Cupertino housing Plan Faces Resident Opposition Despite Developer Appeals
Cupertino, CA – A proposed affordable housing project in cupertino is meeting resistance from some residents who voice concerns about neighborhood safety and quality of life, despite developers’ efforts to highlight the project’s benefits for individuals with developmental disabilities. The project,slated for a site near Memorial Park,has sparked debate over density and cumulative neighborhood impact.
the advancement originated over a decade ago with a proposal from the Rotary Club to build affordable housing for seniors, a plan later denied by the city council. In February 2024, the Cupertino City Council unanimously approved a one-year exclusive negotiation period with developers for the current iteration of the project, designed to provide housing for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Developer Pham emphasized the careful planning behind the project, stating she hopes opponents will recognize its potential to enrich the community. “Just think for a second and imagine that your child had a developmental disability,” she told San José Spotlight. “wouldn’t you want your kid to have safe,affordable housing in the community where they grew up,close to family,friends,resources,a sense of belongingness?”
though,a Garden Gate resident,requesting anonymity,expressed concerns that developers haven’t adequately addressed the impact of surrounding developments,specifically referencing the nearby Westport development.The resident fears increased density will negatively affect neighborhood safety, notably for children, and potentially increase the risk of car accidents due to road changes.
“Everybody’s building in piecemeal,but nobody’s stepping back and (saying),’Oh my gosh.What is the cumulative effect of what we’re doing to this area? Is this really the right spot to be building into the street because it’s so narrow?'” the resident told San José Spotlight.
Orrin Mahoney, a board member of the Rotary Club of Cupertino Housing Corporation, countered these concerns, stating that parking studies showed minimal use of the proposed site except during events at Memorial Park. He also lamented the shift in community support, noting the previous proposal “brought everybody together.”
The project remains under negotiation, with the city and developers working to address resident concerns while moving forward with plans to provide much-needed affordable housing options in Cupertino.
