San Jose Advancement Faces Gridlock as City, developers, and Residents Clash Over Former golf Course

SAN JOSE, CA – A decades-long chapter in San Jose golf history is poised to close, but the future of the former Pleasant Hills Golf Course remains deeply uncertain as city leaders, developers, and residents find themselves locked in a contentious battle over its redevelopment. The 115-acre property, owned by the Duino family, is slated to be sold to Lakeside community development firm, but the path forward is fraught with conflicting visions for density, affordability, and community impact.

The core of the dispute lies in the scale of the proposed development. Lakeside Community initially proposed 1,700 homes, a plan deemed insufficient by San Jose urban planners. A july letter obtained by San José Spotlight revealed the city believes the proposal falls short of addressing the region’s critical housing needs, specifically lacking 1,129 homes – including 68 for low-income residents. The city is actively pursuing annexation of the unincorporated county land to exert greater control over the project’s direction.

“The housing associated with the proposed development presents a shortfall…that the County must consider to meet the requirements of state law,” the city’s letter stated.

This push for increased density is reportedly being spearheaded by Mayor Matt Mahan’s office, according to Stan Perry, a broker representing the Duino family.However, such ambitions clash with the preferences of surrounding residents, who have consistently voiced opposition to high-rise buildings in community workshops. Results from those workshops indicate a strong preference for single-family homes and a limit of three stories.

Caught in the middle are developers Mark Lazzarini and Tony Arreola, who argue their current proposal strikes a balance between addressing housing needs and respecting the existing community.

“We are placing high-density, affordable housing where it best fits and keeping smaller-scale housing close to existing neighborhoods,” Lazzarini and Arreola stated. “That balance is one of the main reasons we’ve seen strong support from residents who have participated in the process.”

Housing advocates,however,are pushing for even greater density than the city’s demands.Alex Shoor, CEO of Catalyze SV, a housing advocacy group, criticized the city’s initial critique of the project as unusually thorough, but ultimately insufficient. “We need the promoter to start from scratch again,” Shoor said, arguing the proposal reflects outdated 1950s-era development standards.

The duino family, who transformed Pleasant Hills into a public golf course before its closure in 2004, find themselves navigating this complex landscape. “The family is at the mercy of the community and the city and is coming to a kind of middle ground,” Perry explained.Francis Duino,eldest son of the golf course designer,emphasized the

How does the Edenvale project align with San José’s broader strategies for addressing the housing crisis?

San José Aims too Transform Former Golf Course into Dense housing Progress

The Edenvale Project: Addressing Silicon valley’s Housing Crisis

san José is poised to undertake a notable urban conversion with the proposed redevelopment of the former Edenvale Golf Course into a high-density housing community. This ambitious project directly responds to the ongoing housing shortage in Silicon Valley, aiming to deliver much-needed affordable housing adn alleviate pressure on the region’s notoriously competitive real estate market. The plan, currently under review by city officials, envisions a mixed-use development featuring a ample number of housing units, alongside potential commercial spaces and parkland.This initiative represents a key component of San José’s broader strategy to increase housing density and promote urban infill.

Project Details: A Deep Dive into the Proposed Development

The Edenvale redevelopment isn’t just about building houses; it’s about creating a sustainable, vibrant community.Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

* Unit Count: Preliminary plans suggest the development could accommodate between 3,750 and 4,500 housing units.

* Housing Types: the project will likely incorporate a mix of housing types, including apartments, townhouses, and perhaps some single-family homes, catering to a diverse range of residents.

* Affordable Housing Component: A significant portion of the units – estimated at around 20-30% – will be designated as affordable housing, addressing the critical need for housing options for low- and moderate-income families. This aligns with san José’s inclusionary zoning policies.

* Commercial Space: Approximately 100,000-150,000 square feet of commercial space is planned, potentially including retail, restaurants, and office spaces, fostering a live-work-play environment.

* Green Space & Parks: The development will incorporate substantial green space, including a new public park, walking trails, and community gardens, enhancing the quality of life for residents.

* transportation Infrastructure: Improvements to local transportation infrastructure, including bike lanes and pedestrian walkways, are integral to the plan, aiming to reduce reliance on automobiles.

Zoning Changes and Community Input

The transformation of the 158-acre Edenvale Golf Course requires significant zoning changes. Currently zoned for recreational use, the land needs to be rezoned to allow for high-density residential and commercial development. This process has involved extensive community engagement, with numerous public hearings and workshops held to gather feedback from residents. Concerns raised by the community include traffic congestion,potential strain on local schools,and the preservation of open space. The city is actively working to address these concerns through mitigation measures, such as traffic improvements and investments in school infrastructure. The project is being overseen by the San José Planning Department, with a focus on responsible land use planning.

Benefits of Increased Housing Density in San José

The Edenvale project exemplifies the benefits of embracing higher density housing in urban areas. These benefits extend beyond simply increasing the housing supply:

* Reduced Commuting Times: Concentrating housing near employment centers reduces commute times,lessening traffic congestion and improving air quality.

* Economic Growth: increased housing supply stimulates economic growth by attracting new residents and businesses.

* Sustainable Development: Urban infill projects like Edenvale promote sustainable development by utilizing existing infrastructure and reducing urban sprawl.

* Walkability & Transit-Oriented Development: High-density developments encourage walkability and reliance on public transportation, reducing carbon emissions.

* Increased Property values: While counterintuitive to some, increased housing supply can stabilize and even increase property values in the long run by addressing the underlying supply-demand imbalance.

Addressing Concerns: Traffic, schools, and Infrastructure

The scale of the Edenvale project naturally raises concerns about its impact on existing infrastructure. san José is proactively addressing these challenges:

* Traffic Mitigation: Plans include widening key roadways, adding traffic signals, and improving public transportation options to accommodate increased traffic volume. A complete traffic impact analysis has been conducted.

* School Capacity: The city is collaborating with the San José Unified School District to assess the impact on local schools and explore options for expanding capacity, potentially through new school construction or renovations.

* Infrastructure Upgrades: Investments in water, sewer, and other essential infrastructure are planned to ensure the development can be adequately supported.

* Environmental Impact Assessment: A thorough environmental impact report (EIR) is being prepared to assess the project’s potential environmental effects and identify mitigation measures.

Similar Developments & Case Studies

San José’s approach to transforming underutilized land into housing isn’t unique. Several cities across the country are pursuing similar strategies:

* Denver’s Stapleton Redevelopment: The redevelopment of the former Stapleton Airport into a vibrant mixed-use community serves as a successful model for large-scale urban infill.

* san Francisco’s Treasure Island Project: This ambitious project aims to transform a former naval base into a mixed-income housing community with significant waterfront access.

* Los Angeles’ Grand Avenue Committee Project: A long-term project focused on revitalizing a key downtown area with a mix of housing,commercial,and cultural spaces.

These case studies demonstrate the potential for transforming underutilized land into thriving communities,while also highlighting the importance of careful planning and community engagement.

The Future of Housing in San José