Apple new spaceship campus not facing NIMBY, border wars

Apple, which is set to open the doors to its spaceship-like new massive campus located in the border of Cupertino, Sunnyvale and Santa Clara, hasn't faced any protests or border wars from NIMBY so far.

The NIMBY typically have tormented the three cities in the past and many big projects, which were undertaken near the border without the agreement of the officials of the three cities, haven't been successful.

But Sunnyvale Mayor Melinda Hamilton and Santa Clara Mayor Jamie Matthews are banking on Apple's economic prowess and potential to raise nearby property values and boost employment in the regions.

There will be people who want to buy homes here, to eat lunch, and we're right on the border, Hamilton said. Proximity is a huge deal. Having more and better jobs brings the whole region up. That success breeds success.

Cupertino Mayor Gilbert Wong also said Cupertino would never reject Apple's plans though Apple won't be getting any special treatment. Wong is understandably concerned about the many inconveniences that Apple project will bring to its neighbors. It's going to be like an urban forest with a building right in the middle of this forest, Wong said. You have a little bit of inconvenience with the traffic, but I think it's worth it because you can live, work and play within a 10-minute radius.

Even some residents are willing to bear the extra commotion and inconvenince the new Apple campus will bring to their lives but they still want to reap the benefits that come with it.

Sunnyvale resident David Cookson, who has lived near the forthcoming campus for about 18 years, said he would be willing to ignore the bothers. He even joked the campus is destined to become the eighth wonder of the world.

A project like that, how could you say no? said Cookson.

In the following months, consultants will analyse traffic influence and environmental impact before the project starts. The state law will also provide some measures to solve related community problems such as making Apple pay for stop lights to ease traffic jams and plant trees to screen neighbors' views.

We'll be innovative and find ways around issues that get raised, the Santa Clara mayor said. It's quite a boon for Silicon Valley. Either we find ways to continue to grow and accommodate these titans of entrepreneurial venture or we stop being Silicon Valley.