CC 03-19-2024 Item No. 8 Review city-owned properties_Late CommunicationsCC 03-19-2024
Item #8
Review city-owned
properties
Written Communications
cl 3/ /9/14 L+eh * [
DEPARTMENT OF PAFIKS AND RECREATION
CITY HALL
CUPERTINO
10300TORREAVENUE-CUPEFITINO CA95014-3255
TELEPHONE:(408)777-3110-FAX: (408)777-3366
ST AFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. I F)MEETING DATE: April 2, 2009
SUBJECT
Reconunendation for future use of StocUmeir Pmperty
BACKGROtJND
The Stocklmeir property was purchased by the City in 1999, consistent with the City of Cupertino
General Plan parks and open space element. The Stocklmeir House is of historic interest; Louis
Stocklmeir WaS' One of the advocates of Cupertino ixicorporation and the founding father of the
Cupeitino Historical Society. The 5.1-acre site includes one home, a converted garage and a 3-acre
orcliard, predominantly planted in oranges. The home was rented until the septic tank failed
approximately five years ago. The house is no longer habitable and would require extensive
modification to open to the public. In 2006, the city spent $35,000 for preservation by re-roofing
the house and performing mold mitigation work.
As part of the second phase of the approved Stevens Creek Corridor Plan, the creek is to be
realigned along tlie Stocklmeir property. The proposed realignment would reduce erosion and
undercutting of the existing east creek bank along the golf course. There is a sanitary sewer main
runnii'+g along the golf course edge that needs to be protected. The Stevens Creek Trail is proposed
through tl':ie Stocklmeir site, throrigli the orange orchard. The trail runs adjacent to the historic
house and garden. This route will require enhancen':ient of the riparian yegetation to shade the creek
and additional protection to screen the trail users from errant golf balls.
In 2004, Cupertino Historical Society requested a long-term lease of the Stocklmeir propeity for the
Cupeitino Center for Living History. Their plari required millions of dollars in private investment,
arid tO that end, Cupertino Historical Society needed tO pi-eSent potential dOnOrS witl'i all aSSuranCe
that the City would allow the proposed history center to go forward, after the funds were raised,
The City Council passed a Resolution of Intent agreeing to Iease the Stocklmeir property to the
Cupertino Historical Society for a period of twenty (20) years with a IO-year extension at no cost,
contingent upon cornpletion of a 3 to 5 year capital campaign to raise funds to renovate the facility,
and upon presentation and approval by the City Council, of a management plan that would open the
facility to the public.
Subsequent analysis has revealed significant site constraints to use of tlie property. Cupertino
Historical Society board members have become aware of the expense involved in converting an old
residential structure for public use. The Cupeitino Historical Society sent a letter in January 2008
to the City Council asking council to amend the resolution for t)!'ie lease of property for the Center
for Living History to include new goals to be achieved through a City/Cupertino Histoiical Society
partnersliip. The new goals were:
' A cooperatiye Cupertino Historical Society/City effoit to draft an intei'pretive plan for the
Stocklmeir property
' A cooperative Cupertino Historical Society/City effort to raise funds for the use of
improving the Stocklmeir propeity
a Support for City effoits to develop an historical orchard ori the Stocklmeir propeity,
including iitigation, and funding for ai'i orcliardist to advise on managen'ient practices
a Suppoit for City efforts to renovate aiid secure the Stocklmeir house for purpose of creating
a walk-by historical exhibit
a Suppoit the City effoits to construct a multi-use trail through the Stocklmeir propeity and
that it be tuilt as close as possible to the creek with a simple, narrow, unpaved footpath
crossing tlie o-rchard.
ANALYSIS
The Cupertino Historical Society was willing to collaborate with the City to help tie the historical
interpretation to the construction of the new trail and the renovation of the StocUmeir Property. In
February 2009, Darryl Stow, a board n'iember of the Cupeitino IF-Tistorical Society, organized a
meeting of potential stakeholders to explore the possibilities for a "working legacy faim" concept at
the Stocklmeir Propeity. Members of this stakeholders group included representatives from the
Cupertino Historical Society, Fremont Union High School District, Cupei-tino Rotary, and City of
Cupertino.
This stakeholders group has developed a proposed vision for tlie possible fu(ure use of a working
legacy farm at the Stockhneir Property. It was a priority of tl'ie group that the working legacy farm
would be able to facilitate community connection and advance lifelong learning. The proposed
vtsion ts:
):( Build a cornrnunity l'iub where existing resources can be nurtured and cultivated wliile
celebrating our historical legacy. Create community partnersliips to build and sustain a
living open space.
The group has developed proposed attributes to assist in guiding future community programming at
tlie Stocktmeir Property. These proposed attributes are:
* Reconnect to nature in self-directed maxiner
* Building for better cornrnunity future
* Encourage community service
* Develop pride and respect in nil:ituring land and each other
Outreaching to additional community partners is the next step for the stakeholders group. The
following paitners have been identified for possible paitnership oppoitunities at the proposed
working legacy farm:
- Neiglibors to the Stocklmeir Propeity
- Friends of the Stevens Creek Trail
Rolling Hills 4-H Club
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
Santa Clara Valley Water District
Retired Cupertino Faimers
RECOMMENDATION
Staff is recommending tliat the Parks and Recreation Commission suppoit the concept developed
by tl'ie Stocklmeir Property Stakeholders Group of a working legacy farm that will build a
community hub where existing resorirces can be nurtured and cultivated while celebrating our
historical legacy, and create community paitnerships to build and sustain a living open space.
PREPARED BY:SUBMITTED BY:
Julia Lamy, Senior Recr44tion Supervisor A6rl4inder, D-irecfor Parks and Recreation
From:Connie Cunningham
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fwd: 24-3-19 CC Agenda Item 8 Public Comments
Date:Wednesday, March 20, 2024 12:30:28 PM
Attachments:24-3-19 CC Agenda Item 8 City Owned Property.docx
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hello, would you mind changing the words “4 -apartment building in my enclosure to “4 -
bedroom house”? My original words were an error, which is a significant error.
Thank you, Connie Cunningham
From Connie's iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Connie Cunningham <cunninghamconniel@gmail.com>
Date: March 19, 2024 at 8:42:37 PM PDT
To: City Clerk Cupertino <cityclerk@cupertino.org>
Subject: 24-3-19 CC Agenda Item 8 Public Comments
24-3-19 CC Agenda Item 8 Public Comments
Please add my written comments, that I spoke verbally, to the record for this
Council meeting.
Sincerely,
Connie Cunningham
1
24-3-19 City Council Agenda Item 8
Good evening Mayor Mohan, Vice Mayor Fruen,
Councilmembers, and City Manager:
I am Connie Cunningham, Chair, Housing Commission,
speaking for myself only.
Thank you, Assistant Manager Matt Morley for your
excellent report on this item.
Firstly: Agenda 8 tonight addresses the Stocklmeir
site as its main focus. I support only uses that are
consistent with a museum or nature since it is near the
creek and in a flood zone.
Secondly: I am speaking tonight in support of Janet
Van Zoeren on behalf of the proposal of a 4-bedroom
Memory Care Home for IDD individuals at 10301 Byrne
Avenue. Long term lease of the land.
I highlight the statement in the Staff Report that
says:
Quote: *Should staff reach agreement with one of the
two parties interested in the property for
below-market housing, the agreement will return to the
Council for consideration.
2
Should no agreement be reached in this phase, staff
will propose selling the property with the use of a real
estate agent at market value. Presenter: Matt Morley,
Assistant City Manager” end quote
I heard one speaker say that they should look for
another space. Where? Properties like this are rare.
Financial advisors usually advise to hold onto property.
It is the most valuable thing you have, and increases in
value more than anything else you will have. That is
true of City land as well. I would say that it is
irresponsible to sell the City land and lose control over
what the City wants to achieve for its residents.
Discussed in the earlier CIP session tonight:
Pages 3 & 4: The CIP Plan prioritizes
--Health and Safety.
-- Council Commissions and/or Community Priority
--Projects that have secured external funding.
Page 4: This year, the CIP Plan specific emphasis has
been placed on projects that utilize non-General Fund
sources.
3
I note that:
1) This Byrne Avenue property has already been
purchased in 2017. The value is growing and will
continue to grow.
2) The applicant, BAHC, plans to provide funds to build
the 4 apartments they propose. They will also pay a
lease amount for the property.
3) This is a project that furthers the health of people
suffering dementia.
I look forward to seeing the Bay Area Housing
Corporation be awarded the use of this property.
Please remember Janet Van Zoeren’s presentation, and
the critical need that will be filled for vulnerable
people, as you consider your decision about the Byrne
Avenue property.
Thank you,
Connie Cunningham
4
Excerpt from the Staff Report below:
“*10301 Byrne Ave – The City acquired this property
in 2017, with the primary goal of
carving off some of the property for use as right-of-
way to enable the future construction
of bicycle and pedestrian access along San Fernando
Ave. This has been accomplished
and recorded with the County.
On July 6, 2023 the Council declared this property
surplus to the needs of the City. In
compliance with the California Surplus Lands Act, staff
has offered the property for sale
as a below-market housing site. The prescribed process
is specific, requiring the City to negotiate in good faith
for ninety days prior to looking for other interested
parties.
Should staff reach agreement with one of the two
parties interested in the property for
below-market housing, the agreement will return to the
Council for consideration.Should no agreement be
reached in this phase, staff will propose selling the
property with the use of a real estate agent at market
value. Presenter: Matt Morley, Assistant City Manager