The Sunnyvale Planning Commission got its first look at the current proposal for MidPen Housing’s 295 S. Mathilda affordable housing community, marking an important step toward future project approvals.

The Sunnyvale Planning Commission got its first look at the current proposal for MidPen Housing’s 295 S. Mathilda affordable housing community during a July 13 study session, marking an important milestone as the project moves toward formal entitlements. The proposal would transform a former bank site in downtown Sunnyvale into 110 permanently affordable homes for households earning between 30% and 70% of the Area Median Income, including homes prioritized for families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. While no action was taken, commissioners provided early feedback on the revised proposal ahead of a future entitlement hearing.

Located just steps from downtown, Caltrain, jobs, parks, and neighborhood services, 295 S. Mathilda is exactly the kind of transit-oriented affordable housing envisioned under Sunnyvale’s Downtown Specific Plan. The development includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, a Learning Center, after-school programming space, and shared outdoor play areas designed to support residents of all ages. The proposal before the Commission reflects years of collaboration among MidPen, City staff, and community members to refine the project while preserving its core mission of creating permanently affordable homes. Projects like this will play an important role in helping Sunnyvale meet its Housing Element commitments while creating housing opportunities for teachers, retail workers, parks employees, restaurant workers, and other essential members of the community who increasingly struggle to afford to live where they work.

The study session marks an important step as the project advances toward a formal Planning Commission hearing later this year. SV@Home submitted a letter of support and provided public comment encouraging the Commission to continue supporting the proposal as it moves through the entitlement process. We look forward to continuing to advocate for affordable housing developments like 295 S. Mathilda that expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and help address our region’s housing shortage.

Follow the progress of 295 S. Mathilda as it moves through the entitlement process and continue supporting affordable housing in Sunnyvale and across Santa Clara County.