Developer Charles Davidson bought the 1.74-acre property to build houses because "it's a good location in the heart of Willow Glen," he said.

Davidson's project received approval at the San Jose Planning Director's hearing on April 28. Two of the houses will face Hicks Avenue. Two homes will face Cherry Avenue. The remaining four will be built in the middle of the development, where Davidson said he plans to construct a private road on the north side of the property to access the homes.

Davidson said each of the homes will be approximately 4,000 square feet and designed in "typical new California construction" style. During the rezoning hearing on Nov. 19, 2003, the San Jose Planning Department recommended a pedestrian walkway be constructed to connect Cherry and Hicks avenues, but Davidson disagreed. He was concerned that adding a pathway would limit residents' privacy, increase maintenance and add liability issues to the proposed project.

According to San Jose Planning Department records from the Nov. 19 public hearing, the San Jose Planning Commission concurred with Davidson and voted 4-3 to approve the project as requested.

Three commissioners, James Zito Bob Levy and John Zamora, however, argued the development should include a pedestrian pathway so schoolchildren had easier access when walking between Hicks and Cherry avenues.

With the project's approval, Davidson said he expects to start construction in July, if the building permits are approved. He added that he hopes to have the homes on the market by spring 2005.

According to Gateway Community Church senior pastor Stephen Pruett, the church sold the property because it wants to expand its membership. He said that renovating the existing property would have been too costly. The congregation stopped meeting at the Hicks Avenue location in April and has relocated to 3550 Snell Ave. in San Jose.