2004-0162 – City of Sunnyvale – Evaluate the Possibility of Using City-Owned Properties for Storage of Recreational Vehicles, Boats and Trailers RK (Also to City Council on 07/20/04)

Ryan Kuchenig, Project Planner, presented the staff report.  He provided a summary of the evolution of the study issue.  He also noted that an ordinance that is to take effect January 1, 2005 is to have the Recreational Vehicles, Boats and Trailers within the front yard parked perpendicular to the street.  He reported that staff explored and evaluated five city owned properties for long term storage with respect to size, location and need for investment.  Staff noted that there are considerable obstacles for this particular use.  He also noted that one property located along SR 237, Persian and Fair Oaks Way was identified; however, it requires considerable upgrades and significant financial investment to support the use.  He provided other alternatives such as leasing the site to another operator to reduce the city’s liability and lease options with other operators.  Staff recommended not to pursue the use of city owned land for storage as investments and improvements are significant as well as the associated liability and cost.  He clarified that the site is located at 970 Evelyn is currently known as  the Marion Bidwell site.

Comm. Sulser asked staff for the zoning designation for the property located at SR 237. Staff responded that it is zoned M-S (Industrial Service.)

Comm. Klein clarified with staff whether security was also evaluated with the other site and whether the cost noted was an on-going cost and whether security cost was included in the estimate.  Staff responded the cost does not include security but purely maintenance cost.

Vice Chair Moylan asked staff about the initial one time cost to make the site usable and the estimated rental income.  He stated that Mathilda/California appears to be the best option that will pay for itself in a year. However, staff did not recommend this site and asked staff for the reasons behind their recommendation. Staff responded there were other factors considered such as location of the site, the size is not large enough and its proximity to residential neighborhood. He added that although the other sites appear financially viable, it was not the overriding decision. Ms. Ryan added that if the city’s business is for RV storage then a different site would have been recommended.  She noted that higher priority was placed on land use rather than the return on investment.

Chair Babcock opened the public hearing.

Tod Eyring, resident, expressed his concerns about the safety issue associated with parked recreational vehicles as people live in them.  He stated that it is an eyesore and moving them from the street will help Public Safety to ensure safety in the neighborhood.

Miguel Sanchez – President, Traditions of Sunnyvale Homeowners Association, addressed the site located at Fair Oaks Way that was considered for this use yet they have previously requested that the City improve this site. He was also surprised that the staff report did not include the association’s earlier comments to improve this site. He asked that if this site is considered for RV storage, that there shall be some conditions such as limiting the hours of operation and this is only for Sunnyvale residents and hopefully it would only be a temporary solution.

Comm. Simons asked Mr. Sanchez whether this is the site that was being suggested to be used a park.  Mr. Sanchez stated yes because the site was being leased and was becoming a dump site and creating traffic concerns to the neighborhood.

Comm. Simons further asked if the association has any recommendation for the use of the site.  Mr. Sanchez responded that site could be developed as a park- and-ride benefiting the entire area.

Chair Babcock closed the public hearing.

Motion failed due to lack of a seconds.

Comm. Sulser commented that he saw no evidence to use city owned properties to be advantageous.

Comm. Hungerford complimented staff for a good job and providing alternative sites with a conclusion that it would be too expensive and the sites are not big enough to attract operators and to meet standards.

Vice Chair Moylan commented that the previous study issue associated with this study revealed an overwhelming request from the citizens that if parking of RVs, boats and trailers are being limited, then the City should provide storage space.

Comm. Simons concurred with Vice Chair Moylan that there was strong request for storage space.  He stated that he would have preferred to see what contractor could put this site to a better use.

Ms. Ryan stated that the City Council will consider the item on July 20, 2004.