Voters in the City of Santa Clara will have an opportunity to cast their ballots in a Special Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2008, in conjunction with the Presidential Primary Election. The subjects of the municipal election are the General Plan Amendment for the Santa Clara Gardens project and the granting of a Density Bonus for the Senior Housing Project element of the Santa Clara Gardens project.

The Santa Clara Gardens project is approximately 17 acres of surplus land owned by the State of California, located at 90 N. Winchester Boulevard. The property is the former site of the University of California's Bay Area Research and Extension Center (BAREC). The proposed project would include up to 165 units of affordable senior housing with approximately 2.5 acres of garden area, 110 units of market rate housing, and a 1-acre public park.

The Santa Clara Gardens project was previously approved by the City Council in June of 2007. Following that, the item was placed on the ballot through the referendum process by the Save BAREC coalition, putting the General Plan Amendment and Density Bonus in the hands of the voters.

Watch for your sample ballot, which will have more information on the subject. If you would like information about your polling location or registering to vote, call the Registrar of Voters at (408) 299-VOTE.