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Council Watch
City Council green-lights residential development
Neighbors voice their concerns about the increased traffic and housing density
By Genevieve Roja
Despite opposition from several Campbell residents, the Campbell City Council on Nov. 16 gave Summerhill Homes the green light build 51 single-family homes on Harrison Avenue.
The council voted 3-2 in favor of the homes, which the Palo Alto-based residential real estate developer will construct in Craftsman/Victorian style to complement the look of the neighborhood. Construction is scheduled to begin in April or May on the 4.3 gross acre site, located across from the Campbell Library's public parking lot.
Comments by Councilmembers Matthew Dean and Bob Dougherty, who opposed the project because of its density and lack of parking, respectively, seemed to mirror the sentiments of those who spoke at the public hearing.
"I came here tonight with expectations of frustration," said David LaMar, who lives on Second Street. "I've lived here [in Campbell] for a number of years. I remember the windows open, and there was a smell, a fragrance of the orchards, kids playing in the street. [Nowadays] there's a great drive to have denser housing. I don't understand ... this type of growth."
The project is 12 units per acre, well under the 27 units per acre allowed under the General Plan land-use designation of High Density Residential/Commercial & Retail/Office. The location of the site, which is zoned for Planned Development, isn't good news for Design Response and A Party Place, two business that will be displaced.
"If you're going to kill us, take some things into consideration," said Barbara Pedersen, owner of A Party Place at 126 N. Harrison Ave. "We're committed to that area; we're a service to the community. And it's not easy to change. It's really hard in the market to move."
David Esparza, who lives on Harrison Avenue, addressed the issue of high-density housing and the volume of traffic that travels from Hamilton Avenue to Salmar Avenue and Harrison. The route is a popular cut-through for motorists and delivery trucks who frequent the light industrial area.
"I've lived [at this house] for about 44 years," Esparza said. "When I complain about crampiness and clusters, it's because I know everything about it. I'd rather see the city building big homes. ... All I'm asking for is some semblance of how [Campbell] used to be."
Summerhill Homes representative Adam Tennant said he is aware of the neighbors' concerns. "We held a community meeting at the community library, we had meetings with SARC [Site and Architectural Review Committee] and the Planning Commission to further define the plan," Tennant said. "We are respectful of past uses to the community, and again, we're excited to have this opportunity to work with the Redevelopment Agency and the city of Campbell."
Jhaine Goesling, who attended the meeting with her husband on another matter concerning her house, felt compelled to speak because she too had lived in a Summerhill home 16 years ago.
"I bought it brand-new, just like this," she said, pointing to the architectural rendering behind the speaker's podium. In a five-year period, there was no room for parking. It was crowded; there was always someone parked in front of my house."
According to Summerhill data, there will be 151 on-street and on-site parking spaces. Each of the different models will feature a two-car garage. Mayor Furtado, who voted for the project with Councilwoman Jeanette Watson and Vice Mayor Jane Kennedy, said that change and development--the hottest topic of the night--was inevitable.
"Silicon Valley has no housing," Furtado said. "Times change, and it's something we have to be prepared for."
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Campbell, California
