City Council Study Session

Update of Precise Plan for El Camino Real

December 19, 2006 5:30 p.m.

West Conference Room

Study Session Notes

1.                  Meeting called to order at 5:40 p.m.

2.                  Amy Chan, City Manager provided an overview of the reason for the Study Session and the recommendation to continue the public hearing to January 23, 2007 in response to a request by the Chamber of Commerce.

3.                  Andy Miner, Principal Planner provided an overview of the Precise Plan Document, highlighting the goals and policies and the Nodes Staff explained that the Precise Plan applies to private property and not to the public realm.

4.                  Council asked questions or  made comments about the following items:

·         Height and Setback, how will the transitions be made?

·         Major development in Santa Clara

·         Major development from other cities on Sunnyvale’s borders

·         Grand Boulevard and the Precise Plan

·         Why is Mary Avenue not a node?

·         Like to see more aggressive gateways

·         City boundary lines need correction on the maps

·         Sunnyvale could have a theme at gateways or along the street, such as a City Flower

·         What does a 70 foot seback look like?

·         How have the autodealers responded?

·         Parking

5.                  Staff then provided a more detailed review of the standards for commercial development adjacent to residential uses. Council asked questions or  made comments about the following items:

·         Setback from residential, is 20 the right setback?

·         How do the neighbors respond

·         Most residents don’t appear to want to be adjacent to a parking lot

·         Needs to be latitude to deal with each situation independently

6.                  Public comments were then received:

a.      Kevin Jackson

·         Like to get BPAC proactively involved in the plan

·         Sites could include signs directing patrons to the parking

·         Try to get community away from total dependence on the automobile

·         Do not always put the motorists first

b.      Harriet Rowe

·         There is a compromise needed between the front and rear setbacks and the parking locations, and may depend on the site or plan

·         Sites with parking in the back may work

c.      Suzi Blackman, CEO/President Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce

·         The Chamber appreciates the delay in the public hearing so that more members can participate in the review and public hearing.

d.      Bob Meola, Sunnyvale Automobile Dealers

·         Appreciate the opportunity for input

·         Auto dealers were woefully absent during the outreach meetings; they will step up their efforts.

·         Precise Plan is a positive step to add character to the area

·         Permeable paver concepts are being worked on

·         They would like to discuss hours of operation

·         El Camino needs mid-block crossings for pedestrians

·         Concerns with the 20% landscaping provisions

7.                  Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.