Moffett Park Specific Plan Update Study Session

Sunnyvale staff presented to Sunnyvale Council Members a progress report on the Moffett Park Specific Plan (MPSP) project at a study session, August 11th. (Presentation link)

The objectives of the presentation were to:

  • provide an update on the MPSP process and community engagement
  • review draft guiding principles and a vision statement
  • discuss preliminary land use and urban design concepts

The ask from Sunnyvale staff to Council Members were to:

  • provide feedback on the draft vision statement and guiding principles
  • give input on the land use concepts
  • inform staff if additional information is needed to consider detailed land use alternatives for the next study session

After the presentation, Council Members had many questions that led to a vigorous discussion. As a result, the general consensus from the Council was a need for more background information, from staff, before making decisions on next steps. Taking this feedback, staff will decide how best to fulfill Councils’ requests in the upcoming weeks.

As always, MPBG will continue to update members on the specific plan process as new information becomes available.

 

Welcome New Moffett Park Business Group Member CommonWealth Partners

We would like to welcome our new member, CommonWealth Partners!

They are a privately-owned real estate investment, development and management organization. Their properties span the U.S. with their Moffett Park property located at 1184, 1194 & 1220 N. Mathilda Avenue.

We are excited to have them as a member and look forward working with them!

 

City of Sunnyvale Reach Codes in the Final Development Stage

Sunnyvale is writing local building energy codes that “reach” beyond the state minimum requirements for energy use in building design and construction. Phase 1 of the Reach Codes focuses on two strategies for non-residential properties: 1) the promotion of clean energy with the use of local solar photovoltaics and 2) decarbonization of buildings via all-electric construction. They reason that such measures lead to cleaner air, climate solutions and renewable energy. To learn more about the Reach Codes, Sunnyvale staff has put together two short videos available on the City’s YouTube channel.

City of Sunnyvale is not unique to the idea of establishing Reach Codes. They have looked at other communities, throughout California, that have or are considering Reach Codes to assist with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The common theme of these reach codes is to promote electric energy use over natural gas energy use, with some communities taking aggressive steps to minimize new gas energy hookups. (More information here)

Final recommendations will include community input and reflect Sunnyvale’s Climate Action goals. The codes will be considered by the Planning Commission on September 14, 2020, and City Council on October 27, 2020.

Email reachcodes@sunnyvale.ca.gov to receive updates from and/or provide feedback to the City.

 

Mathilda Avenue Project Update

The end of the Mathilda Avenue Interchange project draws closer as the final work reaches completion, now schedule for the end of September 2020.

The project has transformed what was once (un)affectionately called The Monster into an interchange that fits the needs of the growing park. VTA has transformed the interchange to include:

  • Three continuous lanes in each direction
  • Continuous bicycle and pedestrian facilities
  • New signals at the US 101 interchange ramp intersections including new access to north bound US 101 from south bound Mathilda Avenue
  • Realigned and widened north bound US 101 diagonal off-ramp providing access to both directions of Mathilda Avenue
  • Access to north bound Mathilda Avenue via new signal intersection
  • Improved access at Mathilda Avenue signal intersections
  • Westbound ramps and Moffett Park Drive (West) consolidated to one signalized intersection

While work was to have been completed by August 2020, last minute issues on a bus stop and the bicycle track on Moffett Park Drive pushed the completion date to the end of September 2020. While VTA can’t say the work is done, the end user can already see and experience the difference.

 

Free COVID-19 Testing Available for Sunnyvale Businesses Through El Camino Health

El Camino Health’s Mountain View hospital will offer COVID-19 testing funded by the El Camino Healthcare District for those who live, work or go to school within the District (including most of Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, a large portion of Sunnyvale, and small sections of Cupertino, Santa Clara and Palo Alto).

There is no cost to be tested and tests are for individuals who do not have COVID-19 symptoms (i.e., asymptomatic). A short, half-inch swab is utilized to obtain nasal samples needed for the COVID-19 tests.

One must confirm that her work, home or school reside in the El Camino Healthcare District to make a required appointment for a test. Tests will be conducted on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:20 p.m. at Murphy Park, 260 N. Sunnyvale Ave.

Online appointment scheduling closes three days prior to the test date. You may schedule by phone (650-940-7022 and select option 4) up to one day prior to the test date.

Please share this information with your colleagues to get the word out and create a baseline.