Cormack asks whether there has ever been residential use at the site. Historical report said that there previously housing for workers at the cannery which was the original use for the Fry's building.

Burt notes the history of this site as a "Maximart" which he characterizes as a precursor to Costco. Notes that the current use is lower-density office/R&D. It's home to a swanky startup incubator @Playground_VC with a literal playground, free food, etc.

Lydia Kou is upset we're not acknowledging "the historic nature of this property." Literally no one cared about the history until redevelopment was back on the table. Nothing stopping us from doing so now. She thinks if retail use is reduced, we also need to reduce office space.

Lydia Kou says she wishes Burt would've made a motion because maybe now she's "actually going attempt" a motion...and Burt jumps in and offers a motion. 🙄

Staffer Albert Yang notes that retail cannot exceed 60,000 feet so if continued use of retail is required at Fry's there's actually too much retail at the site. City Attorney Molly Stump wants to take a break with staff to discuss legal implications of this...

And after more council comments, we finally get a break for staff to discuss legal implications 😳 ⌚️Waiting for NVCAP item to start. Will Palo Alto plan for 500 homes or 1500 homes (on 60 acres!)? cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/webin…

Jonathan Lait says staff need more time and recommends continuing this item until after the council break in August. Motion passes 6-1 with Kou dissenting.

And we're onto the NVCAP, finally! Staff says that alternative 3b is the only one that accomplishes all council goals. No way they will support 3b. Not a chance. @paloaltoforward agrees with staff. Check out their letter:

What remained of the NVCAP working group (after years of meetings) supported alternative 2, which was deemed financially infeasible. A community survey expressed a preference for alternative 3 🤔

The options on the table tonight👇 For years, the message here has been that building offices cause jobs and jobs cause high housing costs. So the best solution is not office. Neighbor association folks want no increase in density, no new office, and 100% affordable housing.