August 20, 2001
Mayor Ron Gonzales
City of San Jose
801 North First St.
San Jose, CA 95110-1704
RE: File # GP01-T-06 (Silicon Valley Advisors)
August 21, 2001 Council Meeting
Dear Mayor Gonzales & Council:
I am writing on behalf of the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association (WGNA) to indicate concern with the proposal to amend the Tamien Station Area Specific Plan.
The City Council is considering a General Plan Amendment that would increase the allowable height of structures on the Elks Lodge site on Alma Avenue. The proposed Text Amendment would amend the Tamien Station Area Specific Plan to allow maximum building heights of 120 feet for the property located at the southwest corner of Highway 87 and Alma Avenue. WGNA did not have an opportunity to meet with the proponents to hear their rationale for the request.
WGNA understands the City's desire for high-density development near transit centers, but we have serious reservations about this proposed change. First, we are concerned with the lack of outreach to the community regarding the change. Considerable time has passed since the Tamien Station Area Specific Plan was adopted and most neighbors have no idea the Plan even exists. Secondly, we fear this increase in height is the precursor to a request for maximum density on the site, or possibly a subsequent request to increase the already high density envisioned by the Area Plan. It is our belief that the Area Plan was done with extensive community involvement and significant changes to the Plan without re-engaging the community sets a bad precedent. The residents near the Tamien Station already will be asked to burden the impacts of the high densities in the Plan, to ask them to take on further increases in height and density seems unfair.
Thank you for allowing WGNA to present its perspective on this matter, if I can provide you with any additional information please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
John L. Gibbs, WGNA President
CC: Councilmember Ken Yeager, District 6