Officials in one West Valley city are taking action to combat a statewide policy gap that leaves residents in affordable housing vulnerable to rent increases that could price them out. The Campbell City Council voted 4-1 last month to cap affordable housing rent increases at 5%, plus cost of living changes or a flat 10%...
Campbell expands housing policy over commission’s opposition
Campbell is adjusting its affordable housing policy in hopes of creating more homes and raking in more development funds, despite an official recommendation not to. The Campbell City Council voted 4-1 last week to expand its inclusionary housing policy, which would require smaller projects to convert at least 15% of homes into affordable housing or pay...
Chick-fil-A makes second attempt at Campbell location
A popular fast-food chain known for its crispy chicken sandwiches could get a second chance in Campbell after the City Council unanimously rejected it four years ago. Some locals see this as a plus for businesses, while others question how the project is back on the table. Campbell officials want to welcome Chick-fil-A back, which is...
Campbell to implement developer fees for affordable housing
Campbell is slated to rake in hundreds of thousands of dollars for affordable housing annually, thanks to a decision to collect developer fees from projects without housing. The Campbell City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to establish a commercial linkage fee, which is a flat rate of $9 per square foot developers must pay for all...
Campbell townhomes planned for vacant water well site
Empty land is a rarity in developed Campbell. City officials say vacant sites are an opportunity to build needed housing, but nearby residents have mixed feelings. The Campbell Planning Commission voted 6-1 last month, with Vice Chair Matt Kamkar voting no, to approve a three-story, 40 townhome development located at 320 Virginia Ave. Six homes will...
Campbell unsure about affordable housing policy change
Campbell officials are hesitant about a policy change that could increase affordable housing in a city advocates say has been at the forefront of housing solutions. The Campbell Planning Commission on Tuesday unanimously recommended the city refrain from expanding its inclusionary housing policy, which would require smaller projects to convert at least 15% of homes into affordable housing or...
Santa Clara County city pushes for higher sales tax
Campbell officials are asking residents to boost the city’s sales tax to the highest rate in Santa Clara County this November to provide revenue they say is necessary to maintain its quality of life. The Campbell City Council unanimously voted last week to place a 1/2-cent sales tax increase on the ballot, which could raise...
The Biz Beat: Desi in Campbell offers multicultural fusion of street delights
While Desi Contemporary Indian Casual in Campbell is grounded in classic ingredients, the owners have designed the dishes based on their study of food history and experiences sampling different cuisines while traveling. “It struck us how many dishes across the world are grounded in their similarities,” Mohit Nagrath, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife...
The Biz Beat: Campbell Cambodian restaurant is a hidden gem
When Vila Pho emigrated from the Banteay Meanchey province in Cambodia to the U.S. in 2003, she knew no one and took a job as a computer technician. It wasn’t her ideal job, but it paid the bills. She took English classes while she dreamed of opening a Cambodian restaurant with dishes steeped in lemongrass...
Campbell considers 100 homes at former mental health facility
A Campbell housing development near the main post office could add more than 100 homes to a quiet, suburban neighborhood, stirring up concerns about an influx of new residents. The Campbell Planning Commission unanimously approved a 108-home development located at 251 Llewellyn Ave. on Tuesday. Georgia-based PulteGroup, Inc. will develop the potential three-story project on a roughly...