A new Sunnyvale housing development for the poor and homeless got its final approval

At its most recent meeting Sept. 15, the Sunnyvale City Council approved issuing tax-exempt bonds that will fund the 123-apartment housing complex at 245 W. Weddell Drive. The site is already host to a 61-apartment complex known as Orchard Gardens.

The project will rehabilitate part of the building and demolish and rebuild another portion. First Community Housing operated Orchard Gardens, but the Santa Clara Housing Authority is taking over.

In May, the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee awarded $70 million in tax-exempt bonds to fund the development. Sunnyvale contributed $10 million to the project’s construction, $7.5 million in 2020 and another $2.5 million in 2022.

Ryan Dyson, housing specialist, told the council there is no financial impact to approving the bond issuance. 

In addition to permanent supportive housing, the complex’s 123 — four studios, 76 one-bedroom, 29 two-bedroom, 14 three-bedroom — units are below market rate. Six apartments will be for people earning 80% area median income (AMI), 37 apartments will be for those earning 60% AMI, 18 apartments will be for those earning 50% AMI, 60 apartments will be for tenants earning 30% AMI.

“So, it does target very deep affordability levels,” Dyson said.

Tenants living in Orchard Gardens will get first right of refusal once the complex is operational. The site features 31 parking spots, and construction will add another 59.

Although the project wasn’t up for approval, the council was supportive of it.

Given it has been several years since the project’s approval, Mayor Larry Klein said he would like to see public outreach to notify neighbors of the construction. He said such outreach is being a “good neighbor.” He added that he is glad to see Measure A money — voted-approved bond money — being used in Sunnyvale, calling it “fantastic.”

“It is clear that there is going to have no negative impact on the city budget,” said Vice Mayor Richard Mehlinger. “It is great that we are doubling the amount of affordable housing at this complex, and I very much look forward to seeing that.”

The council unanimously approved issuing the bonds. Construction on the project is slated to begin in November.

Sunnyvale City Council Consent Calendar Spending

The council approved the following spending via the consent calendar:

• A $793,417 purchase order with Vac-Con, Inc. for a combination jet/vacuum sewer cleaner for the environmental services department.
• A $951,353 contract with Pavement Coatings Co. for road slurry seal on Homestead Road. 

The Sunnyvale City Council meets again at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave. in Sunnyvale. 

To submit public comments ahead of the meeting, visit http://Sunnyvale.ca.gov/PublicComments; Meeting online link: https://sunnyvale-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/96111580540; meeting call-in telephone number: 833-548-0276, meeting ID: 961 1158 0540 

Contact David Alexander at d.todd.alexander@gmail.com 

Previous Sunnyvale City Council Meetings:
Sunnyvale to Ask Voters to Change City Charter
Sunnyvale Increases Utility Rates, Addresses Water Management 
Sunnyvale Ramps up “Vanlording” Enforcement
Sunnyvale Stays its Hand on Increasing Eviction Payments