46,000 jobs). He was informed that as of January, 1982 there were 29,000 jobs. Re was also told that the modified increase plan would result in 68,800 jobs and that at present there is 600,000 sq. ft. of offir.e space, 3,000,000+ sq. ft. of commercial and 2,000,000 sq. ft. of industrial. . Mr. Paul Hogan representing the Mariani properties asked if the res- idential zoning of Mariani property should be kept. He felt it was not a proper zoning and presented Council with a picture of a proposed development which would include office space, R&D and penthouse apartments. The proposed building would be ten stories with an FAR of 1 to 1 with green space in the back. He stated that this would create a semi-urban environment, and he was proposing an exit direct froo the freeway to the building's parking area. He felt that the location was not good for residential as it was near freeways. He stated no financing was available at this time for condominiums. He reiterated that this was not a residertial area because of the proximity of the shopping center, rour Phase, restaurants and the freeway. He felt this location was a gateway to the City. Upon questions from Councilmembers, he reviewed the condominium development originally propcsed for the location. He also stated that it was difficult to get financing for apartments because of the negative cash flow. He informed Council that the developers could probably contribute approximately $1,000,000 for housing if something like tue development presented that evening could be approved. Tom L.gan, President, Chamber of Commerce, read a letter from the Chamber into the record. The Chamber is planning to conduct an in- dependent study of General Plan alternatives and is requesting that no final decision be made until the results of that study are analyzed and presented to the City. Mr. Herman Hij~ns, an owner of Top Furniture Showcase, addressed Council regarding zoning of Stevens Creek - office versus commercial. He stated that he had found problems with and contradictions within the Questor report. He s~ated that the market changes a¡;d off ice space may not be in such demand in a few years. lie felt that the commercial FAR s~ould be equal to the office FAR. . Allen Bidwell, J. C. Penney Co., said he felt that $3.1 million in the Questvr report was conservative, ~:.~""-. ---~~,,:"";.--:<:*,,\...._..,..., ,~~..:".''''''''!fl.t!".,--.--.,..,:--.:. ......,";........",..-..' ..",.,-:.~"':"~~~" ';'.' . <-'~ .;....'/'7'/'.'. . KINUTES OF THE NOVEKIIER 2, 1982 CITY COUNCIL MEETING GC-592 Page 3 Walter Ward, General Manage. of Vallco Park, presented transparencies showing the cost of certain parts of the ~upert1nO road system and expenditures ..de by public entities and property owners. He presented a bar chart showing a five-year Cupertino içroveMnt plan. Owr.ers in Val1co have paid approximately $ll million on illprove- ..nts. He answered questions regarding General Plan plans and concepts of the expansion of Vallco rashion ~ark and stated that the first phase would probably occur over a four year period. Robert Wagner, Prometheus Development Co, took exception to the concept that increased density means increased traffic problems. He stated that off-site improvements could actually improve existing level of service. He stated that he tried to work closely with the City during the General Plan process and felt that the Town Center was a special site in the community which would require special treatment. . Mr. Bill LewiG, Cupertino, expre~sed confusion regarding answers to Mr. Sonnenblick's questions earlier in the meeting. He stated that he did not understand the figures regarding job incr~ases. In regard to the Vallco presentation, he stated that he was ~ commuter and he had switched his commute route from Miller Avenue to De Anza Boul~vard as Hiller Avenue is too congested. In regard to the General Plan he stated that no basic traffic improvements were shown. He did not r"call any citizen favoring the proposed increased plan t'xcept the Chamber of Commerce, developers or someone with real estate interests. He reminded Council that his opinion poll had shown that citizens want to keep Cupertino a suburban town and not a financial center. He requested that Council coaduct a door-to-door Eurvey of residents. John Rakich, Upland Way, stated that Vallco has done a lot to improve roads in their immediate area and that he was present during the original Vallco he.rings. He felt that developers should use their resources to solve problems anrl not just contribute money. He also felt that C~uncil should go out into the public to hear ~itizens' opinions. Nancy Burnett, Stendahl Lane, stated that she would like to see any proposals from developers include possible s~lutions to traffic prob- lems. As an example, she stated that Vallco could solve the problem of children crossing Hiller to Fremont Older School. Although that particular site is not within Vallco, it is Vallco traffic that is causing a problem. Brad Krauskup, Carl Swenson Co,. San Jose, addressed Council regarding allocation of space - FAR. . Assistant Planning Director Cowan stated that the Planning Commission had arrived at a 1.3 ratio and was informed that this catio was decided after a round table discussion process. (Jobs housing balance) Frank Juszczyk, Grosvenor International, addressed Council regarding Hr. Lewis's comments. He felt that citizens against development have expressed themselves well as did those in favor of development. He did not feel it was necessary for the Council to knock on doors to hear , CC-592 Page 4 . Public hearing closed . . KIII'ITES OF THE NOVEMBER 2, 1982 CITY COUNCn. KEETING from those not at public he&rings, as public hearings provided an opportunity for those who wish to be heard. In regard to Hr. Lega~'s comments, he stated that if the Council felt the Chamber's study would make a difference, then they should certainly delay their decision until the results of that study were available. However, he did feel that there was enough information at this time to make some decisions. Paul Sonnenblick, Upland Way, stated that he feels finding out what the people want is useful. He requested that each Councilmember make a public statement expressing what they wanted the City to look like in 1990 or the year ¿OOO and to state their goal for the City environment - semi-urban, R&D, financial center, amenities, kinds of parks - and then determine the tax dollar needed. Janet White stated that local news in Cupertino was very hard to find. There are people in the City with problems who are not aware that those problems are being addressed. She felt that on some items direct contact with those most affected by Council's decision would be helpful. John Rakich, Upland Way, asked what the current ratio of jobs/housing was. He was informed that it was close to 1 in the urban service ärea. Assi~tant Planning Director Cowan informed Hr. Rakich that the Stace does not req~ire a certain ratio, but says that housing should be provided for a variety of incomes. It was moved by Counc, Sparks, seconded by Counc. Plungy and passed unanimously to close the public hearing. Counc. Sparks stated that the average citizen perceives traffic as the City's number one problem. However, those livir.g around school aites see school closurc and loss of open space as the number one issue. He felt that the lack of comp:¿tion of Highway 85 was a stumbling block and that the City should not e~pect funds oor this from the State. He felt that future revenues lie in com- petition of regional shopping centers. He did not necessarily feel things would be worse in ten years. He would like to see phased development in Town Center and Vallco with high performance standards. As for development in other areas, if developers receive increased intensity, they must proviùe a means to mitigate the problems. He felt it was important that the City and the General Plan be made flexible. Counc. Rogers stated that the possibility of receiving funding from the State was not encouraging at this time. It is necessary that the City continue to keep up maintena~ce as this was less expensive than rebuilding in the future. She stated that maintaining a balanced community requires money She did not want Cupertino to become a large financial center, She also expressed the n~ed of flexibility. She felt a higher density could be attractive if it is done well but was not sure it was something the communiLY desired. She expressed the importance of main- taining an appropria'e jobs/housing ratio. She proposed that when condominium onversion is voted upon by residents of an apartment complex, such vrte be by ecret ballot to eliminate any poss1ble pressure. Council agreed, by consensus that this be considered by the Planning Commission. Counc. Rogers inquired as o the timetable for con3truction of the portion of Highway 65 from Stelling to e Anza Boulevard. ounc. Johnson stated that Cupertino should remain unique and keep op quality design. He expressed concern regarding locking development ""'/"r . . . . "~~.",.\\~,.." ,~'7".t~f!:~;r~"- "- f,·"····, MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 2, 1982 CITY COUNCIL MEETING CC-592 Page 5 into numbers. He also fplt that it was necessary to retain flexibilit to maintain high standards. He felt that density bonuses could be granted for underground parking and excellence of design. He stated that there was enough information at this time to proceed. CoIWC. Plun81 said that he did have a feel for where the public stands. He expressed a desire to square off the boundaries of the City and reorganize with the City of Sunnyvale to let the. annex the portion of Cupertino north of 280. He expressed favor f~r Manta Vista developing with shops fitting the general theme of the area and the removal of old gas stations. He would like to see Kemorial Park, the Senior Center, Flint Center and De Anza College become more inte- grated and form a cultural center for the community. He would like to see Memorial Park fully developed. He expressed the desire for a Cup- ertino Community Center, possi~ly located at Jollyman Park. He also felt that a four lane expressway and bike trails would be appropriate in the southwest area of Cupertino. He felt a public safety building for police and fire would be appropriate on tne City's property at Torre and Pacifica. He felt the Town Center should include some offic and some commercial space and that the northern part of De Anza Boule- vard would be appropriate for some office and housing. He would like the City to maintain a balance of types of people. He also stated that Stevens Creek Boulevard could be developed with some commercial. He expressed the opinion that community identity could be aided should Cupertino High School football field be used as a community field and a museum be pla~ed there. de felt Vallco was appropriate for additional commercial dev~lopment and a hotel site with facilities for meetings. He felt per~aps a shuttle type service would help tie the community together. H. was aware the City must pay a price for this type of development, but it must be within the limits of reality. He also spoke in favor of flexibility and phasing. He pointed out that with more hnd ~re computers in the home, more people may stay at home in the future. Mayor Gatto also stated that he felt there was enough information available to make some decisions. He felt that Council does deal with the public on a day-to-day basis, and more surveys were not necessary. In regard to the General Plan, he too felt that flexibility was necessary and that it should not be too specific. He felt it would be a mistake to put too much emphasis on one type of land use. It is necessary to achieve a balance in growth as if there is none a city will stagnate, bu~ it is important not to overbuild. He felt major issues were traffic, revenues and community character. He state that quality was of prime importance. Mayor Gatto stressed that traffic is difficult to control compl~tely. He sees as a chief goal the elimination of commute traffic through major neighborhood sections Minor collectors should not have commuter traffic. Stelling south of StevE.·s Creek Boulevard should be a minor collector. Mayor Gatto also retcrred to the need ~f revenues for purchase of school sites and the parklands they provide and revenues for necessary road improve ments. He stated tha~ the private sector can provide a portion of these revenues. Through the private sector, sales tax and developers' fees are acquired. Because of sales tax revenues, commercial develop- ment should be emphasize~, specifically in the Vallcr. area. In ~. Pub lie hear ing reop.,ned . . "," ';;-:·~'¡~:~I!"':;:""'~P""r.',~,'1,'':r:'è'''''''T~H''i''',:'':~~~-.;.,;1;\- 'f7-.:"....,"':'i-~-~ -'''""'-;9.'"~~~~~~';?:f'-'''::'f.,~~~~~'' ,"_~,{ì\.', KlHUTES OF THE IIOVEKBD 2, 1982 CITY COmæIL MEETING general, he fAIt a hotel would be a worthwhile addition to tha community. Be felt the question of Qfflces vall an open one, Officea would have an impact on rilvenuea and traffic. It would alllo be necellaary to judge building pattern. Discussion followed regarding IIpScisl hearingll for Vallco development prior to any decision. The fe.lins vas expressed that this would be ..pprop~iate upon receipt of an application by Vallco. It vas felt that it would be worthwhile to iasue a special edition of thp. Cupertino Scene all an informational booklet on the General Plan after decisions have been -.Ie. Thill booklet would include a land use map. By consensus, Council approved Tuesday, N~ember 9, 1982, 7:00 p.m., as the date for the next General Plan hearing. It was moved 'Y Gounc. Plungy, seconded by Counc. Rogers and passed unanimously to reopen the public hearing. At 10:00 p.m., Council adjourned to 7:00 p.m., November 9, 1982. £2~~~'ft) City Clerk -