WE, THE RESIDENTS OF NORTH SUNNYVALE, urge our state and local leaders to stop the creation of food deserts in our historically underserved neighborhoods. The proposed redevelopment of village centers like Fair Oaks and Lakewood Plazas into housing-only zones would eliminate the only walkable access many of us have to groceries and essential services. This shift would force thousands into car dependency, worsen food insecurity, and increase our carbon footprint. It also threatens to displace small, minority-owned businesses that have long served our community. Located in Fair Oaks Plaza, Taj Mahal Fresh Market serves the larger community, but it's especially vital for families who rely on halal meats and culturally specific foods.  With these plans potentially moving forward, there is growing concern that the Lucky Supermarket at the Sunnyvale Square Shopping Center could also be at risk!

The graphic below from Livable Sunnyvale highlights the current distribution of grocery stores in North and South Sunnyvale, including the three that will be lost (crossed out in the image) with the redevelopment of the two plazas.

These redevelopments undermine the city's own stated vision of a walkable, livable, and diverse Sunnyvale, a priority the City Council has publicly committed to. We as a community support the development of new housing; however, growth must be thoughtfully balanced with sustainability and should not come at the expense of food access, environmental responsibility, or the well-being of residents. 

We urge our state and local representatives to take the following actions:

• Add a waiver to SB 330 that exempts Fair Oaks and Lakewood Plazas from housing-only redevelopment, in order to protect these communities from becoming food deserts. This waiver would also help prevent similar risks in other parts of the city.
• Preserve Lucky Supermarket, the only full-service grocery store currently serving North Sunnyvale.
• Adopt legislation and strategic plans that ensure every resident, regardless of income, age, or mobility, has walkable access to essential food and services. A truly livable city meets basic needs within reach of every neighborhood. 

Change is inevitable, but it must be fair, inclusive, and sustainable. Fair Oaks Plaza and the Lucky Supermarket are a vital lifeline for thousands of residents.

Sign this petition to protect access, equity, and community health in North Sunnyvale. Let’s grow the right way, together!

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Why This Matters.

North Sunnyvale has seen extraordinary growth over the past 10 years, (as documented in the 2020 census) with more than 15,000 new residents moving into the area through the construction of more than 2,500 townhomes and over 1,500 apartments. But while housing has expanded dramatically, essential services have not kept pace.

North Sunnyvale has historically lacked large grocery-sized lots zoned for retail and is already a food desert with half as many grocery stores (mostly small markets). In food deserts, convenience stores and fast food outlets tend to offer predominantly processed and unhealthy food choices. This dearth of nutritious options can have serious implications for the health and well-being of individuals and communities, as it contributes to higher rates of diet-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

The San Miguel neighborhood has seen the largest share of this population growth in North Sunnyvale and Fair Oaks Plaza is the only walkable retail center serving this part of the city. But even now, it struggles to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. And while there is no full-service grocery store within walking distance, many residents still depend heavily on the plaza’s existing market and shops to meet their everyday food and household needs.

If this plaza is replaced by housing only, it will:

• Create a food desert, cutting off access to fresh, affordable food for thousands
• Disproportionately harm low-income, elderly, and car-free residents
  Displace minority- and immigrant-owned businesses that serve as vital community anchors
• Increase traffic, emissions, and car dependency, contradicting Sunnyvale’s sustainability and climate goals
• Weaken the fabric of a diverse, working-class neighborhood that already faces systemic underinvestment

This isn’t just about a set of buildings, it’s about equity, access, and public health.

This Is Preventable.

We understand the city has cited SB 330, a state law that limits cities from requiring retail in new developments, as a constraint. But laws should not result in harm to the very communities they’re meant to serve.

We are calling for leadership to find a balanced, community-first solution that includes both housing and the essential services that make it livable.

What We’re Asking.

• From our State legislators: 
  Work with the City of Sunnyvale and developers to ensure SB 330 does not lead to food deserts or the loss of critical services. Add a state-level waiver to SB 330 specifically for Fair Oaks and Lakewood Plazas to preserve access to groceries and essential services. Introduce state-level legislation that requires cities to plan not only for housing but also for equitable access to essential services, including groceries.
• From our City officials and staff: 
  Support mixed-use solutions that truly serve residents’ daily needs. Preserve North Sunnyvale’s only full-service grocery by rezoning the Lucky site as commercial and relocating Village Center 4. Commit to long-term planning that ensures future access to grocery and retail across North Sunnyvale.
• From the Developers: 
  Collaborate with the community to propose housing projects that preserve access to food, essential services, and community spaces while supporting the long term value and livability of North Sunnyvale.