Cupertino City Council reviews Westport project modifications for assisted living facility

The Cupertino Planning Commission meeting on April 22, 2025, spotlighted significant modifications to the Westport project, particularly the proposed changes to Building 1, an assisted living facility. The discussion revealed that the project is nearing completion, with 90-95% of the townhome units already sold or occupied, and the senior building fully occupied for nearly a year.

Key modifications to Building 1 include a request to reduce retail space from 17,600 square feet to approximately 4,000 square feet. This change is part of a broader strategy to utilize a density bonus that would allow for an increase in assisted living units from 123 to 136. The developers cited financial constraints as a reason for these adjustments, emphasizing that if Building 1 is not constructed, the financial burden would fall solely on the adjacent affordable housing building.

Additionally, the proposal seeks to eliminate underground parking, resulting in a reduction of about 46 parking stalls. This request is supported by Assembly Bill 2097, which limits parking minimums near major transit stops. However, the commission noted that this bill does not apply retroactively to the project, meaning the parking reduction must be approved at their discretion.

The developers argued that the nature of the assisted living facility, which primarily serves elderly clients who do not drive, justifies the reduced parking requirements. They highlighted that visitors typically stay for short periods, further diminishing the need for extensive parking.

The commission's decision on these modifications will significantly impact the Westport project, which aims to provide a mix of affordable and senior housing in Cupertino. The outcome of this meeting could set a precedent for future developments in the area, balancing the need for housing with community concerns about parking and retail space.