San Jose Almaden Ranch EIR approved, construction moves forward

Mercury News/San Jose Neighborhoods/Carol Rosen, 3/1/12. "San Jose Planning Commission gives thumbs up to Almaden Ranch EIR."

43 acre parcel, 350,000 square feet Retail Property for Lease.

 "It took the better part of two hours, but the San Jose Planning Commission unanimously approved a final environmental impact report for the proposed construction of Almaden Ranch on Almaden Expressway just north of Highway 85. 

Last August, the commission failed to approve the EIR, and Arcadia Development Company made a number of changes to its design, all of which have now been approved by the commissioners.

In a separate vote, commissioners approved the rezoning of the Almaden Ranch area for commercial uses, and the extension of Cherry Avenue through to Sanchez Avenue to connect with Blossom Hill Road.

Some 15 people spoke on the agenda items, most approving the center but cautioning that more research should be done before the EIR was certified. Lee Butler, from the city's planning department, responding to one concern saying staff concluded there would be sufficient water for the planned retail center. In addition, he also said there was sufficient information to believe it would not cause or contribute to urban decay, which some speakers suggested as a possibility, arguing it didn't conform to the Envision 2040 general plan for the city. Read more.

Reference - City of San Jose Planning Commission, scroll down for Almaden Ranch retail center.

Articles - Business Journal, 4/1/11,  Speciality Retail Report/Carol Rosen Mercury News, 3/24/11, .Peninsula Press, 2/25/11, .Sierra Club/The Loma Prietan/Andrew Melford."Almeden Ranch Plans "Ill Conceived."

Posted by Kathy Meeh