West San Jose development cuts affordable apartments - San José Spotlight

The Sand Hill Property Company's latest proposal for a housing project at El Paseo de Saratoga in West San Jose has been met with criticism after it eliminated plans for affordable housing. The new plan reduces the total apartments from nearly 1,000 to 867, comprising a 12-story building with 376 apartments and a 10-story building with 371 apartments. The revised design no longer includes the promised 150 affordable homes, which has sparked concern among community advocates. Steve Lynch, the director of planning at Sand Hill, stated that the changes were necessary for the project's financial feasibility while maintaining key features like retail spaces and public areas. Local advocates argue that this decision further limits affordable housing options in an area already struggling to meet such needs.

The project still plans to include a Whole Foods and a park, but the lack of affordable units is a significant setback. Plans submitted in December are currently under review and will require approval from local governing bodies. The community's response emphasizes the ongoing struggle for affordable housing in West San Jose.