The HUB Silicon Valley Pickleball Permit: On Tuesday, the Campbell Planning Commission asked city staff to look into a five-year permit for expanding pickleball courts at The HUB Silicon Valley. While officials support growth, they are also pushing for housing on the site, leading to a conflict between recreation and development.
Growing Courts, Rising Tensions
The proposed expansion would add nine pickleball courts to the existing 20 inside a former Fry’s Electronics store on East Hamilton and Salmar avenues. The site now houses both The HUB Silicon Valley and Bingtang Badminton, though only The HUB faces a possible time limit on its use.
Commissioners want to allow more courts, but they’re unsure about the city’s plan to add a five-year permit on the entire sports center. Some fear this may force The HUB to shut down too early.
“This feels really awkward and uncomfortable,” said Commissioner Adam Buchbinder. “To the extent to which we can… arbitrarily try and shut down the business because we hope that housing will become feasible in five years and we’ll try and push them to shut down then — I’m just not comfortable with doing that.”
City Wants Housing, Owners Say Not Yet
The 7.1-acre property is seen as a possible housing site. The city believes it could hold 400 homes—about 14% of the 2,977 units Campbell must build by 2031 to meet state rules.
But Brett Feuerstein, partner at Mira Mesa Shopping Centers and owner of the land, is not ready to make the change. “(Housing is) the highest and best use. There’s no question about that,” said Feuerstein. “We want to do good for the city, what’s good economically, so it is definitely a long-term vision. It’s just that we have to be realists, and it’s not there today.”
Feuerstein and The HUB team don’t support the five-year permit because their lease has no end date. They fear it adds limits when no new housing is being built yet.
Community Caught in the Middle
The HUB Silicon Valley has grown quickly since opening in 2023. Hundreds of people play there each week. It planned to add 20 more courts and a café, but those plans were cut back due to the city’s permit concerns.
Community Development Director Rob Eastwood said the city wants to keep the site active, while also preparing it for future housing. “How do you balance keeping the site activated (while) not shutting down the ability for it to redevelop in the future?” said Eastwood.
He added the permit could be extended if the housing market remains weak and there is no interest from developers.
Players Speak Out for Pickleball
Ted Angelo, co-founder and CEO of The HUB Pickleball Clubs, said the lease’s end clause should be enough and that a five-year limit is not needed. He stressed the importance of more space for the club’s players.
“It creates healthiness, community, a sense of giving back,” said Angelo. “Everyone’s generally happier (and) they are a little healthier.”
Ivy Nguyen, who plays twice a week at The HUB, said the club helps build friendships and supports the local economy. “Not only do we come here for community, but we also inject our money into the economy around here,” said Nguyen. “We’ll play all day until closing and then a lot of our friends will invite each other out for dinner.”
Brendan Tydingco, who drives from Fremont four times a week to play at The HUB, said losing the facility would be a big blow. “I’d be pretty devastated,” said Tydingco. “This is pretty much one of two locations in the Bay Area… where the pickleball community can really come and play at courts that are reliable year round.”
Commissioners plan to revisit the proposal in about a month.
News in Brief: The HUB Silicon Valley Pickleball Permit
Campbell officials are reviewing a five-year permit to expand pickleball courts at The HUB Silicon Valley. While the city sees the land as key for future housing, players and landowners oppose limits. Officials and community members remain divided as plans for the site continue to develop.
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