Cupertino Council debates student housing moratorium amid eviction concerns

The Cupertino City Council meeting held on May 6, 2025, addressed significant concerns regarding housing and community impact, particularly in relation to student housing and evictions. The meeting featured a series of public comments that highlighted the complexities surrounding recent housing developments and the implications for current residents.

The session began with a statement from a council member expressing sympathy for residents facing displacement due to the district's decision to purchase a fully occupied apartment building. This purchase raised alarms about potential evictions, as the council member reassured that the district would manage the transition responsibly.

Steven Shar, a resident, voiced his concerns about the urgency of the situation, referencing past experiences with evictions following the implementation of California's Assembly Bill 1482. He emphasized that voters had anticipated new housing developments for students, not the eviction of existing residents from affordable housing. Shar urged the council to consider a moratorium on such evictions, citing successful precedents from other cities, including San Francisco.

Dolly Sandoval, a former council member, shared her experiences with similar housing conversions two decades ago. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that developers assist displaced residents and questioned the need for zoning changes in the current proposal. Sandoval raised concerns about the potential discrimination against student housing and the broader implications for housing policies in Cupertino.

Harry Neal, another resident, followed with additional comments, although the content of his remarks was not detailed in the transcript.

The meeting underscored the ongoing tension between the need for student housing and the rights of current residents, with council members and community members alike grappling with the implications of housing policies. As discussions continue, the council faces the challenge of balancing development needs with community stability and resident welfare.