This is the second proposed development in less than three months on the North Willow Glen street, which appears to be going through a major housing facelift. In December, development firm Ruth and Going and the San Jose Planning Department held a community meeting about a proposal to tear down three homes on a .95 acre lot and replace them with seven four-bedroom homes.

Now Hometec Architecture wants to raze three homes on an approximately one-acre site and construct 10 new, single-family homes in their place. Area residents met with Hometec Architecture representatives on March 7 at the Gardner Community Center. Consultant Erik Shoennauer, who represented Hometec Architecture, said the developer wanted the new homes, particularly the two along Delmas Avenue, to blend in with the surrounding neighborhood. And, he added, citizens had strongly indicated to the firm that retaining the character of the neighborhood was a key issue.

"The neighborhood is interested in preserving the vintage architecture of the area," he said. "The homes we are building have a modest style for new homes that you won't see anywhere else in the city. We have selected architectural concepts that evoke the architectural style of the neighborhood."

The development is designed to include three 1,600-square-foot three-bedroom and four 1,800-square-foot four-bedroom homes. A private road is planned through the project, and a pocket park will be designed for the back of the lot. The development would also contain 31 parking spaces--20 spaces for two-car garages, nine guest parking spots and two street stalls.

To maintain the character of the street, Shoennauer said, the homes fronting Delmas Avenue will be smaller, Victorian-style dwellings with detached garages. The remaining houses will be designed in the Arts and Crafts style.

Several people who attended the meeting praised the design of the project, as well as the amount of parking that will be available on the property. However, some neighbors are concerned that 10 homes are too many for the site. Typically, San Jose permits eight homes per acre.

"I am happy with the houses facing Delmas," North Willow Glen Vice President Harvey Darnell said. "If the project comes to fruition with this look and feel, then that's good. The issue is the eight units on a one-acre site. I am concerned about setting a precedent for upping density."

But, according to San Jose senior planner Carol Hamilton, the rule stipulating eight houses per acre is flexible.

"The General Plan has a provision for allowing higher density through discretionary and alternate-use policies," she said. She added that exceptions to the recommendation should be infrequent.