Area residents worry about traffic, overpopulation

Apple's new Cupertino campus may not have a completely smooth path towards approval, the results of a local public consultation suggest. The meeting was hosted by Cupertino mayor Gilbert Wong, who himself claims that the new complex is "definitely not a done deal," since it has to undergo a "public process." Many people at the meeting also expressed worries connected to the scale of Apple's ambitions.

One of the biggest concerns is reportedly traffic, since the facility will hold up to 13,000 workers, who may clog both the immediate neighborhood and Interstate 280. It will also attract a number of visitors. The combined groups are expected to put intense strain on local resources, including things like schools, parking, housing and hotel space. The impact of construction of will moreover last about three years, and as a whole the campus could potentially generate extra noise in a suburban environment. Some Cupertino residents have proposed that I-280 could use a dedicated Apple exit if the campus goes through.

Opposition was not total at the meeting, since some people argued that the economic value of the facility will outweigh any damage. Local council members are said to be strongly backing the project as well. Apple, for its part, is thought to be unwilling to scale back the size of the campus. "The fact is, we're growing like a weed," claims Apple project manager Terry Reagan. "We need the space."

by MacNN Staff