The city of Cupertino will buy a plot on Byrne Avenue that’ll be used to expand pedestrian and bike access to the Blackberry Farm recreation area.
The city is concerned that the existing narrow two-lane driveway that feeds into the public park is unsafe. With no sidewalk or bike lane, “pedestrians and vehicular traffic come together and have to compete for that space,” said Jeff Milkes, director of the city’s Recreation and Community Services.
During a Dec. 19 meeting, the City Council authorized the city manager to buy the property at 10301 Byrne Ave. from the Patricia L. Sievert Living Trust for $2.45 million.
The 16,000-square-foot property had been privately owned for decades. It recently came on the market, and in the fall the council directed staff to begin negotiating its purchase.
The sale was completed on Dec. 22 and money to buy the land will come from the city’s General Fund, according to staff.
The property lies on the northwest corner of Byrne and San Fernando avenues and runs along the southern edge of the Blackberry Farm Golf Course, directly east of the park.
The City Council previously has expressed interest in either widening the two-lane driveway leading into Blackberry Farm to accommodate a bike and pedestrian lane or creating a separate path, according to city staff.
The new property will enable construction of such pathways, although the city has not yet decided what course to take. “While the general concept of a safe walking route remains the overriding goal, the design process has not started and is forthcoming,” Milkes said.
The city is expected to begin studying the issue this spring and will provide opportunities for the public to weigh in.
During the Dec. 19 meeting, residents asked that a portion of the property be used for an affordable housing development. “Vacant parcels in a nearly built-out city are a huge opportunity for revitalization,” said Tara Sreekrishnan.
City Manager David Brandt said because the lot is large, many uses could be considered.
In 1991 the city purchased the Blackberry Farm property, which includes both the park area and the Blackberry Farm Golf Course.
The park contains picnic sites for large groups, a cafe, two swimming pools, a water slide, a playground, sand volleyball courts and bocce ball courts.
