Dear Friends of the Farm, 

Council Denies Study of Farm Proposal for a Farm on Grant Road

On June 5, Council directed staff to proceed with the annexation of the Grant Road property under the existing residential R1-8 pre-zoning.  The vote was 6-1 with Ronit Bryant voting no. She favored further study of alternatives through a precise plan.  This vote pretty much eliminates the possibility of a keeping a farm at this site, and unfortunately this MV landmark will be replaced entirely with new houses and streets.  We wish Council could have at least allowed Planning Staff to evaluate our proposal.

Council did, however, express an interest in a “Planned Unit Development” designation. A PUD would allow for a variety of lot sizes that average 8,000 sq ft.  Staff did a quick calculation during the meeting and determined that up to 79 houses could be built under a PUD.  Thus, instead of all large houses on large lots, smaller and more affordable houses might be built as well, and those with moderate incomes might be able to own a home in this part of Mountain View.  Mayor Macias stressed that since higher density housing was specified for other residential developments around Mountain View, that somewhat higher density should be considered for this site as well. 

Council Approves Study of Other Locations for a Farm in Mountain View

While the opportunity for a working, organic farm on Grant Road appears to be gone , we are happy that Council unanimously voted to direct staff to look for other possible locations for a farm in Mountain View.  The Francia Orchard on Whisman Road was mentioned as a potential site.  This property is zoned industrial but still remains under the Williamson Act, which provides significant property tax savings to the owner so long as the property is in agricultural use.  We hope Council recognizes the importance of locally grown produce, educational opportunities for the community, and the increasing trend in small suburban farms.  A visionary council could put Mountain View at the forefront of sustainable farming.  Because there is so little remaining open space in Mountain View, we urge Council to act promptly to pursue this possibility.  We will meet with staff to follow up on this council directive, and continue our efforts to establish a small working farm in Mountain View.

We are proud of what we have achieved, and greatly appreciate all the support and encouragement for what we thought was fair and creative compromise proposal.  Most council members acknowledged that there is a strong community support for a farm and some called us “visionary”.  So, our campaign will continue! The MV Farmlands Group will continue our mission of working together to bring a small farm to Mountain View.  Our community, our children, and our agricultural heritage deserve nothing less.    We hope you will stay with us on this journey.  Thank you all so much.

Vicki Moore, Chris Hildebrand, and Robin Iwai, for the Mountain View Farmlands Group

Our cause to bring a working Farm to Mountain View is very much alive!

Please check back regularly on new developments!