Backyard homes are now even easier to build in San Jose after amending some conflicting rules. The San Jose City Council earlier this month unanimously approved an amendment to the city’s local building code, also known as a reach code, allowing any new home under 1,200 square feet to meet energy standards if it certifies...
San Jose shifts affordable housing funds to tackle waterway encampments
San Jose leaders have dealt a blow to affordable housing advocates after diverting affordable housing funds to temporarily shelter homeless residents living along city waterways. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to redirect affordable housing funds from Measure E. They also unanimously approved Mayor Matt Mahan’s June budget message, which includes proposals for...
San Jose mayor firm on reallocating affordable housing dollars
San Jose is facing its most challenging budget environment since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Matt Mahan wrote in his June budget message Tuesday — with funding meant for affordable housing construction on the line. Mahan’s recent budget message updates his earlier March version, including new proposals from councilmembers for funding projects that enhance...
San Jose mobile home park sits next to health hazard
A community of 40 mobile homes in South San Jose sits next to one of the city’s staging grounds for trash collection, which is creating health hazards for residents. The Walnut Mobile Home Park, which houses more than 100 residents, butts up against the city’s South Yard on Monterey Road. Beautify San Jose, a city...
San Jose officials criticized amid calls for homeless services audit
Homeless advocates holding signs that said “Karen” and “Sweep Baby Sweep” disrupted two San Jose officials at a news conference calling for the city to audit its spending on homeless services. Councilmembers Bien Doan and Arjun Batra on Thursday called for an audit of how much San Jose is spending on supportive services, removing encampments,...
San Jose officials demand audit of homeless services
Spurred by a state audit that found San Jose spent more than $300 million on homelessness response, two officials want the city to conduct its own audit of how much is being spent on homeless services and programs. Councilmembers Bien Doan and Arjun Batra are hoping the information will give them a clearer picture of...
San Jose to crack down on illicit drugs in smoke shops
San Jose smoke shops will soon be monitored more closely by the city for unregulated drugs due to a new permitting system. The San Jose City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to require an additional permit for smoke shops in the city, in an attempt to reduce the amount of unregulated drugs — including synthetic cannabis...
San Jose District 2 candidate bridges labor-business divide
San Jose’s long-standing divide between business and labor interests might come down to the District 2 race and could bring more collaboration to the City Council. District 2 candidate Pamela Campos announced a slate of endorsements on Friday from both sides of the council’s business and labor divide. She is running against retired sheriff officer...
UPDATE: San Jose residents speak out against diverting affordable housing funds
In the face of the growing housing crisis, San Jose residents are urging elected officials to preserve funds for permanent affordable housing. The San Jose City Council is considering reallocating housing funds from Measure E, a property transfer tax approved by voters in 2020, to instead support and shelter homeless residents in the short term....
San Jose affordable apartments a plus for senior housing crisis
More than 100 Santa Clara County seniors struggling with the cost of living will have a place to call home in downtown San Jose within the next few years. The San Jose City Council unanimously approved a roughly $15.2 million loan Tuesday for Hawthorn Senior Apartments, a 100% affordable housing development with 101 homes for...