New Businesses for Milpitas

At Wednesday night's Planning Commission meeting, Milpitas was given a little bit of good news.

Planning Director Diana Barnhart delivered news of several new businesses in Milpitas, and other developments coming soon.

Barnhart said she was excited about Zollner Electronics from Germany, which , bringing with it new jobs.

Barnhart announced that E2O, a semiconductor manufacturer, has acquired a new headquarters in Milpitas and will soon be moving its operations from Santa Clara. E2O will occupy over 50,000 square feet on Sycamore Drive.

Futhermore, Barnhart said Nanolabs is moving from San Jose to Milpitas' South McCarthy Boulevard. Nanolabs offers cutting-edge technology and expertise for failure analysis, advanced microscopy and FIB circuit edit services.

Barnhart continued, saying, "LA Fitness is looking at moving into the Mervyn's building, taking up 50,000 square feet, while the remaining 25,000 square feet would be devoted to offices and retail, although no other tenants have been identified."

And more - "Serra Center is currently working on getting new tenants for their vacancies, with short-term, one- to four-year leases. And, the old Marlowe's Flowers building is being spruced up for new tenants while the center's owners are still planning their major development over several years. And, Chili's is doing an exterior facelift renovation."

McCarthy Ranch Marketplace, which is currently about half empty, is reportedly up for sale. Barnhart mentioned a potentially very exciting retail development coming to the troubled marketplace, which could bring national and even international interest in Milpitas. Barnhart said more details would be announced later.

Commissioners Wednesday night also approved a new smog test center for Main Street Gas at 10 N. Main Street, and an amendment to add another badminton court to the 12 already located at Bay Badminton Center, 1191 Montague Expressway.

New Planning Commissioners Sworn In

New, returning and replacement planning commissioners appointed by Mayor Jose Esteves and approved by City Council members Jan. 3 were sworn in during Wednesday night's meeting as well.

City Clerk Mary Lavelle administered the oath of office to new Alternate Planning Commissioner Garry Barbadillo and new Commissioner Rajeev Madnawat before the night's business got underway.

Longtime commissioner Larry Ciardello was elected the commission's new vice chair by his fellow commissioners, replacing former Vice Chair Noella Tabladillo. Tabladillo's term ended last month, and she was not reappointed by the mayor.