The Cupertino Courier

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Council accepts guidelines for N. Vallco development

By Crystal Lu

Guidelines for the future development of the North Vallco area in Cupertino, including protecting adjacent neighborhoods and minimizing traffic impacts, were presented Nov. 5 to the city council.

Debbie Stauffer, chair of the study committee on the first phase of the North Vallco Master Plan, stressed the importance of the study and its recommendations by calling North Vallco "the next likely area for redevelopment."

Steve Piasecki, director of community development, said the report will be handed to all developers interested in North Vallco.

The 240-acre North Vallco area is roughly bounded by Homestead and Wolfe roads, Highway 280 and Tantau Avenue. It includes the 96-acre HP campus and the approximately 64-acre future Apple campus, as well as Cupertino Village, a hotel, two apartment complexes and additional office and residential properties.

The city council authorized the preparation of the first phase of the master plan in April 2006. It appointed a 20-person study committee, including property owners, residents, school and business representatives to oversee the study and make recommendations to the council and the planning commission. The study committee hosted three workshops.

The committee made the following recommendations:

* Protect and enhance North Vallco's industrial base.

* Encourage the location of services that are convenient to employees and guests.

* Facilitate walkability.

* Create a distinctive identity and visibility.

* Encourage new development to achieve environmental sustainability.

* Ensure efficient land utilization.

* Take residential uses into consideration.