Opinion

In Paul Fong's view, the Cupertino Citizens who appeared upon invitation of the city council for a public hearing regarding his favored Parks at Monta Vista project are a "loud group" with the sole intent to "harass" public leaders. Fong would prefer the quiet or silent resignation of local residents regarding grand projects envisioned and promoted by a few development-invested individuals and for the projects to be rubber-stamped by a city council not distracted by public hearings.

Fong also implies that a turnout of 38 citizens with documented opinions should be considered small; however, his claim of 1,000 positive project responses has been noted as flawed and poorly documented. The leap to imply that a significant segment of Cupertino supports his project, but just did not show up to speak for it is incredulous.

Vallco mall is separated from the adjoining residential community by an 8-foot wall. The wall was a condition on which the mall was approved next to this residential development more than 30 years ago. Bounded by I-280 and this wall is a 5-acre piece of pie on which Vallco wants to build 137 residential units. With a garage next to it and new AMC theaters, the residents don't want the wall to be opened for safety and security purposes.

I believe this location is very inappropriate for any residential development and should be reserved for parking or future mall expansion.

Even after pointing out [alleged] lies of the developers and evidence that might need investigating and community opposition, the council approved the project. What disturbs me is that Councilwoman Dolly Sandoval said it is a crime that we don't want to open the wall.

The city council held a second public hearing for Vallco's condo project on March 22. The council approved rezoning for the 135 condos despite over 50 speakers against this project and 100 people in the audience opposing the project.

Mayor Richard Lowenthal admitted the council asked Vallco to bring in AMC, and that's why they have to help Vallco solve a funding shortage issue. If the city already knew it is a must for Vallco to have an additional 135 condos, why waste every resident's time and taxpayers' money to hold this public hearing?

The city should have an open mind and listen to residents' need and concerns. When city council members already make their minds up before the meeting, a public hearing becomes just a show.

I find it quite disturbing that the mayor and city council members of Cupertino are so sore about their decision to not listen to the people during public hearings they now want to impose a $500 fee for someone to challenge their decisions. The people voiced their opposition to the two condo developments when they were brought up for public input at the planning commission and the city council meetings. However, our elected officials paid only scant attention to the opposition while they ate up the sales pitch of Toll Brothers.

Our elected officials chose to take some of the most valuable industrial and retail property in our city and rezone it for residential usage. This effort will not do anything to bring affordable housing to Cupertino, nor will it do anything to bring more jobs into Cupertino.

I was disappointed but not surprised to find that members of the city council, totally ignoring their campaign pledges to listen to their constituents, voted to approve construction of more than 100 additional condos in an already severely overcrowded area of the city. Their failure to consider the wishes of their constituents was so blatant and self-serving that a referendum to halt the overcrowding is being circulated.

The builder, demonstrating a superior sense of concern for the wishes of the surrounding residents, then attempted to physically harass the petition-gatherers. The city council should be commended on its selection of a good neighbor to be added to an already overcrowded area.