Cupertino not meeting its housing goals - San Jose Spotlight

"Cupertino is falling short in its state-mandated housing goals as developers roll out projects with fewer homes than expected. The upshot is Cupertino will have to add more high-density projects - a move not likely to be popular in a community that frequently resists multifamily housing. Like many California cities, Cupertino is caught between state rules ordering construction of low- and moderate-income housing and commercial developers who prefer to build more profitable market-rate homes."

"The problem first emerged Dec. 16 when the City Council approved a project by developer Toll Brothers to build 55 townhomes, of which 11 will be for moderate incomes. Construction at the 2.72-acre site on Stevens Creek Boulevard would replace the defunct Idlewild Shopping Center, once anchored by the United Furniture store. Cupertino's housing plan approved by the state in 2024 anticipated 163 homes at the site, of which 93 would be for moderate-income earners."

"Sand Hill Property Company in late November notified the city it is reducing the number of low- and moderate-income homes at The Rise from 890 to 356. This will likely create a significant shortage in the city's quota of low-income homes while increasing the moderate-income home deficit. Under the state's "no net loss" law, cities have 180 days to identify additional housing sites to counter any losses - a clock that started ticking for Cupertino on Dec"

Cupertino is failing to meet state-mandated low- and moderate-income housing targets because multiple developer projects contain far fewer affordable units than the city planned. Toll Brothers received approval for 55 townhomes with 11 moderate-income units, while the city plan expected 163 homes and 93 moderate-income units at that site. A Divided Homes proposal would add 89 townhomes with 17 affordable units. Sand Hill Property Company cut low- and moderate-income units at The Rise from 890 to 356, worsening the shortfall. Under the state's "no net loss" law, Cupertino has 180 days to find replacement sites. The city likely must approve more high-density projects despite community resistance.

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