It is similar in density to the Delmas Avenue project. But unlike the Delmas project,which remains contentious--residents would prefer eight rather than 10 homes on the site--the Almaden Road project went largely unnoticed.

Developers for both projects plan to build more than 10 homes on less than an acre. Neighbors in the North Willow Glen area opposed the Delmas Avenue project, near Dorothy Avenue, because of its high density. San Jose District 6 Councilman Ken Yeager worked with neighbors, the developer and the city's planning staff to reach an agreement that would allow 10 units on the nine-tenths acre lot, but modify the design to fit in with the neighborhood.

In contrast, the Almaden Road project near Curtner Avenue will build 11 homes on a three-quarter acre lot. These Victorian-style homes will stand two- to three-stories high. Some sections of the townhome project will reach 43 feet in height, only five feet from an existing single-family property.

A community meeting on the project held last year attracted few neighbors, with limited concerns, the city's staff report said.

Only Jay James, a planning commissioner, opposed the project. He stated the Victorian architecture did not fit into the neighborhood, according to the June 22 San Jose Planning Commission synopsis.

What distinguishes the two projects is their locations in Willow Glen. The Delmas Avenue project is surrounded entirely by single-family homes and the city's general plan allows up to eight homes per acre. The 10 homes that will be built in this location were granted an exception to the rule. The project is also located near North Willow Glen, whose neighborhood association is active in defending the area's character.

The Almaden Road project, however, is located among single family homes, an apartment complex, a mobile home park and the Guadalupe River. The city's general plan allows anywhere from 12 to 25 units per acre. The diversity of housing in this area does not produce a "defined look" to preserve, San Jose planner Ed Schreiner said.

Eric Schoennauer, who represents Almaden Road project developer Stan Queen, told the planning commission on June 22 that Queen is a quality home builder. The new project, he added, will create a new tone for the mixed street.