On Dec. 16, the Mountain View City Council approved a plan to allow more housing in select areas south of El Camino Real, despite objections from some community members. The council voted 6-1 to update land use designations and rezone certain parts of the city, supporting the creation of housing on existing commercial sites. Councilmember John McAlister cast the lone dissenting vote.
The decision is part of Mountain View’s effort to meet a state mandate requiring roughly 11,000 new homes over eight years. The city had previously planned for most growth in North Bayshore and East Whisman but is also required by the state to distribute new housing across other areas, including more affluent neighborhoods.
The rezoning includes three properties in Blossom Valley—1702 and 1704 Miramonte Ave. and 777 Cuesta Drive—currently used as dental and medical offices. These will now allow up to 30 residential units per acre while still permitting commercial uses. Other rezoned sites include a medical facility at 1949 Grant Road, downtown Mountain View Transit Center, properties on Calderon Avenue, and several commercial properties in North Whisman.
Some residents opposed the changes, citing concerns about increased traffic and potential displacement of small businesses. Kristen Lenart, a Blossom Valley resident, said, “More housing here will create more cars and more conflict points and greater risk to the safety and health of our kids and community.” Lana Shukhman, a dentist on Miramonte Avenue, said she invested significantly in her office space and only learned about the proposed changes from a neighbor.
Supporters argued that additional housing is needed for local workers such as nurses, teachers, firefighters, and service employees. Kim Ladin from Varsity Park said, “It breaks my heart that our children aren’t going to be able to afford to live here. We need to find places for them to live.”
Councilmembers cited state laws Assembly Bill 2011 and Senate Bill 6 as factors influencing their decision. Councilmember Chris Clark said he wanted local control over development standards: “I want to do whatever preserves the greatest amount of authority for us to shape and impact whatever development project comes.” Mayor Ellen Kamei emphasized walkable communities with accessible resources. Councilmember Pat Showalter commented on public participation: “Democracy should not be a spectator sport.”
