Excavation Work to Begin at Lawrence-Mitty Site
Investigative excavation work will begin at the future Lawrence-Mitty Park site on Thursday, September 9. The purpose is to determine what amount of concrete and asphalt materials are buried within the existing earthen berms (level or raised barriers made of compacted soil). Having this information will allow the City to better bid out the work to remove the berms. Removing the berms, which are not required for flood protection, will open up visibility at the future park and allow better access to the creek. Increased visibility and improved access to the creek is desirable for the future design and programming of the park. Abode Services contacted unhoused individuals at the site to notice them of the work in advance. No relocation of individuals was needed.
Tree Removal at Quinlan Parking Lot
The City of Cupertino has multiple pear trees that were planted approximately 30 years ago at the Quinlan Community Center parking lot near Alves Avenue. Although these trees provide some shade for those walking along the sidewalk, they have started to pose a safety risk to the public.
The typical lifespan of these trees is between 25 and 30 years.
The existing trees have structural defects and are leaning substantially toward the parking lot area. |
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Between the months of June through August alone, there have been five incidents of limbs breaking off and falling.
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The limbs have fallen on or near vehicles parked adjacent to the trees. The removal of the trees is necessary to prevent any future safety risk to the public. |
The City is anticipating the removal of the trees that are immediately adjacent to the parking lot in the next 30 days. Signs will be posted on the trees that will be removed at least seven days before removal. The City will then replant the removed trees with a more suitable tree species that will grow to similar size.
If you have any questions regarding the removals, contact Public Works Supervisor Brian Gathers at (408) 777-3270.
Cost-Share Program Sees Big Bump in Enrollment
When the Clean Water and Storm Protection Fee was adopted in 2019, a Cost-Share Program was launched to reduce the financial impact the fee may have on low-income property owners. When approved, property owners will receive a 20% reduction on the annual fee amount, which will appear on their property tax bill each year.
To boost enrollment in the program, the City's Environmental Programs team created a targeted mailer that reached homes the week of August 27. Within one week of the mailer going out, more than 80 new applications for the Cost-Share Program were submitted through the online portal at cupertino.org/watercostshare.
In order to qualify and apply, applications must be from the property owner who pays the property tax bill. The easiest way to qualify is to upload a copy of the first page of their PG&E bill to prove enrollment in the CARE/FERA program. The Environmental Programs team provides support during the application process and is happy to enable the savings for those who need it. Contact the Environmental Programs team at (408) 777-3236.
Bollinger Road Corridor Safety Study Complete
In December of 2020, the City of Cupertino initiated a Safety and Operational Study of the Bollinger Road corridor. The study was identified as a Work Plan item for the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission and City Council for Fiscal Year 2021-2021.
Leading the Bollinger Road Corridor Safety Study, Cupertino contracted with transportation consultant Kimley-Horn and Associates to identify improvements that will enhance pedestrian, bicycle, motor-vehicle, and transit operations and safety. Because the City of San Jose has jurisdiction over the southern half of Bollinger Road from De Anza Boulevard to Lawrence Expressway, a joint collaboration with the City of San Jose was necessary to ensure any proposed improvements aligned with the policies of both jurisdictions.
The proposed corridor concept alternatives are:
- Alternative A: the road would be reduced to one travel lane in each direction, including the provision of a center two-way left turn lane
- Alternative B: maintains the existing lane configuration while providing spot improvements, primarily at intersections
The study found a high level of community support for improvements that prioritized pedestrian and bicycle safety on the Bollinger Road corridor. In particular, improvements that encouraged improved crossings on Bollinger Road and better access to schools were heavily supported.
The improvements proposed in this study are intended to be used as a guide to help identify grant opportunities as well as future capital improvement projects. Projects will be prioritized taking into consideration future Citywide transportation improvements, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, input from the Bicycle Pedestrian Commission, and coordination with the City of San Jose. Once funding is identified and capital projects are initiated, further design and analysis work will be required.
Find more information at cupertino.org/bollingerstudy.
Prepare to Protect Your Loved Ones During
National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community emergency planning throughout the year. One of the City's goals this year is to prepare our community members to protect everyone they love by being prepared citizens. When you are prepared, you will be better positioned to help those around you.
Emergency preparedness takes the whole community including community members, law enforcement, fire, and EMS to respond to and rebuild after an emergency or disaster strikes. When we work together for the good of others, our communities are stronger.
For this year’s National Preparedness Month, we ask our community members to take these four steps toward preparedness.
Week 1: Make A Plan (September 1-4)
- Each member of your household should have enough food, water, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours
- Plan for the unique needs of your family (baby food, diapers, pet food, etc.)
- People with accessibility and functional needs may need extra batteries for medical devices and medical support equipment
Week 2: Build an Emergency Supply Kit (September 5-11)
- Store emergency supplies in waterproof containers in a place that is easy to access
- Consider the unique needs of each person and animal in your household
- Gather important documents (homeowner's insurance, birth certificates, etc.)
- Include prescription medications, glasses, and blankets in your emergency supply kit
Week 3: Prepare for a Disaster (September 12-18)
- Connect with your extended family, friends, and neighbors
- Sign up for AlertSCC to receive emergency alerts from the City's Office of Emergency Management and the County of Santa Clara
Week 4: Teach Youth About Preparedness (September 19-25)
- Teenagers and other young people can help their families, schools, and communities
- Discuss your family's emergency plans with your kids
- Get your kids involved in a youth preparedness program
You can be leaders before, during, and after disasters. Whether you’re just starting to learn about preparedness, want to join or start a youth preparedness program, or are looking for materials to teach the next generation of preparedness leaders, you can play a role in ensuring the safety of our community. You, too, can make a difference! To learn more about emergency preparedness, visit preparescc.org and sign up for AlertSCC at alertscc.org.
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