But when the full project was unveiled for the public on Aug. 2, the majority of the more than 100 people who attended two public information meetings were more interested in where houses would be, where they should park to go to their favorite Target store or what the restored street grid would look like.

During the two meetings—in the Heritage Center at the Sunnyvale Community Center—members of both the city staff and the Forum team were on hand to field questions, explain layouts and pass out information.

Forum unveiled its plan to the public in preparation for the Aug. 9 planning commission and Aug. 17 city council meetings. The council could give the project its final approval on Aug. 17. Jane Vaughan, project manager for Forum Development Group, said that if the council approves

the project on the 17th, construction could begin in January as soon as the holiday shopping rush is over. Forum predicts it will take two years to complete the project.

Arts Commissioner Bob Obrey, 75, said he's excited about the look of the project because there are a number of opportunities for artwork, including murals, statuary and performances.

Obrey said he's also excited about the extension of Murphy Street. Downtown residents have been divided over the effect the new development will have on the existing downtown, especially Murphy Street. Some say it will draw customers away, hurting business, while others say it will bring more people to the shops and restaurants already there.

"I have a sense that it will sort of complete Murphy Street, because as it exists now, Murphy comes to an abrupt stop at the parking lot there," Obrey said.

Obrey said he'd shop in the area if the stores that moved in interested him. He currently shops online for many items, but would be motivated to shop downtown for the same goods if the stores were right.

But the public's reaction was not unanimously favorable. Thirty-year Sunnyvale resident Bryan Williams said he doesn't think the shops will do as well as people are hoping.

"I don't see anything here that will attract shoppers to this mall over any others in the area," Williams said. "Once you have to get in the car, it's not a matter of how far it is from you, but how far it is from the nearest freeway exit."

Unlike The Great Mall, which is off of highways 680 and 880, and Valley Fair, which sits at the intersection of highways 280 and 880, the Forum Project is more than a mile from either 280 or 101.

"I expect the parking will be underused. I don't think they will attract as many people as they think," Williams said.

But many the people who came out to the meetings seemed excited about the prospect of shopping in local stores and giving tax money to their local government.

Longtime resident Jack Rowe said he can't wait to visit the restaurants, stores and movie theaters promised for the space. He said he trusts the "team of experts" the city and Forum have had working on the project to produce a viable project for Sunnyvale.

"I think it's great," Rowe said. "I can't judge what perfect is, but it's in the right direction."

The project comes up for final approval at the Aug. 17 Sunnyvale City Council meeting, in council chambers at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call the Sunnyvale Community Development Department at 408.730.7444 or visit the city's website at www.sunnyvale.ca.gov.