Title
Study Session Summary of August 9, 2016 - Peery Park Specific Plan
Summary
Call to Order:
Vice Mayor Larsson called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
City Councilmembers Present:
Mayor Glenn Hendricks
Vice Mayor Gustav Larsson
Councilmember Jim Griffith
Councilmember Tara Martin-Milius
Councilmember Jim Davis
City Councilmembers Recused:
Councilmember Pat Meyering
Planning Commissioners Present:
Chair Sue Harrison
Commissioner Larry Klein
Commissioner Russell Melton
Commissioner Carol Weiss
Planning Commissioners Absent:
Vice Chair Ken Rheaume
Commissioner Ken Olevson
Commissioner David Simons
Public Comment:
John Cordes
Eleanor Hansen
Mike Serrone
Study Session Summary:
Amber Blizinski, Principal Planner, provided a brief slide presentation on four topics included in the Peery Park Specific Plan (PPSP): Transportation Demand Management (TDM), the PPSP Community Benefits Program, the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Land Use Alternatives, and the relationship between the PPSP and the Sunnyvale Climate Action Plan (CAP).
During the discussion on TDM, staff noted that development projects would be required to join the PPSP Transportation Management Association (TMA) and Sarah Peters, from Fehr and Peers, presented information on the results of a TMA study led by the Irvine Company.
Staff reviewed the different levels of community benefits, flexible and defined, that will be included in the Community Benefits Program, and also presented additional priority flexible community benefits for the Council and Commission to consider.
When discussing the EIR Land Use Alternatives, staff described each of the three land use alternatives and how they differ from the PPSP Project. Staff mentioned that there were several letters from community members on supporting EIR Alternative 2, the Mixed-Use Housing Alternative, and briefly outlined the process if the Council were to choose this alternative over the PPSP Project.
Finally, staff described the relationship of the PPSP to the Sunnyvale Climate Action Plan (CAP). Items such as the TDM program, increased bicycle and pedestrian access within and surrounding the PPSP, and the sustainability items within the Community Benefits Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the primary goal of the CAP.
Vice Mayor Larsson opened up the discussion for Council and Commission questions and comments.
Questions and responses included:
• Would the Peery Park Rides Shuttle also connect to the Light Rail Station?
o While it is too early in the planning process to know for certain, staff will recommend that this be considered when creating the Peery Park Rides route.
• What happens to the Peery Park Rides program after the two year grant funding?
o The goal is that, if the program is successful, the shuttle would continue to operate with PPSP TMA funding and/or by merging opportunities with other business associations in the area.
• What are the types of projects included in the wastewater infrastructure fee?
o Evaluation of the wastewater fee will be provided with the report to the Commission and Council.
• Will anything be retained on the Mellows Nursery Site?
o Rehabilitation of the farmhouse on the Mellows Nursery site is a mitigation measure in the EIR and part of the current application for that site.
• Will the extension of the purple pipe/recycled water be included as a Flexible Community Benefit?
o Staff will look into including this item in the community benefits program.
Comments included:
• Alternative 2 should be given a serious consideration with adoption of the PPSP.
• Environmental floor area ratio bonuses should be considered with net zero or net positive buildings.
• Provide the Council with more information on the citywide job/housing ratio.
Vice Mayor Larsson opened up the session for public comment.
Three public speakers, all residents of Sunnyvale, provided the following comments:
• Plan should include Class IV bicycle paths.
• Parking should not be allowed on streets when new development is approved.
• A bicycle/pedestrian path should be included in the PPSP that crosses Central Expressway.
• Housing would help reduce mileage traveled and support trip reduction goals.
• The PPSP should have a fleet of buses similar to Google.
Following the public comment period, staff announced that the draft PPSP and the draft EIR are both available on the Peery Park webpage, that the Final EIR would be available on the webpage on August 12, 2016, and that the PPSP and EIR are scheduled for adoption hearings on August 22, 2016 with the Planning Commission and September 20, 2016 with the City Council.
Adjournment:
Vice Mayor Larsson adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m.