Mixed Opinions Over New 'Passive' Park and More Housing Developments at Council Meeting

The Milpitas City Council met with mixed reactions from the community as councilmembers continued discussion of three projects that have been appearing on its agenda for months - a new "passive" park near the library on Main Street that will include a local but no play features for children; and two additional housing developments in the Transit Area, which will bring the total number of new homes being built in Milpitas over the next few years to more than 1,300.

Main Street Park

Parks & Recreation Director Bonnie Greiner described the proposed new  as a small, 1.6-acre park that would feature meandering paths, an open grass area, a small amphitheater, park benches, a local historical museum, a flower garden and rows of trees.

She said the Parks and Recreation Commission recommended a "passive" park without playgrounds, picnic tables, and grills. However, local families are requesting two "tot lots" for children under 12 and a fence along Main Street.

The Commission had surveyed residents of the nearby DeVries Senior Housing project, who overwhelmingly prefered a quieter setting.

Councilmember Armando Gomez asked about including functional art like large rocks for families with small children and the possibility of adding a tot lot sometime in the future.

However, Arts Commission Chair and Vice President of the Milpitas Historical Society, Harriett McGuire, said, “We want a museum in this passive park. Keep it as a passive park.”

Historical Society Landmarks Director and Grammy winner, Bill Hare, has offered to donate his 146-year-old building for the museum.

Local resident and Historical Society member Kraig Bunnell said, "I served my country. I'm dreaming of a museum. Why not!”

“This land should be used for the benefit of all,” added Theodore Weller, Sr., another local resident. “A park should be a place to sit. I'd be willing to donate my Weller palm tree to this park.”

Mayor Jose Esteves agreed, and said, “I support the museum.”

A motion by Councilmember Althea Polanski directed staff to move forward with the Parks and Recreation Commission's recommendations for a passive park with a museum and functional, interactive art pieces, and to work with Bill Hare to receive the donated Laguna School building for the museum.

Harmony Housing Project

Senior Planner Sheldon Ah Sing said the will be developed in two phases, with 93 townhomes and 183 condos.

D. R. Horten's assistant vice president, Dean Mills, said, “We are very excited to be here this evening. This is our fourth project in Milpitas.”

Mills explained the company's revised proposal includes 29 percent more landscaping, 48 percent more open space, and three parks.

He added that 2.1 jobs will be created for each home sold.

$10 million in fees paid by the company will benefit new parks and improvements, and Milpitas schools will get $1.3 million in fees.

Mills, hoping for immediate council action, agreed to pay half of the estimated $300,000 cost of a new pedestrian bridge over Penitencia Creek, which would connect to a future trail nearby, but City staff recommended continuing the hearing to December, delaying approval.

Milpitas resident Robert Marini complained that increases in multi-family housing that pay only 4 to 5 percent more for their water and sewer wouldn't help single-family homeowners, who pay 33 percent more. He also objected to the increased traffic, and asked if councilmembers received contributions from these developers.

senior Rachel Hall said traffic where the new homes will be located is already crazy.

“Our classrooms are full now," she argued. "What's the benefit of building more condos? I've been a resident for 17 years. Why more condos, while taking away CalSkate?"

Vice Mayor Pete McHugh responded, saying, “CalSkate's owners wanted to sell to a developer, and we need transit-oriented developments."

Councilmember Debbie Giordano asked if art could be added to the Harmony housing project.

Mills also indicated the Harmony housing project would be utilizing local labor to build.

Contour Housing Project

City Planner Cindy Hom presented the staff report for Trumark's which would consist of 91 townhomes and 43 detached, single-family homes, totaling 134 residential units.

Trumark representatives say they plan to build a "gateway" feature at the intersection of Montague Expressway and Trade Zone Boulevard.

Garrett Hinds, Trumark’s director of architecture, said their project would be pedestrian-oriented, featuring outdoor kitchens, living rooms and playrooms.

Contour Homes would provide a total of $6.3 million in fees - $3.3 million for park improvements, and $725,000 for schools.

Resident Robert Marini echoed the comments he made previously, and added that it would take more votes to defeat higher water and sewer rate increases.

City Manager Tom Williams reported that the developments are consistent with water and sewer capacity.

“I'm excited about these developments,” said Councilmember Althea Polanski.

Mayor Esteves said, "We are growing the right way, with smart growth, healthy growth. We can do more with more people.”

"This allows us to have more people with public transit and less dependence on cars,” said Vice Mayor McHugh. “We should support this.”