REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Agreements with CRE-GS Freedom Circle Phase I Owner, LLC for the Construction of Park Improvements and the Maintenance of the Park Located at 3905 Freedom Circle at the Developer's Sole Cost
Report
BACKGROUND
Santa Clara City Code Chapter 17.35 requires new residential development to dedicate parkland and/or pay 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 part of the larger Freedom Circle Focus Area, which was approved prior to the approval of this project.
The Project proposes the construction of 1,079 apartment units and will meet its parkland dedication requirements through:
* Development of an 87,728 square foot (2.014 acres) public park with a connection to the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail;
* Installation of approximately 1.922 acres of private recreational amenities; and
* Payment of in-lieu fees totaling $21,455,673 for the remaining balance.
The City Council approved the Public Park Updated Schematic Design on November 4, 2025 (Attachment 1), consisting of:
* A 1/2-acre natural grass field
* A landscaped and furnished quiet, park-like area
* Playground for children ages 2-5 and 6-12
* A basketball court
* A family picnic area with tables and barbeques
* A bocce court
* An enclosed off-leash dog area with separate areas for small and large dogs
* Pathways, trees, and landscaping
* A connection to the Sa...
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