San Jose Planning Commission Meeting - August 26, 2026

The San Jose Planning Commission met on August 26, 2026, at 2:30 PM (Zoom hybrid meeting) under Chair Chuck Cantrell. The commission considered a consent calendar item for off-site alcohol sales at Sakura Market and a major public hearing on the Glider Elementary School redevelopment project. After public testimony and deliberation, both items were approved. The commission also received updates on city council actions and the General Plan review.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was adopted with one item removed: Item 4D (CP26-007 and ER26-061) – a conditional use permit for off-site sale of full-range alcoholic beverages at Sakura Market (7,382 sq ft supermarket at 184 South Market Street, Suite 120). The item was pulled for separate consideration due to public speakers.
• The remaining consent calendar items were approved by a unanimous vote (9-0, Commissioner Bandal absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Item 4D (Sakura Market alcohol permit): One caller (phone ending in 140) expressed support, stating that restricting alcohol sales is unnecessary and that the market is the only downtown grocery, and alcohol sales would boost convenience and tax revenue. Lila Gurdamasso, a liquor license consultant representing the applicant, spoke in favor, noting that alcohol sales would be incidental (3.2% of sales floor) and that only one other active off-sale establishment exists within 1,000 feet.
• On the Glider Elementary School redevelopment: Over 30 speakers provided testimony in person and via Zoom. Supporters included Oak Grove School District officials, educators, construction trade union representatives, and residents. They emphasized the financial benefit to the district ($26.6 million from sale, $8,000–$13,000 per month in security costs), the need for affordable housing, and the project's compatibility with the neighborhood. Opponents included nearby residents who raised concerns about increased traffic, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impacts, loss of open space, density (80 homes), reduced setbacks, Saturday construction hours, and cumulative development impacts. Some requested reducing density to 62 units, more public open space, and traffic calming measures.

Discussion Items

• Glider Elementary School Redevelopment (Site Development Permit, Subdivision, EIR, Statement of Overriding Considerations): The project proposes 80 single-family homes (64 detached, 16 duets) on 9.5 acres, including 11 deed-restricted low-income units (13% at 80% AMI for 45 years), a 0.68-acre privately owned public park, demolition of the vacant school, removal of 48 on-site trees (18 ordinance-sized) with 159 new trees. The project qualifies under the builder's remedy (Housing Accountability Act) because the application was submitted before the city's housing element was certified, and it provides the required affordable housing. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) identified significant unavoidable impacts for greenhouse gas emissions and VMT (unmitigated VMT 19.52 per capita, reduced to 17.04 after mitigation). The project will pay approximately $4 million (with annual escalation) to the city's Department of Transportation for multimodal improvements. Staff recommended approval, stating no specific adverse impacts to public health or safety were identified.
• Commissioner Questions: Commissioners queried staff about the builder's remedy constraints, setbacks (no minimum under builder's remedy; project proposes minimum 10 feet vs. typical R18 20 feet), park obligations, Saturday construction hours, and enforcement of conditions. The City Attorney clarified that under builder's remedy, the zoning code does not apply, but health and safety conditions can be enforced. The developer committed to neighborhood coordination and a noise disturbance coordinator.

Key Outcomes

• Item 4D (Sakura Market alcohol permit): Approved unanimously (9-0, 1 absent). The commission recommends the city council approve the conditional use permit and determination of public convenience or necessity, subject to conditions.
• Glider Elementary School Redevelopment: Approved unanimously (9-0, 1 absent) on a motion by Vice Chair Young, seconded by Commissioner Oliverio. The commission recommends the city council certify the EIR, adopt the statement of overriding considerations, and approve the site development permit, subdivision, and related actions.
• Other Business: Staff reported on city council actions (August 18 and 26), including direction on the General Plan update (missing middle housing, public/quasi-public lands framework, Winchester corridor, etc.). The next planning commission meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2026.