Lawrence SAP Citizen Advisory Group for Phase II - Call for Applications

What: Sunnyvale is inviting applications from Sunnyvale residents and business representatives/property owners in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara to serve on the Lawrence SAP Citizen Advisory Group (CAG).

How: Applications are available below, or at the Sunnyvale Public Library, Community Center and City Hall and must be completed, signed and received by the deadline.

Submit by: Friday, May 18, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. to the Sunnyvale Community Development Department, 456 W. Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA  94086 or via email to Surachita Bose, Project Planner at sbose@ci.sunnyvale.ca.us 
                                       
Application Cover Letter
Application Form
Supplemental Form                             

First Phase Draft Report: Lawrence SAP

Please click on the links below to review the draft report completed for the first phase of the Lawrence station area planning effort. Hard copies of the plan are available for viewing at the City Hall Planning Division.

ExecutiveSummary Part 1
Executive Summary Part 2
Chapter 1
Chapter 2 Part 1
Chapter 2 Part 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6 Part 1
Chapter 6 Part 2
Chapter 6 Part 3
Chapter 7
Appendix

Lawrence Station Area Plan Community Outreach Meetings

Study Area

Lawrence Caltrain station is located near the eastern boundary of the City of Sunnyvale along Lawrence Expressway between Kifer Road to the north and Reed Avenue/Monroe Street to the south. Although the station is located in the City of Sunnyvale, the area borders the City of Santa Clara to the east. The study area for Lawrence Station Area Plan would include all properties within a half-mile radius of Lawrence Caltrain Station. Properties within the study area lie within the jurisdictions of both the cities of Sunnyvale and Santa Clara. The focus of this study would be on the development potential within the City of Sunnyvale. Current land uses around the station generally consist of older, single-story office/R&D structures to the north and single-family homes and multifamily residential buildings to the south. Retail and light industrial uses are scattered throughout the area. 

Study Area Map

Background

In January 2008, City Council directed staff to review and analyze current and future development potential in the area around the existing Caltrain Station near Lawrence Expressway. The need for a study emerged out of concerns regarding low ridership levels at the Lawrence Station and development potential in the surrounding area. Staff conducted detailed research of the existing land uses, density, ridership levels, identified other agencies that could have a stake in the study and pursued funding sources for the study.

To conduct a preliminary assessment of the study area’s potential for transit oriented development (TOD) and lay the groundwork for next steps, the City retained the services of a consultant team. The consultant worked with staff to conduct a preliminary assessment of the financial feasibility of various TOD-compatible product types in the study area. Furthermore, in 2009 the City was awarded a grant from Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) for an amount of $150,000 under VTA’s FY 2008/2009 Community Design and Transportation Grant Program for the Lawrence SAP project.

In May 2009, Sunnyvale City Council approved the feasibility study for Lawrence station area. A copy of staff’s report to Council (RTC) and the consultant’s findings are available at the link below:

May 2009 Report to Council 

Partner Agencies

The identified study area is located within the jurisdictions of Sunnyvale and Santa Clara and it is anticipated that City of Santa Clara will participate in the process of plan development. Transportation agencies will play an important role as key stake holders, as well as provide technical advisory assistance, in the preparation of the Plan. The partner agencies will include:

• City of Santa Clara
• Valley Transportation Authority
• Caltrain
• County of Santa Clara

Work Plan

In April 2010, Council approved the phased work plan for the development of the Lawrence Station Area Plan (SAP). A copy of the staff’s report to Council, a detailed phased work plan and tentative schedule are available online.

April 2010 Work Plan and Report 

Consultant Support

Using a grant awarded to the City under VTA's Community Design and Transportation Program staff has hired a consultant team led by BMS Design Group (www.bmsdesigngroup.com) to assist with Station Area plan development. The plan development effort began in December 2010 and it is anticipated that the first phase of the study will be completed by mid-2011.

A series of public workshops and outreach meetings are being held throughout the process of plan development. The public is encouraged to provide feedback to the City Council and staff on an ongoing basis.