The proposed development would raze three, two-bedroom houses on a .95 acre lot and replace them with seven, four-bedroom homes with two-car garages. The houses would range in size from 2,500 to 2,800 square feet, and a private road would be constructed through the lot. The property, which is located on the 1200 block of Delmas Avenue, would have limited parking available at the end of the private road. Although the project would significantly increase the density on the property, San Jose permits developers to build up to eight homes per acre.

But residences aren't happy with the idea and voiced their concerned at a Dec. 2 community meeting in the Gardner Community Center.

Willow Glen resident Jerry De Young, a planning consultant with Ruth and Going--the firm responsible for the project's development-- said the combination of high demand for housing in San Jose and city policies restricting development has forced developers to look for alternative ways to build more homes.

"As the city develops policies precluding development, we have to go internal to underutilized lots," De Young said. "The fact is we are under continuing pressure to keep building in San Jose."

But the developers want to work with residents on the project.

Architect Johnny DaRosa, who represents Stonebridge Development, said he analyzed the character of the houses surrounding the area and designed the project so the homes were "not too elaborate or specific."

"My job is to put in seven houses that will blend in with the neighborhood," he said.

But residents said the bland character of the seven homes would not blend in with the other residences on Delmas Avenue.

"One of the characteristics of the neighborhood is that the houses have individual character," North Willow Glen Neighborhood Association President Ken Ecklund said. "I would prefer [more individualized houses] to something with an amorphous, unspecific character."

Another issue residents addressed was their displeasure with the project's design. Under the existing proposal, the garages would face onto Delmas Avenue.

"The way the homes are configured, they have a nice view of each other, but are ugly to the street," Ecklund said.

To improve the design, residents suggested redesigning the homes so the garages were detached and situated to the rear.

Resident also raised the concern that the high-density of homes would create greater traffic and parking difficulties on the street. The proposed design allows for only two open parking spaces at the end of the private road.

"Right now, the lot has six bedrooms. With the project, we will get 28," Ecklund said. "If each bedroom creates a car, the street will get crowded and guest parking won't accommodate it."

In response to this concern De Young and DaRosa said they would consider widening the private road to allow for more on-street parking.

Although residents are hesitant about the project, they left the meeting more confident that the developers were open to their suggestions.

"We worked with Jerry on the Public Outreach Committee," Willow Glen Neighborhood Association Vice President Ed Rast said. "He was responsive to the neighborhood, and he is a resident. He came before the meeting to talk to neighborhood leaders about their concerns."