Santa Clara high-rise project would displace businesses to provide affordable housing - Local News Matters

Toll Brothers aims to transform the Moonlite Shopping Center on El Camino Real in Santa Clara into a high-rise housing complex featuring 601 homes, with 166 designated as affordable. The development plan includes three six- to seven-story buildings and 159 three-story townhomes, along with 60,000 square feet of open space and commercial facilities. Local businesses, including Dilkush Bakery, face displacement as the project requires City Council approval. Resident Kevin Wang supports the density increase but desires more commercial space, such as a grocery store, to serve the community. Santa Clara must construct 11,632 homes by 2031 to comply with state housing mandates, with 6,056 of those units classified as affordable.

Community members like Theresa Touchatt worry that new developments could leave small businesses struggling to survive amid high rents. The project also reflects broader trends in the city, where other developments have displaced local establishments. As Santa Clara continues to grow, the balance between housing needs and preserving local businesses remains a contentious issue.