Policy Watch: Your weekly tip sheet to what’s going on in your community

County of Santa Clara

 Special election to be held August 16 to fill vacant Sunnyvale City Council seat

 The City of Sunnyvale submitted a resolution on April 27, 2016, requesting that the Registrar of Voters (ROV) provide services for a special election to be held on August 16, 2016 to fill the Council seat vacated

Where:  Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors

When: May 24, 2016, 9 am

Link to item:  http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=7192&MediaPosition=&ID=81300&CssClass=

Link to agenda: http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=7192


Report on County-owned lands, master planning, development plans and land purchases 

Board members have expressed interest in more robust asset and land management strategies as well as development of specific County sites or to support specific public purposes.  More recently, the general discussion arose again at the April 14 FGOC meeting during the presentation of the Facilities and Fleet Department’s FY2017 Budget.

Board members have expressed support for these strategies:

  • Using our assets and land to generate renewable energy and reduce GHG emissions.
  • Avoiding selling surplus property in favor of leasing property to generate a revenue stream for the General Fund.
  • Supporting certain County purposes, such as, Supportive Housing and Emergency Winter Shelters through development deals or by making available County property.
  • Supporting non-profits whose missions are aligned with the County’s mission through long-term Below Fair Market Value leases.
  • Developing specific County properties including the Civic Center, the Fairgrounds, and Reid-Hillview Airport at the corner of Capitol Expressway and Tully Road.

In this report, the Administration is presenting our current efforts in space and master planning as well as asset development in order to stimulate a Board discussion about what form and dimensions should the County’s participation in real property acquisitions and development activities take in order to satisfy the Board’s expectations of the County’s role.

Excerpt from report: The County is currently engaged in, or plans to engage in, three major master planning projects consisting of the County’s Civic Center, the County Fairgrounds, and the former Downtown San Jose Hospital site.

The County will soon consider executing a Master Development Agreement with Lowe Enterprises that will inaugurate an integrated project that not only develops a master plan for the County Civic Center, and initiates a program of replacement of aging capital facilities, but it also sets the entitlement foundation for 16+ acre of land for potential revenue-generating uses. The process will take between three to five years to ready the property and involve such elements as the City of San Jose preparing an Urban Village Plan, preparation of the County Master Plan, and completion of on-site infrastructure supporting the 16-acre parcel.

The County is also working with a consultant team to issue a Request for Qualifications and Expressions of Interest (RFQ) to solicit responses from qualified businesses and investors who are interested and can assist the County in developing the 150-acre Fairgrounds into a high-quality, vibrant, community and regional gathering place focused on providing active and passive recreational opportunities for the County’s residents and visitors.

In the FY2017 Recommended Budget, the Administration is proposing to fund preparation of an RFQ/RFP for one or more possible public-private partnerships to develop all or portions of a mixed-use project on the approximately 11 acres remaining at the former Downtown San Jose Hospital site in accordance with direction from the Board of Supervisors and land use guidelines established in cooperation with the City of San Jose’s East Santa Clara Urban Village planning process.

Elmwood Parcel 4 illustrates how long and difficult development or redevelopment can take to come to fruition.  The Elmwood commercial parcels were designated as surplus by the Board fifteen years ago, on March 20, 2001. Five successive RFPs have been issued for the 6.2-acre Parcel 4, none of which resulted in a successful bid.

More topics related to land acquisition, sale, lease and development are discussed in the report.

Where:  Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors

When: May 24, 2016, 9 am

Link to item:  http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=7192&MediaPosition=&ID=81118&CssClass=

Link to agenda: http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=7192

 

Ordinance regulating County use of surveillance technology; DA Rosen opposes the proposed law

The increased use of surveillance equipment by law enforcement and other public agencies has created a concern among the public regarding privacy and security.  The lack of clearly written policies regarding the acquisition and use of surveillance-technology equipment and the identification of those individuals who would have access to the information collected by this equipment are issues that have been raised and discussed in great detail by the FGOC.

Over the past year, the Administration and FGOC have been working through several iterations of a Surveillance Technology Ordinance.  This process has included receiving significant input from the public as well as from County departments, including the Sheriff and the District Attorney, as well as the Offices of the County Executive and County Counsel.

District Attorney Rosen has transmitted a letter to the Supervisors indicating his opposition to the proposed ordinance and his opinion that the Board of Supervisors does not have the authority to enact this ordinance, because it impinges on the actions of the DA’s office.

 

Where:  Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors

When: May 24, 2016, time certain – no earlier than 10 am

Link to item: http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=7192&MediaPosition=&ID=81387&CssClass=

Link to agenda: http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=7192

 

Approving contract & Master Development Agreement for next stage in redevelopment of 55-acre Civic Center site

Recommended actions:

  • Public Hearing to consider an ordinance authorizing a Contract Agreement for the development of the Santa Clara County Civic Center approximately 55 acres (or portions thereof) of certain real property
  • Adoption of Ordinance … relating to the authorization of a contract for the future development and use of a portion of the Santa Clara County Civic Center property
  • Adopt Resolution finding and determining that the approval of the Master Development Agreement (MDA) for development of the County Civic Center property… is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)…and, delegating authority to the County Executive, or designee, to implement and carry out the terms of the MDA, including negotiating, entering into and signing all documents necessary or required to carry out the terms of the MDA
  • Approve Request for Appropriation Modification No. 220 – $3,850,000 transferring funds from the General Fund Contingency Reserve to the Facilities and Fleet Capital Project budget.

Pursuant to the terms of the Predevelopment Facilities Agreement with Lowe Enterprises, approved by the Board on February 4, 2014, as amended, Administration has negotiated the proposed MDA (Exhibit A to the Resolution) for preparation of a Master Plan and the potential subsequent development of public, residential, commercial, industrial and/or cultural uses, at the Civic Center site.

Terms of the MDA are outlined in an Executive Summary of the MDA (Attachment). The proposed MDA lays out a roadmap for preparation of a Civic Center Master Plan and laying the groundwork for subsequent development. This represents preparation of a comprehensive plan that would be implemented over the next decade to replace/renovate aging capital facilities at the Civic Center.

At this point the County would only be committing to completion of Phases A and B which involve preparation of the Master Plan and completion of CEQA review.

The MDA also includes the commitment that Lowe would be the developer of the first $150 million of new County buildings during the next 7 to 10 years, depending on how long it takes to complete CEQA and the Master Plan. The County may use other developers to develop the additional buildings beyond the first $150 million worth of projects, or the development of private use parcels that would generate revenue for the General Fund, or for the development of additional County buildings beyond the contractual 7 year term following completion of CEQA and the Master Plan.

There are clearly many uncertainties at this early stage in the project (regarding costs, scope of work of the first construction project, completion of a County financing plan, etc. All of these uncertainties have been addressed by the creation of a process that allows the Board flexibility to stop or proceed at key decision points. Approval of this MDA includes approval of a Notice to Proceed for Phases A and B only. The Board’s approval (of a budget, a scope of work and a Notice to Proceed) will be required to initiate each subsequent phase.

In a separate action before the Board on May 24, a contract will be considered for approval to engage a CEQA consultant, David J. Powers and Associates, Inc., to prepare an EIR for projects contemplated under the MDA, including the master plan, all of which will return to the Board for approval.

Next Steps: Following approval of the MDA, the Administration will continue to work with the County’s consultant, Anderson Brule Architects, Inc. to prepare a Law and Justice Center Service Delivery Model, Operational Plan, Program Development and Conceptual Operational diagram layout. In approximately 12 -15 months, the Administration will bring this work product as well as Master Plan site options, prepared by Gensler / Lowe to the Board for review and feedback. This will provide the material needed for preparation of a Basis of Design and the Board’s consideration of the direction and general scope of work for the first phase, the Initial Phase of New County Facilities on Site A, the Richey Site.

At that point, moving forward with the Predevelopment Phase C for the Initial Phase of New County Facilities would be dependent upon Board approval of: CEQA; the Master Plan; a Business Plan and Budget for Predevelopment Phase C, an appropriation of funding to cover the work involved in Predevelopment Phase C, and, finally, the issuance of a Notice to Proceed for Predevelopment Phase C.

 

Where:  Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors

When: May 24, 2016, time certain – no earlier than 11 am

Link to item:  http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=7192&MediaPosition=&ID=81390&CssClass=

Link to agenda: http://sccgov.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=7192

 

City of San Jose

Opportunity to Work qualifies for ballot; Council to decide whether to adopt it, place it on Nov. ballot, or order a report

Council will accept the Certificate of Sufficiency regarding the OTW initiative, and will either: order a report on the effects of the proposed ordinance consistent with Elections Code; adopt the proposed ordinance no later than Friday, June 3; or submit the initiative to voters in Nov.

Under Elections Code, if the Council does not approve adopting the initiative or placing it on the Nov. ballot, they may order a report on the effect of the proposed initiative, which shall be presented to Council within the time specified by Council, but no later than 30 days after the elections official certifies the sufficiency of the petition.

The Council may also adopt the initiative, without alteration, at the regular meeting at which the certification of the petition is presented, or within 10 days after it is presented.

If neither of those options are pursued, the Council can place the initiative on the Nov. ballot, with a total cost of $927,794.

 

Where:    San Jose City Council

When:  May 24, 2016, 1:30p

Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2137&meta_id=575380

http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2137&meta_id=575446

http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2137&meta_id=575448

Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=f2841f21-2e93-4c0f-9d08-849c35648a53

 

Memos from Council Members  Kalra, Peralez, Carrasco, Rocha & letter from SV Chamber of Commerce in support of Wage Theft Prevention Policy

The Council Members recommend accepting staff recommendations to adopt a resolution approving new Council Policy 0-44 entitled “Wage Theft Prevention Policy” to prevent wage theft on City contracts, and to amend Title 6 to deny, suspend or revoke certain City permits and licenses to businesses with unpaid wage theft judgments.

They further recommend staff return with an update on their discussions regarding a partnership with the County of Santa Clara on addressing wage theft in Retail/Sales and Restaurant/Food industries.

Letter(s) from the Public: In a letter from Matt Mahood from the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber is in support of adopting the Wage Theft Prevention Policy.

 

Where: San Jose City Council

When: May 24, 2016, 1:30pm

Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2137&meta_id=573934

Link to CMs Kalra, Peralez, Carrasco, Rocha Memo: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2137&meta_id=575454

Link to Letter(s) from Public: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2137&meta_id=575167

Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=f2841f21-2e93-4c0f-9d08-849c35648a53

 

Report & direction on labor standards/local hiring in construction sector

At the June 23, 2015, City Council Priority Setting Session, Councilmember Kalra’s recommendation to develop a Local Hiring/Local Business/Apprentice Utilization Program (also

known as a “Good Jobs Ordinance”) was deemed Council’s third highest priority. In his June 19, 2015, memorandum, Councilmember Kalra stated that the City should aim to create policies, similar to the City of Sunnyvale’s Good Jobs Program, that encourage the hiring of local workers and contracting of local and small businesses. It is believed that the development of a local hiring and economic opportunity program would help address the growing income inequality gap and ensure that projects in the City of San Jose create “living wage” jobs for the community.

And lastly the development of a “Good Jobs Ordinance” is to include:

  1. A good faith local hire ordinance (for private development);
  2. An apprenticeship hire ordinance;
  3. A policy of requiring area standard wages for the development of public land that is sold, leased or swapped; and
  4. A targeted hire policy for public works.

The development of ordinances and/or policies toward any of the above items is challenging, because the subject matter is complex and involves multiple stakeholders and considerations. Staff has taken an approach to first research the underlying subjects.

The next steps recommended in the staff report are:

  1. Next Steps: Local Hiring Ordinance
  • Commission study of San Jose and Santa Clara County’s construction industry labor market; and
  • Develop policy/ordinance options based on study results.
  1. Next Steps: Apprenticeship Issues
  • Engage the Construction Trades to discuss apprentice supply issues and how the City can help.
  1. Next Steps: Local/Small Business Preference for Construction Procurement
  • Bring forward options to increase local/small preference in construction contract procurement with a report on Council Priority #14 (Disadvantage Business Enterprises).
  1. Next Steps: Other Information
  • Engage stakeholders to explore the potential usage of CWAs in San Jose
  • Work with the Office of Economic Development to assess potential provisions for area standard wages that might be attached to the sale/lease/swap of public land.

 

Where:  San Jose Community & Economic Development Committee

When: May 23, 2016, 1:30 pm

Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?meta_id=574166

Link to agenda: http://sanjoseca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/56783

 

Redevelopment Agency deciding whether to accept or reject County’s purchase offer for Hilton Hotel property

Adopt a resolution to take one of the following actions:

  1. Rejecting the County of Santa Clara’s request to acquire the real property located at 300 South Almaden Boulevard subject to a long term lease with the Hilton Hotel at its appraised value and offering such real property for sale using an open solicitation process; or
  2. Requesting a second appraisal be commissioned by the County of Santa Clara for such real property with the requirement that the real property be appraised by a company qualified in the valuation of long-lived financial assets, or
  3. Approving a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the County of Santa Clara to sell such real property to the County of Santa Clara for appraised value of Ninety Six Thousand Dollars ($96,000).

The Hilton Land is encumbered by a long-term ground lease to West Hotel Partners, L.P. The Ground Lease provides for a first class hotel with a ground rent of One Dollar ($1.00) per year. The initial lease term is 55 years, expiring March 12, 2046 and it includes four (4), 10-year options which could extend the term another 40 years. Given the low rent for the land, it is likely that the options will be exercised. The likely lease term, therefore, will extend to March 12, 2086.

The Successor Agency owns the real property situated under the Hilton Hotel (300 South Almaden Boulevard). Pursuant to the Dissolution Legislation and the Long Range Property Management Plan the property must be sold.

County staff followed the Oversight Board approved Disposition Process for Direct Sale acquisition of assets, including hiring an Oversight board-approved appraiser, Valbridge.. However, Successor Agency and City staff do not believe that the appraisal prepared by Valbridge for the Hilton Land is reflective of the fair market value of the property. As such, we do not believe that the Successor Agency should sell the Hilton Land to the County at the value indicated in the appraisal prepared by Valbridge ($96,000).

 

Where: Oversight Board of the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency

When: May 26, 2016, 10 am

Link to item:  http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?meta_id=570450

Link to agenda: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/56958

 

Request that CHRSA establish local stakeholder cmte to provide oversight of Diridon area planning

Letter from the Arena Authority to the California High-Speed Rail Authority: In response to the CHRSA’s Draft 2016 Business Plan, the Arena Authority is asking the CHSRA to create a local, standing community stakeholders committee should be created to engage in the identification and oversight of construction planning and design issues around the SAP Center, and to address the design of the intermodal High Speed Rail station in relation to the other transit options expected to be utilized at the station. A preliminary list of organizations that should have representation on the committee includes:

  • The City of San Jose
  • The San Jose Arena Authority
  • Sharks Sports & Entertainment
  • Vicinity residential neighborhood associations
  • The San Jose Downtown Association
  • The Alameda Business Association
  • CalTrain
  • Bay Area Rapid Transit
  • VTA

 

Where:    San Jose Arena Authority

When:  May 25, 2016, 4:00p

Link to item: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/56827

Link to agenda: http://sanjoseca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/56829

 

DEFERRED to June 7: Adopting Fire Department Strategic Plan, incl. EMS coverage & whether to pursue 3-person staffing model

RECOMMEND DEFERRAL TO 6/7/16 PER ADMINISTRATION

The Public Safety Finance and Strategic Support Committee, and the Fire Department are recommending the adoption of the Fire Department Strategic Plan (also called “Vision 2023”). Adoption of the San Jose Fire Department’s (Department) Strategic Plan will allow the Department to move forward with a number of initiatives to maintain current, essential services to the community, and serve as a guideline for restoration and expansion as funds become available. In addition, staff are presenting the Fire Department Organizational Review, which informed adjustments to the Strategic Plan, including provisions to focus on restoring browned out companies, identifying funding and timing to address fire station gaps, and looking into the possibility of adding “peak time” engine companies to backfill and cover service gap areas until physical stations can be funded and built to help address service gaps identified in the Review.

 

Where: San Jose City Council

When: May 24, 2016, 1:30pm

Supplemental Memo: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2137&meta_id=573761

Supplemental Memo from City Attorney Richard Doyle: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2137&meta_id=573763

Memo from Council Member Peralez: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2137&meta_id=573765

Link to item: http://sanjose.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=2137&meta_id=574130

Link to agenda: http://sanjose.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=f2841f21-2e93-4c0f-9d08-849c35648a53

 

City of Mountain View

Study session re residential development options for North Bayshore Precise Plan

Based on previous Environmental Planning Commission (EPC) and Council input, and further staff analysis, several residential policy topics have been identified that require further review and direction. The purpose of this meeting is to present these key residential policy topics. The Council is asked to discuss and provide input on each topic.

The Precise Plan’s key objectives are to create a new mixed-use residential neighborhood in North Bayshore where public transit, commercial services, and open space are within a comfortable walking distance of new residences. Additionally, allowing a substantial number of new residential units will help improve the balance of jobs and housing in the area.

  • POLICY TOPIC NO. 1: State Density Bonus Law, North Bayshore Bonus Floor Area Ratio, and Affordable Housing Units
  • POLICY TOPIC NO. 2: Office Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Transfer
  • POLICY TOPIC NO. 3: Master Plan
  • POLICY TOPIC NO. 4: 1255 Pear Avenue Below Market Rate (BMR) Strategy

 

Where:    Mountain View City Council

When:  May 24, 2016, 5:00p

Link to item: http://mountainview.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?m=l&id=2245

Link to agenda: https://mountainview.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=452511&GUID=AC85BC83-B458-4EE3-8781-4A17FF5E313C

Adopting new campaign finance disclosure ordinance; seeking direction on enforcement & penalties

The proposed ordinance would amend the Mountain View City Code related to Campaign Finance Requirements and the Voluntary Expenditure Limit Program, through the following items:

  • Proposed Disclosure Requirements—Top Contributors
  • Earmarking and Layering
  • Updates to the Top Contributor List
  • Enforcement

Electronic Filing of Campaign Statements

Pursuant to Council’s direction, on May 5, 2016, staff issued a Request for Proposals for electronic filing systems for both Campaign Finance Disclosure Statements and Statement of Economic Interests—700 Forms from the following vendors approved by the Secretary of State:

  1. Capitol WebWorks, Sacramento, California
  2. ISPOLITICAL, San Diego, California
  3. NetFile, Mariposa, California
  4. SouthTech Systems, Riverside, California
  5. Statecraft, La Jolla, California

The City received two bids, one from NetFile and one from SouthTech Systems. Although one of the proposals also included an option to purchase the system, staff prefers a subscription option to retain flexibility as technology is evolving. If Council wishes to implement an e-filing system, staff recommends the Council direct the City Clerk to select a vendor to implement the system as soon as practical in order to have it available for the upcoming election. At a later date, staff will return with a proposed ordinance requiring campaign statements and Form 700s be filed electronically.

 

Where:    Mountain View City Council

When:  May 24, 2016, 5:00p

Link to item: http://mountainview.legistar.com/gateway.aspx?m=l&id=2253

Link to agenda: https://mountainview.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=A&ID=452511&GUID=AC85BC83-B458-4EE3-8781-4A17FF5E313C

 

City of Santa Clara

Vacancy on the Planning Commission, application deadline of June 16

Barbara Vance submitted a resignation letter from the Board of Library Trustees, effective June 30, 2016, and has served on the Board since 2012. Deborah Costa submitted a resignation letter from the Planning Commission, effective July 1,2016, and has served on the Commission since 2009. Bunny Lockwood submitted a resignation letter from the Cultural Commission, effective May 2,2016, and has served on the Commission since 2009.

Council will also declare one additional vacancy on the following Boards and Commissions: the Board of Library Trustees, the Planning Commission, and the Cultural Commission. Applications for the Board of Library Trustees and Planning Commission vacancies will be June 16, 2016 with interviews to be held on June 21, 2016 at 6pm and 7pm respectively; and a July 14, 2016 application deadline for the Cultural Commission with interviews to be held on July 19, 2016 at 6pm.

 

Where:    Santa Clara City Council

When:  May 24, 2016, 7 pm

Link to item: http://sireweb.santaclaraca.gov/sirepub/view.aspx?cabinet=published_meetings&fileid=753065

Link to agenda: http://sireweb.santaclaraca.gov/sirepub/mtgviewer.aspx?meetid=1774&doctype=AGENDA

 

Yahoo! selling Santa Clara property & assigning Dev Agreement for 3M s.f. office campus to LeTech

On May 25, 2010, the City Council approved a Development Agreement (“DA”) with Yahoo! Inc. for the development of their property at 5010 Old lronsides Drive. The DA provides for the construction of a 3 million square foot office/research & development campus consisting of 13 six-story buildings, as well as associated public improvements and more than $11 Million in transportation and traffic fees, over a 10- to 20-year term.

On April 26, 2016, Yahoo! Inc. submitted formal notification to the City of their intent to sell their Santa Clara property, and to assign their rights and obligations under the Development Agreement to Le Technology, Inc. (“LeTech”), a manufacturer of TVs, phones, and movies. LeTech intends to establish a wholly-owned entity, LeEco Real Estate Group, LLC (“LeEco”), to take title to and develop the Yahoo! property. LeEco would assume all of the obligations of Yahoo! to install public improvements and pay fees, and could develop the campus in a manner consistent with the existing DA.

LeTech’s North American Headquarters is in San Jose. Upon completion of construction of the buildings, LeEco representatives have advised that it intends to move global headquarters for many of its affiliated companies to Santa Clara.

 

Where:    Santa Clara City Council

When:  May 24, 2016, 7 pm

Link to item: http://sireweb.santaclaraca.gov/sirepub/view.aspx?cabinet=published_meetings&fileid=753075

Link to agenda: http://sireweb.santaclaraca.gov/sirepub/mtgviewer.aspx?meetid=1774&doctype=AGENDA

 

San Jose/Evergreen Community College District

Reinstatement of Classified Senate

San Jose City College has approved the reinstatement of a Classified Senate to provide a centralize means of communication between the classified staff and the college community.  On May 11, SJCC classified staff voted 97% in favor to approve the installation of the Classified Senate and the SJCC Classified Senate Constitution.

 

Where: San Jose/Evergreen Community College District

When: Tuesday, May 24, 2016  4:30PM

Link to item: http://www.boarddocs.com/ca/sjeccd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=A9ZPJ764B32B

Link to agenda:  http://www.boarddocs.com/ca/sjeccd/Board.nsf/Public#tab-meetings

 

Cupertino Union School District

Discontinuing exploration of affordable teacher housing at Luther site

The project, which would include 200 affordable housing units for educators in the district, is planned for the vacant site located at 220 Blake Ave. in Santa Clara. Due to declining enrollment, the Luther School was closed in 1983. Currently, the site generates approximately $650,000 annually for the District. Once developed site will generate over three (3) times the current lease revenue received. No decision has been made regarding the project. The District announced in December that it was exploring building teacher housing on the site. In her Dec. 8 announcement, superintendent Wendy Gudalewicz said the project did not yet have funding, but the district did not want to use taxpayer money.

Since that time, a vocal group of neighbors have opposed the project and attacked the Superintendent for the proposal. At this point, the District is considering discontinuing its exploration of the teacher housing project.

According to the Mercury News:

Cupertino Education Association president Dave Villafana supported the idea when approached by the district and also suggested the board also boost teacher pay.

The Save Luther School and Park group is in opposition and argues that “no studies have been conducted to assess the true needs,” and “there is no evidence that temporary teacher housing results in long-term teacher retention.” The group worries that if the school population grows, it would be difficult to acquire a large plot of land like the Luther site, which has been closed since the early 1980s, and is now leased out. The group’s website charges that the district lacks transparency and has made decisions on the matter behind closed doors. The group claims that “none of the CUSD area and the Luther community was informed about this plan before the official announcement” in December.

 

Where:  Cupertino Union School District

When:  Tuesday, May 24, 2016 6:00PM

Link to background info: http://www.edline.net/pages/Cupertino_Union_SD/For_Parents/CUSD_Employee_Housing_Project , http://www.mercurynews.com/cupertino/ci_29558808/cupertino-schools-resident-group-opposes-cupertino-unions-teacher

Link to agenda: www.cusdk8.org/edline/about/board/agendas/1516/Board%20Agenda%20-%20Public%20052416.pdf

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