This past spring, Sunnyvale completed the first phase of a multi-year planning effort by adopting five conceptual options for civilian reuse of Onizuka Air Force Station (AFS), following its scheduled 2011 closure. Sunnyvale’s Onizuka Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) approved the unanimous recommendation of the Onizuka Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) to consider five reuse options. The options include low-density offices, corporate headquarters, a hotel/conference center, a retail auto mall and two homeless-housing proposals that require consideration under federal statute.
The LRA and the CAC are committed to creating a balanced reuse plan that best meets community needs. The City will explore the feasibility of these options, their environmental and economic impacts, and alternatives for the Department of Veterans Affairs – which has priority under federal law – and the two housing agencies.
The City hired an independent consultant to assess site alternatives for residential development. The analysis identified the City-owned National Guard Armory site, located at 620 E. Maude Ave. near Fair Oaks Park, as being the most appropriate public site for developing multifamily residences. The armory is currently used during the winter to provide a cold weather emergency shelter. The change of its use to residential development would help address the City’s needs for affordable housing and would revitalize the site.
The City’s Consolidated Plan identifies City goals for homeless housing and analysis of alternative sites. To view the Con Plan, click here.
Public hearings will be held in January to seek public participation and LRA direction for next steps. The Department of Defense’s (DOD) Office of Economic Adjustment has funded a grant for a consultant – slated to begin in early 2008 – to analyze the five conceptual reuse options. The final phase – implementing the adopted reuse strategy once the DOD has issued its decision – is not expected until 2011.
Community members are encouraged to join the dialog with both the LRA and CAC to help form a community consensus and vision for the future of the Onizuka property.