Construction workers could soon gain an additional layer of protection in San Jose, as city leaders supported new rules to limit wage theft violators from completing development projects. The San Jose City Council unanimously approved a “responsible construction ordinance” plan Tuesday that prevents builders from receiving a certificate of occupancy from the city for projects...
San Jose teacher housing prompts demolition of former youth center
One East San Jose school district is ready to move forward on much needed workforce housing and will remove a past icon in the process. Alum Rock Union School District plans to construct 78 homes on three acres of a 23-acre site at a cost of $60 million, after voters agreed to change the language...
Advocates cheer Cupertino judgment on affordable housing
Housing advocates have made it clear that they are not going to let Cupertino shirk its responsibilities without ramifications. Housing organizations Yes in My Backyard Law (YIMBY Law) and the California Housing Defense Fund won a judgment against Cupertino after the city failed to submit a housing plan to the state by the Jan. 31,...
Downtown San Jose hotel turning into mixed-income apartments
Downtown San Jose’s Pacific Motor Inn is transforming from a hotel that once used to shelter people from COVID into a massive mixed-income apartment complex. Mayor Matt Mahan announced the final plans for the project last week alongside other city and nonprofit leaders. Once completed, the development will bring nearly 500 apartments into the downtown...
Major Silicon Valley developments to watch in 2024
In 2023, San Jose and Silicon Valley’s development scene faced numerous challenges, including increasing costs due to inflation and spiked interest rates making financing projects of all kinds more difficult and expensive. While development approvals continued at a rapid pace, many projects are on hold or being changed or resized to cut costs, office space...
Watch: The future of growth and development in Cupertino
In its first live community engagement event in Cupertino, San José Spotlight hosted a robust policy discussion around development in the city—including the outlook for commercial, retail and housing growth. The panel, held this month in partnership with the city, featured Community Development Director Benjamin Fu and Economic Development Manager Daniel Degu, as well as...
Sunnyvale fire stations are getting a face-lift
Sunnyvale plans to renovate the majority of its fire stations, starting with the one that trains future firefighters. The Sunnyvale City Council on Tuesday is slated to award a more than $2 million contract to PBK Architects to begin the process of rebuilding Fire Station 2. The city is expected to allocate about $40 million...
Santa Clara council approves plan to revive downtown
Santa Clara is planning a major facelift of its five-acre downtown after years of neglect, thanks to a determined group of residents. The Santa Clara City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved rezoning for a new downtown plan and environmental impact report. Mayor Lisa Gillmor recused herself. The plan revitalizes the downtown grid, which can accommodate...
UPDATE: Sunnyvale council denies housing development appeal
Sunnyvale officials are allowing a housing development to move forward after denying an appeal over potential exposure to cancerous chemicals. The Sunnyvale City Council voted 5-0 on Tuesday to deny an appeal over a 5.82-acre housing development at 1150-1170 Kifer Road and approve its building permits. Vice Mayor Omar Din was absent, and Councilmember Alysa...
Vallco developer proposing major downsizing of Cupertino project
A Silicon Valley developer is scaling back its plans for a massive and controversial development of offices, housing, retail, dining and park spaces on the site of the former Vallco Mall in Cupertino. Representatives with Palo Alto-based Sand Hill Property Company said high interest rates, rising costs and project delays have forced a cut back...