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City Beat
SJ Council approves land-use proposals
New mixed-use development, school OKed
By Kate Carter
The San Jose City Council on Dec. 18 unanimously approved the construction of a mixed-use retail-residential complex on W. Alma Avenue between Minnesota Avenue and Belmont Way.
The council also approved the use of building space at the corner of Leigh and Foxworthy avenues by a private special education school.
A handful of neighbors opposed the third story of the W. Alma Avenue development, as they have for more than a year since project plans were brought to the city. The proposal had originally been for a one-floor retail space and two additional stories of apartments. Property owner Chris Vlahopouliotis and architect Sal Caruso said the development would be three stories high only in the center, and the sides adjacent to Belmont Way and Minnesota Avenue would be two stories high, allowing for 14 apartments.
San Jose Planning Department's Joseph Horwedel added that the development's third-story setbacks from the residences, 80 feet from residences behind and 125 feet from those across Minnesota Avenue, were more than required by the city.
In addition, Horwedel said the development had "more than enough parking," with 24 spaces for residents, 15 for retail and nine for potential restaurant patrons. He added that because of the development's mixed-use character and proximity to the Tamien Light Rail station, it is eligible for reduced parking requirements, which the developer did not request.
Vlahopouliotis responded to some neighbors' concerns about blight and maintenance at the site, and District 6 City Councilman Ken Yeager said he was satisfied that Vlahopouliotis had made improvements to the site.
"With the new project, a lot of the problems that are existing will go away," Vlahopouliotis said. "I'm going to manage the property. I'm committed to doing a good job."
No one from the public addressed the council about a proposal to convert a medical office complex on the southeast corner of Foxworthy and Leigh avenues into a special education school run by nonprofit Second Start.
The school would have about 75 staff members and 140 students in grades 1 through 12 in the four buildings on the approximately 1.7-acre site. The site also has 109 parking spaces, more than required.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
