1 COUNCIL NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE
Grant Road/Sylvan Park Neighborhood Meeting
May 12, 2022
CNC NEIGHBORHOOD UPDATE
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
COVID-19 Recovery Resources
The City has been at the forefront regionally with its COVID- 19 response, including providing rent relief to Mountain View renters, grants and micro -loans to small- business owners, safe parking, interim housing and many additional programs in the community. The City Council also took action by providing $3 million for direct cash assistance as part of the Fiscal Year 2021 -22 Adopted Budget to three associated, but distinct, programs.
The three initiatives include $1 million for a Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Pilot; $1 million to the Community Services Agency (CSA); and $1 million to the Mountain View Solidarity Fund. Each initiative is focused on addressing the needs of the most disadvantaged in our community. More information about the GBI and Solidarity Fund are provided below.
Elevate MV Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot
In May 2021, the City of Mountain View adopted a resolution to commit support for the principles of a basic income program and gave the go -ahead for the development of a pilot program. After much research and a study session in September 2021, the City Council approved the adoption of a guaranteed basic income pilot program called Elevate MV in February 2022.
The Elevate MV pilot program will give direct cash payments of $500 per month for one year to 166 randomly selected eligible Mountain View residents which will elevate their basic income to provide more financial security. Program eligibility requirements include being a Mountain View resident with one or more children under age 18 and earning at or below 30% of the Area Median Income, which equates to an annual income of $44,750 in 2021 for a family of three. Initial findings from previous programs, such as Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED), have shown that providing basic inc ome helped participants find better employment and improved their overall health.
The Elevate MV pilot program sets itself apart from other relief programs by providing unrestricted financial assistance to the most vulnerable in our community. This means that participants in the pilot are empowered to choose how the assistance best meets the basic needs of their family and is not tied to specific expense categories or conditions. Elevate MV, operated through the Community Services Agency and supported by YMCA and Community Financial Resources, will be a part of a national study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania Center for Guaranteed Basic Income along with participants from other cities and programs like
2 Stockton’s SEED. The pilot program is expected to enroll its first participants by summer 2022. For more information, visit: MountainView.gov/GBI.
Mountain View Solidarity Fund
On June 22, 2021, the City Council appropriated $1 million as part of the Fiscal Year 2021 - 22 Adopted Budget to support the Mountain View Solidarity Fund, a program that provides direct cash assistance to Mountain View residents impacted by the COVID- 19 pandemic. On October 12, 2021, Council approved the Mountain View Solidarity Fund (Solidarity Fund) program and agreement terms with the Los Altos Mountain View Community Foundation (LAMV/CF) as the Solidarity Fund’s fiscal sponsor. The program parameters were to provide up to $4,000 per household to extremely low -income eligible residents (at or below 30% of area median income) residing in Mountain View who have been financially impacted by the pandemic t hrough job loss, reduced working hours, school closures, or COVID-19-related illness. Grant funds were distributed from November 2021 through January 2022 to nearly 400 households in need.
Multicultural Engagement Program
Previously known as the Multil ingual Community Outreach Program, the Multicultural Engagement Program (MEP) was recently renamed to reflect the broad range of services provided to the City's diverse community.
Among their services, the MEP team provides translations for City outreach materials in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and Russian and interpretations at various community and City Council meetings. In addition, the City is conducting its first Chinese Language Civic Leadership Academy, joining the successful Spanish Language Civic Leadership Academy which resumed last fall. For more information, visit: MountainView.gov/MEP.
Enhanced Legislative Program
Last fall, the City engaged a legislative advocacy consultant to work with the Council and staff to help develop and accomplish the City’s legislative platform. Adopted by the City Council in January 2022, the platform lists the City’s priorities in the areas of: governmental transparency and public access; housing and community development; homelessness; economic development; environ ment, climate change, and sustainability; water quality and supply; natural hazards; recreation and parks; public safety, emergency services, and law enforcement; and transportation and public works. City staff work closely with the advocacy firm to monito r and take positions on legislation and identify and pursue funding opportunities at the regional, State and Federal levels to ensure that the needs and interests of the Mountain View community are represented.
Race, Equity and Inclusion
The City has continued to implement its Race, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan, with accomplishments including:
using an equity lens in the review of City Budget and Capital Improvement Program projects; planning numerous community events and engagement opportunities exploring and celebrating Mountain View’s diversity through the City’s Library, Recreation and Teen programs, Performing Arts Center, and Human Relations Commission; establishing the Public Safety Advisory Board which has reviewed a PhD Research Fellow’s stud y of Mountain View Police Department traffic stop data and has assessed the MVPD School Resources Officer Program, amongst other topics; and launching the City’s first Chinese Language Civic Leadership Academy. The City Council’s Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Race, Equity, and Inclusion will be meeting in June 2022 (date TBD) to review these and other updates.
Enhanced Communications Program
The City has undertaken several important initiatives to enhance communication with the public. This includes a new biweekly e-newsletter and a redesigned semi- annual print newsletter (both of which feature the City’s 3 refreshed visual identity) to provide more frequent, accessible and useful information to the community. A redesign of the City’s website is also underway.
SUSTAINABILITY DIVISION
Collaborate Mountain View
The City invites residents to sign up for Collaborate Mountain View, an online engagement platform for the City’s sustainability initiatives. The website gives community members an opportunity for quick, eas y engagement with the City. Participants can receive updates on sustainability projects (e.g. energy, zero waste, transportation), provide input, share stories, answer surveys, and more. Please join the conversation by registering at Collaborate.MountainView.gov.
Electrify Mountain View
Transitioning to electric transportation and appliances is the quickest way for our community to reduce carbon emissions, all while increasing savings and making homes safer and more comfortable. Electrify Mountain View is an online site for renters and homeowners that offers personalized recommendations on how to electrify all aspects of their life. At no cost, residents can learn about actions such as owning an electric vehicle or e -bike, becoming more energy efficient, using a full-size or portable induction cooktop, and installing solar power or a heat pump water heater. The platform is designed to help residents understand their options, see their savings, browse products, compare rebates and incentives, and get custom quotes. To sign up and start explo ring the clean energy options available, visit: MountainView.Gov/ElectrifyMV.
Plant-Based Eating
Over the past year, the City has held four community events to raise awareness of the health and environmental benefits of plant-based eating and provide information on how to adopt a more plant- based diet. The events included a plant -based cooking demonstration, a presentation on the benefits of a plant- based diet, and an event focused on environmental justice. Recordings of the virtual events are available on the City’s YouTube channel, which can be accessed here. At its meeting on May 10, 2022, the City Council adopted a resolution in support of encouraging community members to eat more plant -based foods, incorporating equity into the plant-based eating program, and collaborating with restaurants and other food establishments to offer a greater variety of plant-based options.
Electric Vehicle Action Plan
The City has developed an Electric Vehicle (EV) Action Plan that identifies strategies, policies, and programs to support EV adoption and EV infrastructure deploym ent. By first reducing vehicle use and then electrifying remaining vehicles on the road, the City can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, which currently accounts for about 65 percent of community-wide emissions.
EV Chargers Downtown
The City has begun installing new EV chargers downtown and replacing several of the City’s older chargers. In March, the 10 Chargepoint ports at the 850 California Street Parking Structure and 8 Chargepoint ports at the Civic Center Garage were replaced with PowerFlex units and 6 more ports were added at the Civic Center Garage. Beginning soon, the City will install 10 new Level 2 EV charging ports at the 135 Bryant Street Parking Structure, and 24 new Level 2 ports and 1 Level 3 DC fast charger at the 850 California Street Parking Structure, with all new units being PowerFlex. In total, EV drivers in Mountain View will soon have access to 35 additional EV charging ports downtown, including a new Level 3 fast charger. This will make a total of 68, city-owned ports available in Mountain View.
4 Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reduction Targets
According to the latest data from the City’s final 2019 inventory, community -wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were about 14% below our 2005 baseline levels. The preliminary 2020 inventory shows a 36% decline below the 2005 baseline, a significant but likely temporary decrease due to the COVID -19 pandemic. To reach the City’s current 2030 reduction target, Mountain View will need to reduce its emissions another 16.72% or 74,915 MT CO2e. In addition, the City is exploring the possibility of changing its targets in order to reach carbon neutrality sooner than the currently adopted target of 2045.
Cool Block
The City’s second cohort of Cool Block has started. Cool Block engages a team of neighbors living on the same block or in the same building to work together on community building, sustainability, and disaster preparation and resilience through eight structured and collaborative meetings over about five mont hs. Block Leaders are forming teams throughout Mountain View and getting started on actions within their blocks. Each block leader brings unique skills and passion for creating more connected, sustainable, and thriving neighborhoods and communities. The city will share highlights from each Cool Block as the program continues.
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
PARKS AND RECREATION
COVID-19 Testing
The City continues to host pop- up testing sites at City facilities at the Mountain View Community Center and Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts through the County of Santa Clara. To make appointments for upcoming testing, please visit: www.sccfreetest.org. As of April 22, 2022, 23,619 tests have been comple ted at city facilities since late May 2020.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
In collaboration with the County of Santa Clara, the City opened the Mountain View Community Center as a Vaccination clinic on January 22, 2021. This site was one of the first mass vaccination sites opened in the County and the only site located in North County. The County of Santa Clara operated this clinic for over six months, with final vaccinations on July 21, 2021. The site reopened in early September to continue to provide first and second doses in addition to booster shots. Over 136,000 vaccines have been administered at this location.
Residents are encouraged to visit : www.sccfreevax.org to schedule an appointment for the Mountain View Community Center or another County site to receive the vaccine.
Recreation Activity Guide
The Recreation Division has released the Spring/Summer Activity Guide. This activity guide covers classes and camps that take place from April through August. To view t he Activity Guide and for more information o n registration, please visit: www.mountainview.gov/register.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
Castro StrEATs Program
The 100 to 300 blocks of Castro Street will be open to pedestrians and closed to vehicular traffic through January 3, 2023. During the remainder of the year, the City is working through the Pedestrian Mall Law process to permanently close Castro Street between the 100-300 blocks. In June 2022, the City Council will discuss a notice of intent to develop a pedestrian mall on Castro Street. Concurrently, the City has contracted with Gehl Studios 5 to develop interim guidelines on how to transition the 100-300 blocks of Castro Street to a pedestrian mall. For more information please visit:
https://www.mountainview.gov/depts/pw/transport/transportation_planning/castro_pedestrian_mall_feasib ility_study.asp
Economic Vitality Strategy
One of the Strategic priorities identified by City Council as part of their Strategic Roadmap is Economic Vit ality.
An action item associated with the strategic priority calls for developing an Economic Vitality Strategy during the Fiscal Years 2021 -2023. Mountain View’s last economic development strategy was completed in 2003. A tremendous amount has changed w ithin the City since the adoption of that first economic development strategy. In addition to significant growth and change, small businesses, workplaces and other industries are working to recover from the pandemic. The City recently completed a request for a proposal to hire a consultant to assist the City in developing an Economic Vitality Strategy. The goal of the Economic Vitality Strategy will be to recognize the unique character of Mountain View’s businesses and community as well as identify and address the opportunities and challenges. The reason to create an Economic Vitality Strategy is to help solidify an Economic Development vision that focuses on strategic priorities that can be clearly communicated and supported in the community, and for stakeholders and businesses in Mountain View. Community engagement and outreach on researching and developing the plan will kick off summer of 2022.
For more information please visit:
https://www.mountainview.gov/depts/comdev/economicdev/economic_vitality_strategy.asp
Public Art Strategy
City staff are working with the Visual Arts Committee (VAC) on developing a Public Art Strategy for the City of Mountain View. Work initially started at the beginning of 2020 and was put on hold as a result of COVID- 19.
Work has resumed on researching an d developing a Public Art Strategy. The Community is welcome to participate in the monthly VAC meetings as different elements of a Public Art Strategy are being developed and discussed.
To learn about the next Visual Arts Committee meeting visit:
https://mountainview.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
PLANNING – PLANS, POLICIES and DEVELOPMENT
CITYWIDE PROJECTS
Summary information on long range planning and private development projects throughout the City can be found in the “Current Project List” on the City’s website here:
https://www.mountainview.gov/depts/comdev/planning/activeprojects/default.asp The items below are projects within or near the Grant Road/Sylvan Park Neighborhood.
LONG RANGE PLANNING
R3 (Multiple-Family Residential) Zoning Code Update
Update of the R3 (Multiple -Family Residential) zoning district standards to consider incorporating form- based development standards. The project will include public outreach, an anti -displacement evaluation, creation of form-based development standards, a design handbook, environmental review, public outreach, and Study Sessions with the Environmental Planning Commission and City Council.
Webpage: R3 Zoning Update
6 Housing Element Update
The Housing Element Update includes reviewing and updating City housing policies to accommodate a share of the region’s projected housing needs, which is determined in the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) set by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The update process will include public outreach, stakeholder meetings, technical assessments, and Environmental Planning Commission and City Council Study Sessions. The Housing Element Update is required to be approved by HCD by January 13, 2023. Webpage: MV Housing Element
PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT – UNDER REVIEW
189 North Bernardo Avenue
Request for a Planned Community Permit and Development Review Permit to construct a new 4 -story, 80,000 square foot office building, a new parking structure with 4 levels of above -grade parking and 2 levels of underground parking, and minor building modifications to the existing 2-story, 59,000 square foot office building to remain on site; a Transfer of Development Rights for 28,000 square feet as part of the Los Altos School District TDR Program; and a Heritage Tree Removal Permit to remove 74 Heritage trees on a 3.8 -acre site. This project is located on the northeast corner of Bernardo Avenue and Central Expressway in the P -41 (East Whisman) Precise Plan.
870 East El Camino Real
Request for a Planned Community Permit and Development Review Permit to construct two, 6 -story buildings with 233 new apartment units and one level of underground parking with a State Density Bonus with development waivers, and associated site and façade improvements to existing apartment buildings to remain, replacing three apartment buildings with 42 existing units, resulting in a total of 371 apartment units on-site; a Provisional Use Permit to allow rooftop amenities above the third floor and for a parking reduction; and a Heritage Tree Removal Permit to remove seven Heritage trees on a 9.15- acre site. This project is located on the north side of East El Camino Real between Sylvan Avenue and South Bernardo Avenue in the P -38 (El Camino Real) Precise Plan.
301 East Evelyn Avenue
Request for a Planned Community Permit and Development Review Permit for a 3 -story, 125,000 square fo ot office building and a 6-level parking structure at an existing office campus with four other existing buildings to remain with 125,000 square feet of Transfer of Development Rights from the Los Altos School District TDR Program; and a Heritage Tree Remo val Permit to remove 32 Heritage trees on a 16.6 -acre project site. This project is located on the south side of Evelyn Avenue between SR -237 and Ferry Morse Way in the P -29 (111 Ferry-Morse Way) Precise Plan.
1885 Miramonte Avenue (St. Francis High School)
Request for a modification to a previously approved Conditional Use Permit, Planned Unit Development Permit, and Development Review Permit (PL -2017-346) to add 12,800 square feet of administrative space to Building 100, totaling approximately 56,165 sq uare feet, and Heritage Tree Removal Permit to remove 1 Heritage tree on a 25-acre project site. This project is located on the east side of Miramonte Avenue between Cuesta Drive and Covington Drive in the R1-7.5 (Single-Family Residential) district.
7 PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT – APPROVED
525 East Evelyn Avenue (Flower Mart)
On April 30, 2019, City Council approved a General Plan Amendment from General Industrial and Medium Density Residential to High Density Residential; a Zoning Map Amendment from P-30 (Sylvan-Dale) Precise Plan and R3.2 -2 (Multiple -Family Residential) district to the R -4 (High -Density Residential) district; a Planned Community Permit and Development Review Permit to construct 471 new apartment units with underground parking and a new 0. 68-acre public park; and a Heritage Tree Removal Permit for the removal of 13 Heritage trees on a 5.89 -acre project site. The project is located on the south side of East Evelyn Avenue between Moorpark Way and South Bernardo Avenue in the R4 (High Density Residential) district.
PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
Water Conservation
The City of Mountain View is currently in a Stage 1 Water Shortage Emergency. Thank you for using water wisely! Recent actions by Governor Newsom and upcoming regulations from the State Water Board may require additional water conservation this summer. Up -to-date drought information and tips on saving water can be found at: ConserveWater.MountainView.gov.
Mountain View Community Shuttle Update
Thanks to Google’s offer to continue funding the Mountain View Community Shuttle, this free shuttle service will remain in place through 2024. With a grant from the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), the shutt le service hours will soon be extended to start at 7:00 AM and end at 7:00 PM daily. For more information, visit :
MVCommunityShuttle.com or call (855) 730-RIDE (7433).
Metal Beam Guardrail Installation
This project included the installation of high-friction surface treatment and the installation of a complete metal beam guardrail system on Grant Road at South Drive. A complete metal beam guardrail system was also installed on Moorpark Way at Dana Street along with some traffic calming features and high visibility crosswalks. The project was completed in February 2022.
Grant Road / Sleeper Avenue Intersection Study
The purpose of Grant Road and Sleeper Avenue Intersection Study, Project 18 -68 (Study), was to develop and evaluate conceptual alternatives for improvements to facilitate the safe movement of pedestrians and bicyclists crossing Grant Road at Sleeper Avenue. In June 2021, City Council approved the study’s preferred improvement alternative of a pedestrian hybrid beacon with a southern crosswalk, left-turn restriction from Sleeper Avenue, and northern bicycle crossing as recommended by the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee and Council Transportation Committee. Staff finalized the study in March 2022. Funding is available f or design, which will begin in fall 2022.
El Camino Real Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has begun design for the repairs and repaving of El Camino Real in Mountain View, planned to begin construction in 2023. The City has partnered with Caltrans to incorporate bike and pedestrian improvements that are included in the El Camino Real Streetscape Plan. The following bike and pedestrian improvements will be delivered through Caltrans in 2023: (1) replace on -street parking with Class IV protected bikeways and Class II bike lanes; (2) upgrade selected intersections with bulb- outs and high visibility crosswalks; and (3) upgrade existing bus stops for improved pedestrian acce ss. Caltrans will also be adding new pedestrian crossings with pedestrian hybrid beacons at Pettis Avenue, Bonita Avenue, 8 and Crestview Drive as part of the project. Staff is working with Caltrans to advance installation of pedestrian improvements at Grant Road and El Camino Real in advance of their construction timeline.
Street Resurfacing and Slurry Seal Program
As part of the City’s annual Street Resurfacing and Slurry Seal Program Doverton Square and Katrina Way will be resurfaced in 2023.
Groundwater Well Abandonment
The City is planning to complete abandoning three out- of-service potable groundwater supply wells (Well 10, 17, and 20) this summer. Well 20 is located near the Alice Avenue and Moorpark Way intersection. Upon completion of the abandonment work, the wells will be properly sealed, which will prevent vertical movement of water between the aquifers penetrated by the wells to the ground surface.
Trellis Replacement & Sand Volleyball Court at Sylvan Park The City is nearing completion of plans for the replacement of the aging trellis structure that surrounds a portion of the amphitheater area in Sylvan Park. The project also includes replacement of the concrete flatwork and game tables underneath the trellis. As part of the same project, the City is also preparing plans for a new sand volleyball court, 4,000 sq. ft. (80'x50') in size. This court will replace the existing horseshoe pits area. The combined project is anticipated to go to Council for approval of the final design in June 2022 a nd to begin construction in the fall.
Textile & Clothing Collection Program
On July 1, 2021, the City implemented a brand new textile recycling program. Residents with curbside cart service can follow these easy steps to participate:
(1) How to prepare textiles & clothing – Place accepted items (see list) in a clear plastic bag and secure closed.
Clear bags only so Recology can see what’s inside and to protect contents from moisture. If you don’t want to use clear plastic bags or don’t have any, drop -off clothing in the carts located at Mountain View’s Recycling Center, 935 Terra Bella Ave.
(2) Label bag – Add a sign (at least 8.5” x 11”) with “TEXTILES” clearly written and tape/attach securely to the clear bag.
(3) Where to put bag for collection – Place labeled bag on top of (NOT inside) your compost cart (if cart is at curb that day) or on the ground right next to your trash/recycle carts. Please make sure the clear bag and attached “TEXTILES” sign is easy for driver to see from the truck, especially if the bag is on the ground.
Residents in multi-family homes with dumpster service can ask their property manager to contact Recology at 650-967-3034 or [email protected] to request starting a textile/clothing collection program onsite.
Street Sweeping
The City sweeps our streets twice per month. Please remember to move your vehicle and other obstructions on the street before 6 a.m. of the day of your scheduled sweep. The street sweeping schedule is provided on a map at MountainView.gov/depts/pw/transport/schedule.asp.
9 LIBRARY
Library Website
For all current information: https://www.mountainview.gov/library
Library Newsletter
If you would like to recei ve regular newsletter about what’s new at the library you can subscribe here:
http://mountainview.gov/librarynews-subscribe
Library Calendar
For more information about upcoming library programs and events:
https://mountainview.libcal.com/libraryevents
Digital Library
Free resources such as Consumer Rep orts, New York Times, learn a language, streaming movies, eBooks and eAudiobooks: https://www.mountainview.gov/depts/library/digitallibrary