According to city of Sunnyvale communications officer Adam Levermore-Rich, the extension was based on a number of questions and protests voiced at the Dec. 16 city council meeting and in letters that the city council and redevelopment agency were unable to answer.

During the hearing, a number of community members spoke out against the amendment, echoing many of the same concerns voiced at the Nov. 24 planning commission meeting.

Many who spoke at the Dec. 16 meeting feared that eminent domain will be used to violate private property rights, to take land in order to bring various parts of the downtown area in line with the city's proposed redevelopment plans.

Throughout all the meetings, however, city officials have said there is no intended use of eminent domain at this time; it is simply being touted as a tool to have in case of need.

The council will publicly address the issue at its next meeting, scheduled for Jan. 6, after a two-week hiatus.