Sunnyvale's Official Reply

A friend sent us the standard reply the city of Sunnyvale is sending in response to the emails they get about the concept of a sale/lease of the Civic Center. You can email the City Council at:  council@ci.sunnyvale.ca.us

Read their reply below but first our comments.

They say they are not selling or leasing the Civic Center.  That is true.  It is the "concept" they are considering we object to.  We don't want them to even think about it as an option.  Since it is the only option they are considering, it is the option they will likely go with.  Other options we and others have suggested such as renovation of existing space, renting new space, adding a wing or floor, fixing up a basement, they always dismiss as not practicable.  They have given no cost analysis of renovation or expansion or leasing of new space.  Nor have they said how much space is needed.

The "public-private partnership" they refer to would be a deal where the non-competitively chosen builder constructs the buildings the city wants and takes over the city land.  It might be a sale or lease.  Either way the trees and green space are gone.  You can look at the unfinished Downtown to see what Public-Private Partnerships have looked like in the past.

They are correct that the city council has not made a decision, or approved plans.  When they do it will be too late.  That is why we are telling them now that we don't want it even considered.  Now please read their official reply:

Permanent link here for bookmarking or sending:
http://cspgs.blogspot.com/2012/10/sunnyvales-official-reply.html

------------- Begin official reply -----------------

Dear (Name),

Thank you for your email and your interest in this topic. On July 31,
2012, City Council conducted a joint study with the City's Board of
Library Trustees. One of the agenda items was the future of the Civic
Center Campus (including the main library, City Hall, and the Public
Safety Administration building among others).

At the end of the joint session, Council directed staff to further
explore the concept of redeveloping the existing Civic Center Campus
buildings via a public/private partnership model, with the main
library relocated to the Community Center campus. Contrary to some
unofficial reports, there has been no decision by the City Council to
lease or sell any of the Civic Center grounds, nor are there any
approved plans to that effect.

Council's latest direction simply allows staff to further explore the
concept of a public-private partnership (which doesn't necessarily
mean selling any of the City's property), so that Council more fully
understands its options relative to addressing the needs of the Civic
Center's deteriorating facilities.

The best way to stay informed regarding this topic would be to check
the City's home web page http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/ and click on the
link "Future Library and Civic Center Facility Options" under the
heading "HOT TOPICS". Should you wish to discuss related matters,
please contact the City's Assistant City Manager, Robert Walker at
rwalker@ci.sunnyvale.ca.us or 730-7458.