REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of the Revised Council-Approved Schematic Design for the New Public Neighborhood Park at 3905 Freedom Circle
Report
COUNCIL PILLARS
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
Deliver and Enhance High-Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
The Santa Clara City Code 17.35 requires new residential development to dedicate parkland and/or the payment of in-lieu fees. Greystar Real Estate Partners submitted an application (File No. PLN2017-12516) to the City for a General Plan Amendment from High-Intensity Office/R&D to High Intensity Mixed-Use and a rezoning to Planned Development (PD) to allow for a new residential mixed-use development (Project). The City Council approved the General Plan Amendment and rezoning at a hearing on June 7, 2022. The Project area includes 13.3 acres comprising two parcels (APNs: 104-40-021 & 104-40-036) that are bounded by Freedom Circle, Mission College Boulevard, Highway 101, and San Tomas Aquino Creek. The Project site is also part of the proposed General Plan - Freedom Circle Focus Area under a separate development process by the City that encompasses 108 acres in northern Santa Clara.
The Project proposes the construction of 1,079 apartment units and will meet its parkland dedication requirements through, 1) the development of an 87,728 square foot (2.014 acres) public park with a connection to the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail, 2) the installation of private recreational amenities, and 3) the payment of in-lieu fees for the remaining balance. The park will be dedicated to the City in fee title. The developer will construct all public park improvements in accordance with the City's design criteria and standard specifications and will maintain the park, in perpetuity, following dedication.
The Schematic Design Master Plan approved by City Council on February 22, 2022 ("Original Plan") for...
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