Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
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By Jana Seshadri The Sunnyvale City Council has paved the way for more growth and development in the city. As a first step toward satisfying the housing demand and lack of commercial centers in the northern part of Sunnyvale, the council unanimously approved a staff-recommended ordinance on July 16 with a few modifications. The ordinance would rezone the area bounded by State Route 237, Highway 101 and Lawrence Expressway from industrial to residential and retail. However, in order to allow flexibility in future development, council members agreed to the recommendations by both city staff and the Sunnyvale Planning Commission to amend the general zoning plan, which would allow a range of residential densities and set aside 140,000 square feet of commercial development. Future residential development in the area would range from medium (R-3) to high density (R-4). Council members and residents extensively discussed several neighborhood issues and concerns before the final vote was cast. Council members Jack Walker, Tim Risch and Pat Vorreiter agreed that the zoning should include adequate room for commercial development within the area under discussion. "There should be room for commercial development," Risch said. "It should not be all residential." The general zoning plan for the area would provide the city with the flexibility to change the zoning in the future if they so choose, Planning Officer Trudi Ryan said. "The focus is more on residential development at this point," Ryan said. But that could change, she added. There are three industrial areas within the boundaryÑRoss Drive/Hamlin Court, Weddell Drive/Weddell Court and an 81-acre area primarily between Fair Oaks Avenue and Morse Avenue. In addition, there is a 2.16-acre parcel, which is a city-owned property in the M-S (industrial and service) zoning district. "My main concern is the removal of the ITR rating north of Tasman," said Robert Chao, an industrial property owner in the area. Chao, who has worked in Sunnyvale for 26 years, said the ITR rating would make it less time-consuming for owners to convert their industrial properties to residential developments. The ITR on sites allows the continuation or expansion of existing industrial and commercial uses. It also allows the construction of new, medium-density residential housing. Property owners would be affected adversely if a tragedy or catastrophe should strike and the property does not have an ITR, Chao said. In the case of a tragedy or catastrophe, a property owner with an ITR can rebuild his business if damages are above a certain amount, Ryan explained. However, the owner cannot rebuild if the ITR is removed. Another issue residents discussed was the inadequate number of bike and pedestrian paths in the area, which would prove an especially relevant concern if and when commercial outlets move in. "The commercial sites should be supported by the mobile home parks and Lakewood Village," said Thom Mayer, a resident of Lakewood Village. "Tasman west of Fair Oaks needs sidewalks, and there should be more walkways and bike lanes along Fair Oaks." Walker agreed with Mayer, adding that it makes little sense to have people driving short distances for groceries and adding to the traffic congestion in the area. Councilman John Howe expressed interest in implementing a traffic demand management study, but Robert Paternoster, director of community development, stated that the proper time for the study is during the project's approval. Eventually, the council approved the plan, with modifications that included Fowler's direction to staff to explore different beautification options for the 2.16-acre parcel and Risch's suggestion to explore other sites for commercial development. |
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