Cristina Benninghouse

This document outlines the City of Milpitas's Housing Opportunity Districts (HOD) project, which proposes a General Plan amendment and zoning changes for Neighborhood Commercial Mixed-Use (NCMU) and Town Center (TC) areas. The project's goals include increasing housing supply, meeting regional housing needs, incentivizing affordable housing, and revitalizing aging commercial centers. It establishes three distinct NCMU and TC zones with flexible residential densities and commercial Floor Area Ratio (FAR) requirements, coupled with reduced parking and open space mandates. The intended outcome is to transform these neighborhoods into vibrant mixed-use communities, fostering increased revenue, retail demand, and diverse housing options.

The meeting began with formal proceedings, including the call to order and roll call, noting the meeting was broadcast via Zoom with in-person public comment available. Following procedural announcements and a closed session for anticipated litigation where the city is the plaintiff, the council acknowledged public comments. Presentations included commendations for contributors to a public art mural project via Compass Point Mentorship and volunteers who worked on the Milpitas library fence mural. Several individuals provided public comments during the forum, addressing concerns regarding city mail theft prevention efforts, the need for traffic enforcement on Horah Street due to dangerous speeding during school hours, and strong opposition to the placement of a small cell tower near residential sites, demanding feedback from the council. Additionally, a director from Catholic Charities Older Adult Services expressed gratitude for the city's continued support for the Ombudsman program, which advocates for vulnerable seniors and disabled residents in long-term care facilities.

The meeting commenced with roll call, noting that Council Member Leanne was participating remotely. Discussions during the public forum addressed several significant community concerns. One resident requested the extension of the Milpitas Assistance Program (MAP) subsidies for water and sewer services to residents of Mobile Lodge. Another speaker expressed concerns regarding the placement of 5G small cell towers near residences, urging the City Council to collaborate on finding safer locations and potentially enacting a special ordinance, citing potential long-term health impacts. A third public comment concerned reports of ICE agents staying at local hotels and the presence of suspicious, potentially ICE-related vans near public transit stations, leading to inquiries about the City's official stance on ICE presence. Additionally, multiple residents offered strong appreciation for the recent improvements to the Hall Park pickleball and tennis courts, highlighting the quality of the renovation and the collaborative process involved. The council also reviewed and approved the City Council Code of Conduct, confirmed no conflicts of interest, and unanimously approved the agenda and moved to the consent calendar.

The meeting commenced with the swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed Planning Commissioners Don Brown and Elania Castillo by the City Clerk. Following required conflict of interest and campaign contribution disclosures, the commission proceeded with approving the agenda (with a modification to move the election of chair and vice chair to the end). The approval of the previous meeting's minutes was deferred to allow for amendments regarding omitted failed motions and voting results. The primary discussion centered on Use Permit Amendment 2507 for Celia's Event Center at 60 Dempsey Road, which seeks an expansion of operating hours from Thursdays through Sundays until 2:00 a.m., and later opening hours on Thursdays and Fridays. The presentation detailed the site's zoning, which is now Neighborhood Commercial Mixed-Use 3 (NCMU3), and confirmed that no physical modifications or additional parking would be required. Staff noted minimal impact on nearby residential areas due to the indoor nature of events and existing noise complaint history. A cancellation for the subsequent meeting on February 25th due to a lack of items was announced.

The meeting began with a joint session of the Milpitas City Council and the Housing Authority. Discussions included procedures for public comment and the availability of instant translation services. The council proceeded with roll call, followed by a closed session agenda addressing labor negotiations, and the appointment/hiring of the City Manager and City Attorney positions. After reconvening, the meeting included a pledge of allegiance and a serenity prayer invocation. A key focus was the presentation and recognition of partners for Manufacturing Day, an initiative aimed at inspiring the future manufacturing workforce by introducing high school students to career opportunities. Commendations were issued to event partners including The Great Mall, Flex Ltd, and VM Services Incorporation for their support, underwriting, and hosting responsibilities.