11/18/2006 -- RONA Formation Minutes

Post date: Mar 23, 2013 8:53:10 PM

• 1. Jean Marlow presented copies of a map from the City outlining its North San José Area Development Policy.

     1. 1. The policy includes plans for an 880 unit apartment complex on the Cadence campus along with a 2.4 acre park.

        2. It also includes plans for a 1,900 attached SFR development on the Sony campus, which would include 31,360 square feet for retail/ commercial services.

        3. It was explained that these and other lots slated for potential development are part of 'overlays' to the general plan. The plan indicates that the City may rezone them for residential development if a density of 55 units per acre can be achieved. This is four times the density of Parkside, Mill Brook, and Crescendo.

        4. A representative from Neighbourhood Services informed the group that when the proposals for rezoning go before the Council, PRNS will propose an amendment to require more open space on the parcels to be redeveloped.

  2. Jim Foran provided the group with advice on how to achieve our aims. His advice included the following:

     1. 1. Form an neighbourhood association.

        2. Form a small board to take charge of the association.

        3. Clarify our issues.

        4. Consider how to raise and spend funds, e.g.:

           1. 1. Funds could be used for a PO box, flyers, Website development, etc.

              2. Funds could be raised through dues and grants

        5. Decide upon a name.

        6. Bring the issue to the newspapers by writing press releases.

        7. Work with Chuck Reed.

        8. Don't propose solutions, but rather present the problems and let the City and the developers develop solutions.

        9. When writing letters of complaint, keep one copy, send one to the planner, and send another to the Mercury.

        10. Get people registered to vote.

        11. See if David Pandori will get involved in the issue.

        12. When it is time for the developers to obtain an environmental impact report, they will hire a consultant who will write a clean EIR. Once the EIR is available for public review and comment, there will be a window of opportunity for filing written complaints regarding the content of the EIR.

        13. Keep in mind that we border a wildlife area. Use this to involve green groups.

        14. Contact Corbett, Lieber, and other politicians.

  3. Mike Bertram reminded the group of the key issues listed on the petition filed by members of the neighbourhood with the City. These include the following:

     1. 1. Traffic access,

        2. Education,

        3. Parks and open space,

        4. Height and density buffers,

        5. Trees and beautification, and

        6. Retail opportunities.

  4. The group decided to form a neighbourhood association and to register it with the City in order to receive assistance from Neighbourhood Development Services.

     1. 1. The registration form will be completed at a meeting in the near future, time and location TBA, and bylaws will be written and agreed upon at that time.

        2. It was agreed that the boundaries of the area represented by the association would include the seven developments that make up River Oaks.

        3. Members of the Board will include:

           1. 1. Jean Marlow, President

              2. Mike Bertram, Vice President

              3. Rhonda Striegel, Treasurer

              4. Erik Kaeding, Secretary

              5. Jürgen Failenschmid, Officer-at-Large

              6. Robert Vitello, Officer-at-Large

  5. Richard Santos of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, along with two residents of Alviso, came to the meeting to discuss the importance of water.

     1. 1. They pointed out that more residences taking water from the Coyote Creek and Guadalupe River will lower the water table, and the same residences will add more water back into the rivers. The combined effects could increase the risk of floods.

        2. They added that with more people in Silicon Valley, we are more likely to face water shortages. As such, we should encourage the City to ensure that recycled water lines are brought to any new developments so that new housing units can be equipped for recycled water for lawns, toilets, etc.

  6. Planners and developers working on the Cadence/ Essex project will be holding a meeting with local residents at 6pm on November 30, on the Cadence campus. Letters to this effect went to local residents. If a meeting is held before then, we might consider drafting a press release. As many people as possible should be encouraged to attend.