By Khalida Sarwari
Residents of Cambrian 36 rejoiced after the Campbell City Council unanimously approved the annexation of a neighborhood in unincorporated Santa Clara County to the city of Campbell following a seven-year process.
The decision to annex the 103-acre neighborhood known as Cambrian 36 was made at the Oct. 2 council meeting. Several speakers showed up to voice their support and appreciation.
“I really think it’s been great that the Campbell City Council has been so supportive of this matter, which is so important to us,” said Tom Davis, vice president of the Campbell Village Neighborhood Association. “Thank you, Campbell, thank you.”
Both Davis and Mayor Mike Kotowski acknowledged that the annexation has been a lengthy process.
“But we’re on our way; we’re in the clear,” Kotowski said. “This is a good example of your local government at work.”
San Jose agreed in 2006 to annex all unincorporated areas of the county that are 150 acres or less by April 15, 2011, as part of a lawsuit settlement agreement between that city and the county.
The council’s Oct. 2 vote authorized the completion of the annexation by May 1, 2013, as recommended by staff, who cited that the date as providing adequate time for the city and other affected agencies to prepare for the transition of services and for working with the neighborhood association on preparing and conducting an election related to the community facilities district.
Once effective, the annexation will shift municipal services such as garbage, police and fire from the county to the city. As part of the deal, Campbell will pay San Jose $199,000 every year for five years following the annexation in order to offset lost revenue, with the process to purchase the land culminating in 40 years.
Many of the 1,000 residents who live in Cambrian 36 wanted to annex to Campbell because they were concerned that annexing to San Jose would result in significant reductions in basic safety services due to that city’s budget deficit.
It’s official: Campbell council unanimously approves annexation of Cambrian 36
