It’s only day two of the demolition of the old Vallco Shopping Mall in Cupertino, and already, a group of neighbors is raising concerns about potential environmental hazards that could be unearthed.

The same group is also strongly opposed to what developers are planning to build in its place.

Construction workers continued to knock down the parking structure behind what used to be the old Sears at Vallco on Friday. Those opposed to the plan say they are worried about dust and debris as the mall is demolished, especially since there are automotive centers on site.

They worry that below the concrete is dangerous pesticides from when there was an orchard there.

“The air they’re going to breeze will contain debris and particles…very, very harmful, especially the vulnerable people…like children and seniors,” said Ignatius Ding, who is opposed to the project.

The developers of the project slated for the site says they are doing everything by the book. Water is being sprayed to keep the dust down.

The project, to be known as the Cupertino Town Center, is the first to qualify under SB 35, a new state law that allows cities to fast-track projects that include a certain amount of affordable housing.

There are two competing plans. The SB 35 plan calls for roughly 2,400 homes, retail, and office space. A second plan recently approved by the city council calls for a slightly different mix of housing and office space but would include a new city hall and performing arts center.

But those complaining about environmental concerns on Friday are with a group calling themselves Better Cupertino. They don’t like either one of these plans, saying they are too big and will bring too much traffic to the area.

“101, 85, to 280, Stevens Creek, all of them are getting clogged,” Balaji Chalam of Better Cupertino said. “We are not against development. We want sensible development.”

They want to overturn the SB 35 plan in court and are gathering signatures for a referendum that would stop the second plan from going forward.

“This group is not looking for a better project,” Sand Hill Properties Managing Director Reed Moulds said. “This group is looking for a new project and when you have a dead mall in the middle of a housing crisis, that’s just not acceptable.”

The developer says if the second plan is stopped by referendum, they will continue on with the one that meets the criteria of the new state law.

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