Currently the historic district is zoned to not allow a commercial building like this. However, a proposal by the developer has been made to amend the Santa Clara City General Plan. If approved this will allow the developer to request an alteration in the zoning of the Santa Clara Historic District, changing the zoning in that area from Residential/Agriculture to Commercial.

 

Currently the design of this proposed commercial building falls short of meeting the Historic District Design Guidelines (A supplement to Chapter 17.76 Historic District Zone) approved by the Santa Clara City Council on June 28, 2017.  The town residents hold a deep reverence for Santa Clara's origin as a town built by Swiss pioneers, and we want to ensure that any changes made in our beloved historic district honor their legacy.

 

Many residents desire this piece of property remain in agricultural use. However, if the city insists on allowing its development, our fervent desire is that whatever is built aligns with the size and design of the historic district structures surrounding it, creating a harmonious blend of past and present.

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Please join us in letting the Santa Clara City Council Members know that we are pleading with them to VOTE NO to the proposed General Plan amendment. If this proposal is approved it will create a dangerous precedent for any future development in the Santa Clara Historic District. It will demonstrate that not only is the City of Santa Clara willing to allow large commercial buildings into their historic district, but that the city is not enforcing any of its established guidelines when it comes to the design, size and style of future buildings.