San Jose Battle Over BART Station Land: In San Jose, a contentious debate has erupted over the fate of the land adjacent to the newly established BART station in the Berryessa neighborhood.
The city’s ambition is to usher in thousands of housing units, but the land’s owner contends that this may not be practical and has proposed a reduced housing development.
The city council had previously granted zoning approval for the Berryessa Flea Market’s land near the new BART Station, with a plan to introduce anywhere from 1,700 to 3,400 housing units and millions of square feet of commercial space.
However, Mayor Matt Mahan has raised concerns that the developer is attempting to exploit a state law known as the “builder’s remedy” to scale down the number of homes. Mahan stressed the importance of placing densely populated jobs and housing near transit hubs, such as BART, to curb urban sprawl. He described the attempt to build fewer homes as a distortion of state law.
The “Builder’s Remedy,” officially referred to as Senate Bill 330, was established to expedite housing projects in cities lacking substantially compliant housing.
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Erik Schoennauer, the land use consultant for the flea market ownership, argued that San Jose has one of the lowest housing production rates in the United States. He further explained that their housing plans are not always practical to execute.
Schoennauer proposed an alternative housing plan that incorporates fewer units and less commercial space, with the aim of tackling the housing crisis more effectively. He pointed out that the city’s existing plan is unworkable, as it requires office space in a market where there is no demand for offices. Their proposal, he contended, would be financially feasible and capable of delivering up to 1,128 housing units.
Councilmember David Cohen, representing this neighborhood, expressed his belief that the “builder’s remedy” was not intended for the downsizing of housing projects. He emphasized the need for the city to prioritize more units, even if it takes longer to achieve.
Cohen argued that sacrificing the economic potential of the flea market requires maximizing the property’s value, and the new proposal falls short in that regard, undervaluing the property.
However, it’s worth noting that if the city is deemed compliant with housing needs as per the initial plans, “builder’s remedy” cannot be employed, and the city retains the authority to reject the downsized development proposal. The future of this land adjacent to the BART station remains the subject of heated debate in San Jose.
Our Reader’s Queries
What transit agency sues property owner tenants to seize San Jose sites near downtown BART stop?
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is taking legal action to acquire ownership of crucial sites in downtown San Jose for the construction and operation of a future BART station. The transit agency is utilizing a lawsuit and eminent domain proceeding to gain control of parcels on E. This move is a significant step towards the development of a more efficient and accessible transportation system in the area.
Does BART run into San Jose?
Nestled in Santa Clara County, the Berryessa/North San Jose station is the southernmost stop. It’s situated in the Berryessa Transit Center, which is home to the BART station and offers easy access to VTA buses. These buses provide rapid service to Downtown San Jose and Diridon Station, making it a convenient hub for commuters.
How much will the BART extension cost?
During a recent Board workshop, it was announced that the final six-mile extension of BART Silicon Valley has undergone updates on its cost, funding, and schedule. The project is now estimated to cost $12.2 billion, which is an increase from last year’s $9.3 billion estimate. Unfortunately, the start of revenue service has been pushed out from 2033 to 2036. These updates were discussed in detail during the workshop.
When did Berryessa BART station open?
The Berryessa/North San José station, located in North San José, opened its doors on December 28, 2019, for bus services and later on June 13, 2020, for BART services. With an average of 23,387 passengers on weekdays, this station offers 27 different services to its commuters.