REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion and Direction on the Freedom Circle Specific Plan and General Plan Amendment for the Greystar Development Application
Report
BACKGROUND
On August 22, 2018, the City commenced the planning process for the Freedom Circle and Patrick Henry Drive Specific Plans with consultants, MIG, Inc. (MIG), to establish a land use plan and policies for the redevelopment of low-intensity office and industrial parks in northern Santa Clara into high-density mixed-use residential and commercial neighborhoods. The City conducted independent Request for Proposals (RFP) processes for the two Specific Plan areas, but concluded at the end of those processes to hire a single consultant, MIG, to prepare both Specific Plans. The selection of a single consultant enables the City to conduct coordinated public outreach and technical analyses for both Specific Plan efforts.
The Specific Plan process for the 136-acre Freedom Circle area was initiated in response to a General Plan Amendment application submitted by Greystar Development (Greystar) to allow a high-density, mixed-use project on a property they own on Freedom Circle. In July 2017, the City Council considered Greystar's request to proceed with their General Plan amendment application independent of a Specific Plan process but determined that it would best meet the City's objectives to prepare a Specific Plan prior to taking action on the Greystar application and directed staff to proceed with preparation of the Freedom Circle Specific Plan. Correspondence was submitted at that time from the Irvine Company, owner of a nearby parcel, requesting that the City prepare a Specific Plan for the larger area.
The City initiated preparation of the Specific Plan with the expectation that Greystar would provide funding for the Specific Plan process consistent with the City's General Plan (Policy 5.4.7-P3). Greystar invited two other major Freedom Circle property owners to share in funding the Spe...
Click here for full text