Oakmont Senior Living outlines plans for new Cupertino assisted living project

In the heart of Cupertino, city officials gathered for a pivotal Planning Commission meeting on April 22, 2025, where discussions centered on the pressing need for senior housing in the area. As the average age of residents in proposed facilities is projected to be between 83 and 85 years old, the urgency for appropriate living arrangements has never been clearer.

Balton, a representative from Oakmont Management Group, emphasized the minimal wear and tear that future residents would impose on the buildings, urging commissioners to align their decisions with the housing element approved by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This alignment is crucial as Cupertino grapples with a significant gap in senior housing options.

Matt Stevenson, Chief Operating Officer at Oakmont, took the floor to share insights from their extensive experience managing over 100 senior living communities across California. He highlighted the demographic shift that is expected to double the population of seniors aged 75 and older in the next decade, while the current infrastructure struggles to meet this growing demand. Cupertino, with only 300 units of assisted living and memory care available for its 12,000 seniors aged 75 and above, is particularly affected by this shortage.

Stevenson pointed out that the existing facilities are aging, with one built over 50 years ago, and stressed the importance of developing new options to accommodate the increasing number of seniors requiring assistance. He noted that most residents in their communities do not drive, with less than 10% owning vehicles, which alleviates potential parking concerns. To further address this, Oakmont has arranged off-site parking agreements with nearby communities, ensuring that residents can maintain a sense of independence without overwhelming local infrastructure.

The meeting underscored a critical moment for Cupertino as it navigates the complexities of urban planning and community needs. With the aging population on the rise, the city faces a challenge that requires immediate attention and thoughtful solutions to ensure that its senior residents have access to the care and facilities they need. As discussions continue, the implications of these decisions will resonate throughout the community, shaping the future of senior living in Cupertino.