San Jose approves large Builder's Remedy project in Willow Glen

"I would like to invite the developer to visit the site and view the corner, not merely as a parcel to be developed for profit, but as a neighborhood that will be changed irreparably and forever, resident Maren Sederquist said at Wednesday's Planning Director hearing. If you look around, you will not see any buildings even half the height you are proposing. It will have an impact on neighbors as far as parking, property values and quality of life."

"Redco Development filed its preliminary application with San Jose in June 2023, when the city did not have a compliant housing element. The project was one of 33 preliminary applications filed by developers throughout the city under the Builder's Remedy, which prevents local governments from rejecting projects that are not in compliance with their zoning and planning guidelines unless they can show a specific, adverse impact on public health and safety."

San Jose approved permits for a seven-story, 126-unit mixed-use development at 940 Willow St. in Willow Glen amid neighborhood pushback. Neighbors near Kotenberg Avenue and Willow Street expressed concerns about altered neighborhood character, increased traffic, parking strain, potential declines in property values, and burdens on an aging sewer system. Over 1,600 residents signed a petition opposing the project. Redco Development filed a preliminary application in June 2023 when the city lacked a compliant housing element. The project was one of 33 applications filed under the Builder's Remedy, which restricts local rejection unless a specific adverse public health or safety impact is demonstrated. The parcel is zoned community commercial, which ordinarily disallows housing unless fully affordable. Redco proposes a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units and is utilizing the state density bonus law.

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