CC 05-31-2022 (Special Meeting)
APPROVED MINUTES
CUPERTINO CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
SPECIAL MEETING
At 6:00 p.m., Mayor Darcy Paul called the Special City Council Meeting to order in the
Cupertino Community Hall Council Chamber, 10350 Torre Avenue and via teleconference.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Darcy Paul, Vice Mayor Liang Chao, and Councilmembers Kitty Moore, Hung
Wei, and Jon Robert Willey. Absent: None.
POSTPONEMENTS AND ORDERS OF THE DAY – None
REPORTS BY COUNCIL AND STAFF
1. Subject: City Manager Report regarding the Rise (Vallco) development - request for
modification of approved SB 35 project pursuant to Government Code section 65913.4(g)
Recommended Action: Receive the report and public comment
Written Communications for this item included a Supplemental Staff Report, staff
presentation, and emails to Council.
City Manager Jim Throop gave a presentation.
Mayor Paul opened the public comment period and the following people spoke.
Doug Cheshire, representing Carpenters Local 405, opposed further delay of The Rise and
supported the project providing work for union carpenters.
Connie Cunningham (representing self) supported the modifications and was concerned
about bird safety, light pollution, and lifetime carbon impact and sustainability. (Submitted
written comments).
Rose Grymes ceded their time to Connie Cunningham.
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Sujatha Venkatraman, representing West Valley Community Services, supported inclusive
and affordable housing and the project moving forward.
Jennifer Griffin was concerned about parking, the future impacts of SB 35, and building
heights, and supported ground level parkland with public access.
Susan Moore supported the affordable housing component and getting resources for City
parks and was concerned about green space water consumption.
Annie Yang, representing Environmental Action Committee Santa Clara Valley Audubon
Society, was concerned about floor to ceiling glass facades and artificial light to birds, and
supported eco integration.
Eugene Lin, representing Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, supported environmental
considerations including bird safety, reducing artificial light at night, and energy efficient
buildings.
Fariba Nejat supported community concern about the environment and the project bringing
more diversity and gathering areas for people.
Jill Halloran was concerned about the LED lighting and the amount of glass in the
construction being harmful to birds.
Peggy Griffin was concerned about the changes in The Rise SB 35 modifications compared to
the 2018 Vallco SB 35 project and supported the City providing a 3D model of The Rise
project, a shadow study showing impacts, and no reduction in the required fees.
Planning Commissioner Muni Madhdhipatla (representing self) ceded their time to Peggy
Griffin.
Housing Commissioner Govind Tatachari (representing self) ceded their time to Peggy
Griffin.
Brooke Ezzat ceded their time to Peggy Griffin.
Lisa Warren was concerned about the requirements for vertical construction, contaminated
soil cleanup, and the importance of bird safe and dark sky.
City Clerk Kirsten Squarcia noted an email from J.R. Fruen and read an email from Liana
Crabtree requesting the completion times estimates, including estimated revenues and costs,
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and supported considering Detachment.
Mayor Paul closed the public comment period.
Councilmembers asked questions and made comments.
Council received the report and public comment.
ADJOURNMENT
At 8:55 p.m., Mayor Paul adjourned the Special City Council Meeting.
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Kirsten Squarcia City Clerk