REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proposed Project: A request for a Downtown Specific Plan Amendment Initiation to study changes to the development intensities and standards for Block 20 of the Downtown Specific Plan to increase the number of allowable residential units, an increase to the square footage of office allowed, and an increase in building height to allow up to five stories.
File #: 2018-7034
Location: 510 and 528 S. Mathilda Ave. (APNs: 209-29-060 and 061) and 562 and 566 S. Mathilda Ave. (APNS: 209-29-057 and 067)
Zoning: DSP (Block 20)
Applicant / Owner: SiliconSage Builders, LLC (applicant and owner 562 and 566 S. Mathilda Ave.) and Shawn Karimi (applicant and owner 510 and 528 S. Mathilda Ave.)
Environmental Review: The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(a).
Project Planner: Cindy Hom, (408) 730-7411, chom@sunnyvale.ca.gov
Report
SUMMARY OF COMMISSION ACTION
The Planning Commission considered this item on April 9, 2018.
The Planning Commission voted to recommend initiation of a Specific Plan Amendment per the staff recommendation (Alternative 1), with additional study items:
i) Revise design standards to ensure good architectural design and detailing, specifically at the ground floor pedestrian level.
j) Improve the overall streetscape design on Mathilda frontage along Block 20, including sidewalk width, tree wells, and plant selection to accommodate estate size trees and tree shading.
The Planning Commission expressed interest in ensuring an active street experience along Mathilda Avenue, with the proposed office uses on the ground floor relating to the sidewalk. The vote was 6-0 with Commissioner Rheaume recusing himself due to a conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Communit...
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