Public Meetings - San Jose, California

The meeting featured a commendation for outgoing chair Paul Baim, discussions on a historic preservation permit for the Hensley district, public testimony regarding Alviso preservation concerns, and planning for the annual retreat. Public Comments & Testimony - Richard Santos, representing the Alviso community, expressed strong concern about the neglect and demolition of historic buildings in Alviso. He urged the commission to help preserve these structures, highlighting their historical importance and the community's long-standing struggles. Discussion Items - Commendation to Paul Baim: Multiple speakers, including Karina Castro from Council Member Mulkey's office and commissioners, commended Paul Baim for his dedicated service, historical knowledge, and leadership in historic preservation over his tenure from 2018 to 2025. - Historic Preservation Permit HP 25-001: Staff presented a proposal for a new six-unit building in the Hensley City Landmark District. The applicant, Danny Yuan Fam, outlined design modifications made in response to prior feedback. Ben Leach from Preservation Action Council expressed support for the project, noting positive design evolution from the review process. - Annual Retreat Planning: Commissioners discussed scheduling the 2025 retreat, with topics including the Mills Act, impacts of state legislation on historic preservation, and potential field visits to historic districts like the Eichler neighborhood. - Open Forum: Commissioner Cohen raised issues about code enforcement for a property on North Fifth Street, questioning the city's handling of unauthorized alterations and seeking clarity on preservation guidelines for non-landmarked historic resources. Key Outcomes - The commission unanimously recommended approval of the historic preservation permit HP 25-001. - Approved the action minutes for the June 4, 2025 meeting.

This was a brief planning director hearing conducted via Zoom on September 3, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:07 a.m. Hearing Officer Sylvia Doe presided on behalf of the Director of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement, Christopher Burton. The sole agenda item was a consent calendar approval for a planned development permit for stepped retaining walls at two adjacent properties. No deferrals, public hearing items, or public comments were presented. Consent Calendar - Item 3A (File PD25-014 and ER25-136): A planned development permit to allow construction of stepped retaining walls up to 21.5 feet in height in the rear yards of two adjacent single‑family properties located at 1487 and 1493 Via Campol or Raio. Staff recommended approval under a CEQA exemption. No public comments were offered, and the hearing officer approved the item without further discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public requested to speak on any agenda item. Discussion Items - No items were moved to the public hearing portion. Key Outcomes - Approval: Item 3A (PD25-014 / ER25-136) was approved on the consent calendar as routine and uncontested. - Meeting Adjourned: The hearing was concluded at 9:07 a.m.

This meeting of the Planning Director's Hearing, conducted via Zoom, covered a deferral, a consent calendar item, and a public hearing on a planned development permit amendment to convert a market-rate building to 100% affordable housing. The hearing officer, Martina Davis, presided. Consent Calendar - File H25008 & ER25044: Approved a site development permit for an eight-story building with 35,000 square feet of commercial space and off-street parking at 185 Park Avenue and 170-177 Park Center Plaza, with a correction to the location description and removal of a reference to medical office. No public comments were received. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided testimony on any agenda item. Discussion Items - File PDA 200301 & ER25-074: A planned development permit amendment to modify Phase Two of the Tamian Station project (originally approved in 2020) from 219 market-rate units to 132 affordable units (100% affordable). The 4-story building will include 62 one-bedroom, 33 two-bedroom, 36 three-bedroom units, and one manager's unit, with a density of 68.75 dwelling units per acre. The project is eligible for state density bonus law concessions; three concessions were granted: elimination of ground-floor street-facing unit access, reduction in tree canopy coverage, and reduction in low-impact development site design measures. The project includes a surface parking lot with 35 spaces, a transit plaza, and off-site traffic calming improvements. The applicant, Melissa Durkin of Republic Urban Properties, stated the change was due to market conditions and that the project will apply for tax credits in September 2025, with construction expected to start June 2026. The hearing officer expressed support for affordable housing near transit. Key Outcomes - Deferral: File PDA 9806704 & ER220-202 (2569 Knowles Coles Court) was deferred to September 10, 2025, per staff request. - Consent Calendar Approval: File H25008 & ER25044 was approved with staff corrections. - Public Hearing Approval: The determination of consistency with the mitigated negative declaration for the Tamian Station Transit Oriented Development Project was considered, and the planned development permit amendment was approved, including the three density bonus concessions.

The San Jose City Council meeting on September 3, 2025, focused on reviewing upcoming council agendas and conducting a rules committee review of a proposed vacant storefront incentive program to support small businesses. The council also addressed routine consent items and discussed staff capacity concerns related to new initiatives. Consent Calendar - Routine consent items, including approvals for future meeting agendas, were passed unanimously with a 5-0 vote. Discussion Items - Agenda Reviews: The council reviewed detailed agendas for the September 9th and September 16th meetings, covering items such as procurement audits, civil grand jury responses, funding agreements, and land use matters. No public comment was received on these reviews. - Vacant Storefront Incentive Program: - Councilmember Ortiz introduced a memorandum to explore a pilot incentive program, inspired by San Francisco's model, that would waive or reduce fees for small businesses opening in vacant storefronts, particularly in urban villages and blighted areas. Councilmember Ortiz expressed strong support for using positive incentives to spur economic development in underserved districts. - Staff, represented by Chris Rutten, director of planning building code enforcement, provided a workload analysis, indicating that staff is at capacity and recommending consolidation and promotion of existing small business programs through the Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA). Staff raised concerns about cost recovery and the complexity of replicating San Francisco's program, noting that permitting costs for small businesses can range from $3,000 to $10,000. - Councilmember Kamei supported the intent to assist small businesses but emphasized the need to review and revamp existing programs for better effectiveness. - Councilmember Duan questioned cost implications, suggesting alternatives like reallocating funds from the storefront grant program, and stressed the importance of reducing permitting timelines to support business survival. - Vice Mayor Foley moved to forward the green-lit items for education and awareness while deferring the workload analysis to the budget process, highlighting the need for a holistic analysis with the new OED director. - Other councilmembers, including one who commended the focus on disenfranchised areas, supported continued discussion during the budget process to align city values with intentional investment. Key Outcomes - A motion to forward green-lit items for the vacant storefront incentive program and defer workload analysis to the budget process passed unanimously with a 5-0 vote. - The consent calendar was approved with a 5-0 vote.

The San Jose Planning Commission met on August 27, 2025, at 2:45 PM (start time noted in agenda). The meeting initially lacked a quorum (five commissioners present) but achieved quorum after Commissioner Barroso arrived. The commission considered two privately initiated general plan amendments, a deferral, and routine consent calendar items. Both general plan amendments were recommended for approval to the City Council, despite staff recommendations to deny. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the action minutes from August 13, 2025, by a unanimous vote of 7-0 (two absent). Public Comments & Testimony - Non-agendized items: No public comments were made. - Item 6A (Emory Street & The Alameda): Multiple neighbors, business owners, and representatives of the Odd Fellows Lodge spoke in support. Speakers cited the lot's 60-year vacancy, blight (dumping, camping), and the need for housing. One speaker (Jeffrey Bedola) remained neutral, requesting written submission of contextual points. Another speaker (Todd Perea) expressed concern about parking and traffic but supported the project with proper planning. - Item 6B (McKendry Street): One speaker (Elizabeth Monley) expressed support for townhouses that fit the historic neighborhood character but opposed high-density or commercial development. Discussion Items - Deferral of Item PP25-004 (Temporary Uses Ordinance): The item was deferred from August 27 to September 24, 2025, at staff's request. Commissioner Bickford moved to defer to the meeting after September 10 (September 24) due to a scheduling conflict. The motion passed 5-0 (with two absent). - Item 6A (GP25-002 – Emory Street & The Alameda): A privately initiated general plan amendment to change 0.99 acres from Neighborhood Community Commercial to Mixed Use Neighborhood to allow up to 30 dwelling units (18 townhomes proposed). Staff recommended denial, citing inconsistency with the Focused Growth and Economic Development policies and suggesting the site be evaluated in the upcoming General Plan Four-Year Review. The applicant (Dan Moncier) argued that the site has been vacant for 60 years, commercial uses are not feasible, and townhomes are compatible with the historic Alameda district. After public comment, Commissioner Bickford moved to recommend approval, seconded by Commissioner Bandal. The motion passed 6-0 (two absent). - Item 6B (GP25-005 – McKendry Street): A privately initiated general plan amendment to change two parcels (0.46 acres total) from Neighborhood Community Commercial and Residential Neighborhood to Mixed Use Neighborhood to allow 12 townhomes. Staff recommended denial for similar inconsistency reasons. The applicant noted the property is currently a parking lot, and previous attempts to develop were stymied by zoning changes. After discussion, Commissioner Bickford moved to recommend approval, seconded by Commissioner Bandal. The motion passed 7-0 (two absent). Key Outcomes - Deferral: Item PP25-004 (Temporary Uses Ordinance) deferred to September 24, 2025. - Consent Calendar: Minutes of August 13, 2025, approved 7-0. - Item 6A (GP25-002): The Planning Commission recommended (6-0) that the City Council approve the general plan amendment to change the land use designation to Mixed Use Neighborhood. The item will proceed to City Council for an early consideration hearing. - Item 6B (GP25-005): The Planning Commission recommended (7-0) that the City Council approve the general plan amendment to change the land use designation to Mixed Use Neighborhood. The item will proceed to City Council for an early consideration hearing. - Upcoming Meetings: A study session on the General Plan Four-Year Review is scheduled for September 18, 2025 (1:00 PM – 4:35 PM). The September 10, 2025 regular meeting is cancelled due to the deferral. - Other: The commission noted the introduction of interpretation services in multiple languages for meetings.

The Rules and Open Government Committee met on August 27, 2025, to review the agenda for the September 9th council meeting and discuss two committee memos. The session included public comments and focused on procedural updates and a proposal for equitable investment in East San Jose. Consent Calendar - The committee unanimously approved the consent calendar items without discussion or public comment. Public Comments & Testimony - During discussion on the East San Jose Revitalization Fund, public speakers expressed support for the proposal. Commissioner Abastida, representing the Library and Education Commission, urged investment in cleaner streets, code enforcement, and safer public schools. Danny, from Plata Royal Neighborhood Association and La Raza Roundtable, emphasized the need for funding in the East Valley. Gabriel Manrique, a community organizer, shared personal experiences of neglect in East San Jose and supported the fund as a means to recognize and invest in the community. - In open forum, James spoke about public safety concerns regarding pedestrian accidents, advocating for better lighting and design to prevent incidents. Discussion Items - Gift Limit Modification: A memo from the Chair and Vice Mayor Foley proposed increasing the gift limit from $50 to $200. There was no public comment, and the committee discussed referring it to the next council agenda. - East San Jose Revitalization Fund: Councilmember Ortiz introduced a memo directing staff to prepare a proposal for a $30 million revitalization fund for East San Jose, leveraging various funding sources. Committee members, including Vice Mayor Foley, supported the merits but raised process questions, suggesting integration into the budget priority setting. The city manager recommended referring it to the March budget message for further analysis. Key Outcomes - The consent calendar was approved with a 5-0 vote. - The gift limit modification memo was referred to the September 9th council agenda. - The East San Jose Revitalization Fund memo was referred to the March budget message process, with a motion passing 5-0.

The San José City Council met on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, consent calendar approvals, audit presentations, and major actions on the San José Sharks arena renovation agreement, 2026 major event planning, and a general plan text amendment. The council also announced the selection of a new city attorney. Closed Session Report - The council unanimously selected Susanna Alcala-Wood as the new City Attorney, following a rigorous search process that began in May 2025. Ceremonial Items - Silicon Valley Pride Week (August 25-31, 2025): Recognized 50 years of Silicon Valley Pride. Nicole Denson, retiring CEO, accepted the proclamation. - Dana Zell, Managing Director of Children’s Musical Theater (CMT): Celebrated for a decade of leadership, including a $2.5 million capital campaign and the opening of CMT’s Creative Arts Center. - Lowrider Day (August 30, 2025): Proclaimed by the council, honoring the United Low Rider Council and the cultural contributions of the lowrider community. Consent Calendar - Adopted items include: approval of city council minutes, final adoption of ordinances (including rezoning at 1655 Berryessa Road), approval of committee minutes, excused absence requests, travel reports, and numerous contracts and purchase orders (e-books, tree maintenance, electric vans, firefighter gear, etc.). - Item 2.14 (Tree Maintenance and Planting Services): Councilmember Mulcahy recused himself due to a financial interest in Brightview Tree Care Services. The item passed 10-0. - Item 2.19 (Administrative Penalties Increase): Pulled for separate discussion. The council approved an amendment to increase the maximum daily administrative penalty from $2,500 to $20,000 and the maximum series penalty from $100,000 to $500,000. The motion also included reverting to the staff recommendation on the annual cap. Passed unanimously. - Item 2.24 (Federal Grant Funds from MTC): Deferred to September 9, 2025, due to a technicality requiring revised recommendation language. Public Comments & Testimony - On traffic safety audit (3.3): Jordan Moldow (District 3) praised the audit and urged prioritizing school-related recommendations. James Wyman requested speed cameras on VTA light rail stations. - On special events audit (3.4): Jordan Moldow emphasized reducing mandatory SJPD costs for events. Artie (anonymous) criticized the lack of audit oversight on encampment sweeps, contrasting costs of sweeps vs. supportive housing. - On speed limits resolution (5.2): Jordan Moldow supported the reductions, noting they will improve speed camera enforcement and convey safe street values. - On BeautifySJ blight report (7.1): Ozelle Kirkland (District 4) urged inclusion of Cataldi Park in the O.L.I.V.E. program due to fire hazards from encampments. Two speakers protested the Columbus Park abatement, citing lack of empathy and inadequate housing offers. - On 2026 events (8.1): Leah Tennisgetter (San José Chamber) commended the progress. Jordan Moldow emphasized transportation planning and pedestrian safety. Several speakers urged equitable distribution of activations across neighborhoods. - On Sharks arena deal (8.2): Over 15 speakers (including business owners, union representatives, and residents) expressed strong support for the agreement, highlighting economic impacts ($1.25 billion over five years), job creation, and community partnerships. One speaker urged caution on public funds and parking reduction. - On general plan amendment (10.2): Alex Shore (Catalyze Silicon Valley) thanked staff and urged focus on housing outcomes. Michelle Mashburn stressed the need to include disability equity in outreach and planning. Discussion Items - 3.3 – Traffic Safety Audit: City Auditor Joe Royce presented findings that equity priority communities receive equal or higher levels of traffic safety services. Recommendations include expanding proactive school outreach, translating forms, and improving cross-department coordination. DOT and Police accepted all recommendations. The council unanimously accepted the audit report. - 3.4 – Special Events Audit: The audit found $622,000 in city costs for 84 events (51% for police staffing). Recommendations include transparent cost estimates, updated websites, and improved billing coordination. The administration agreed. Councilmember Foley moved to accept the report and direct the city manager to bring an update on Recommendation 4 (technology solution) to the CED committee in spring 2026. Passed unanimously. - 5.2 – Speed Limits Resolution: DOT proposed lowering speed limits on 23 segments of priority safety corridors under new state legislation. The council adopted the resolution unanimously after questions about criteria for additional reductions and future phases. - 7.1 – BeautifySJ Blight Reduction Report: Staff reported removal of over 14 million pounds of trash, 2.5 million square feet of graffiti (15% decrease), and a 32% reduction in illegal dumping where cameras are installed. Council members emphasized enforcement and partnerships. Accepted unanimously. - 8.1 – 2026 Major Events Status Report: Staff presented plans for Super Bowl LX, NCAA West Regional, FIFA World Cup, and other events. Activations include concerts, watch parties, neighborhood events, and a visitor center. Councilmember Duan moved to accept the staff recommendation and the group memo from Campos, Cohen, Doan, and Candelas, which calls for updates on fundraising, city fund allocation for neighborhood activations, and clarity on public screening rights. Passed 10-1 (Foley absent). - 8.2 – Sharks Arena Management Agreement: The council approved the Third Amended and Restated Arena Management Agreement, keeping the Sharks in San José through 2051. Key terms: $425 million renovation (city contributes $350 million, Sharks $100 million), Sharks front the first two years of costs, $475,000/year in community benefits, and a 32-year capital maintenance fund. The city will use commercial paper and lease revenue bonds; debt service is modeled to be smoothed by Sharks’ $25 million payment. The agreement also includes a Memorandum of Understanding to explore a future arena district. Passed unanimously. - 8.3 – Downtown Association Services Agreement: Authorized the city manager to negotiate a one-year services agreement (up to $1,238,806) with five one-year renewal options. Passed 7-0 with Mahan, Cohen, Doan, and Mulcahy absent. - 8.4 – San José Sports Authority Agreement: Authorized the city manager to execute an agreement through July 2026 (up to $1,720,213) for promoting major sporting events, with five one-year renewal options. Passed 7-0 (same absences). - 8.5 – HHAP Round 6 Regional MOU: Authorized the Housing Director to execute the regional MOU with Santa Clara County to apply for a one-time award of $25,329,964.46 for homeless housing and assistance. Passed 7-0. - 10.2 – General Plan Text Amendment (Policy IP-2.11): The council adopted an amendment to allow convening an advisory group (such as the Planning Commission) instead of the original Envision San José 2040 Task Force for the General Plan Four-Year Review. An accompanying group memo expanded the outreach plan to include diverse community engagement methods. Passed 10-0 (Mahan absent). Key Outcomes - New City Attorney: Susanna Alcala-Wood selected unanimously. - Administrative Penalties Increased: Up to $20,000/day and $500,000 per series for code violations. - Speed Limits Reduced on 23 Corridors: Effective immediately; new signs to be installed in September 2025. - Sharks Arena Deal Approved: $425 million renovation, city contributes $350 million over five years, Sharks contribute $100 million. Bond financing to be refined in subsequent years. - 2026 Events Planning: Council directed staff to return with updates on fundraising and neighborhood activation plans. - General Plan Review Process Streamlined: Planning Commission to serve as the advisory group; robust outreach plan adopted.

The planning director hearing, conducted via Zoom and chaired by Hearing Officer David Kean, reviewed and approved two multifamily housing development projects utilizing state density bonus laws. Staff presented each project, followed by public comments and deliberation. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 3A (447-449 Wooster Avenue): Lillian expressed opposition to the removal of 11 trees, emphasizing environmental preservation and disappointment with the city's approach to tree removal. David, a resident, raised concerns about insufficient parking, stating that street parking is already at a premium and the project would exacerbate congestion. - Item 4A (579 West Virginia Street): Alejandra, a neighborhood resident, expressed support for affordable housing but opposition to the project's affordability level, noting that only two of 16 units are deed-restricted (one very low-income, one moderate-income). She also raised concerns about neighborhood character, lack of commercial space, and traffic impacts near Gardner Elementary School, requesting deferral until a traffic study is completed. Discussion Items - Item 3A: Project manager Jason Lee presented the proposal for a 20-unit, four-story multifamily building with two affordable units, using state density bonus law for concessions on setbacks and open space. Applicant Kelly Arardi supported the staff report. The hearing officer discussed urban infill benefits, addressed tree removal and parking concerns, and cited city policies and state regulations. - Item 4A: Jason Lee presented the proposal for a 16-unit, five-story multifamily building with two affordable units and a concession to eliminate commercial space. Applicant Vince Rivero emphasized the inclusion of affordable housing. The hearing officer addressed traffic and neighborhood character concerns, confirming compliance with general plan and zoning, and explained the rationale for moving the driveway to Bird Avenue. Key Outcomes - Item 3A: The hearing officer approved the site development permit and vesting tentative map. - Item 4A: The hearing officer approved the site development permit.

The committee reviewed the fourth quarter financial report, a procurement audit, and an update on the fireworks ordinance work plan. Public testimony was dominated by calls for divestment from companies linked to Israel's military actions in Gaza. Public Comments & Testimony - Numerous public speakers expressed strong opposition to the city's investments in Caterpillar, Alphabet, and Microsoft, arguing these companies are complicit in Israel's genocide and war crimes against Palestinians. Speakers cited historical precedents like divestment from apartheid South Africa and presented petitions with nearly 2,000 signatures demanding divestment. Discussion Items - Fourth Quarter Financial Report: Finance Director Maria Oberg presented the investment portfolio, valued at $2.98 billion with a 3.805% yield, emphasizing safety, liquidity, and yield. In response to public comments, she noted that divestment considerations require careful analysis and could be addressed during the annual policy review in March. - Procurement Audit Report: The city auditor's office identified inefficiencies in procurement timeliness and recommended reassessing risk strategies, improving performance measurement, and consolidating guidance. The finance department agreed to all recommendations. - Fireworks Ordinance Update: Deputy Fire Chief James Dobson reported on enforcement efforts, including a drone pilot program that led to citations, and recommended increasing spectator fines to $500 for better deterrence. Staff discussed challenges with staffing and enforcement logistics. Key Outcomes - The committee accepted the fourth quarter financial report and cross-referenced it to the city council, with a directive for staff to analyze divestment options for consideration in March. The motion passed unanimously. - The procurement audit report was accepted and cross-referenced to the city council meeting on September 9th. The motion passed unanimously. - The fireworks ordinance status report was accepted, and staff will proceed with fine adjustment proposals. The motion passed unanimously.