Planning Commission - 2026-03-25
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Planning Commission recommended approval of a 108-unit residential condominium project at the former Cinnabar Elementary School site on Camden Avenue, submitted under the state's Builder's Remedy provision. The project, which requires demolition of existing Little League fields, was approved 9-0-1-1 despite significant and unavoidable environmental impacts for greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled, with the commission finding community benefits including housing supply, traffic signal improvements, and school district revenue outweighed the impacts.
Key Decisions (3)
108-Unit Residential Development at Camden Avenue (Builder's Remedy)
Planning Commission recommended City Council approve a site development permit and vesting tentative map for 108 residential condominiums in 32 three-story buildings at the former Cinnabar Elementary School site (northeast corner of Camden Avenue and Singletree Way). Project includes 7.4% extremely low income units, demolition of Little League fields, removal of 41 trees including 23 ordinance-sized trees, and a density bonus waiver for rear setback. Developer: Orville Power and Scott Murray. Requires adoption of Environmental Impact Report with Statement of Overriding Considerations for significant and unavoidable greenhouse gas and VMT impacts.
Consent Calendar Approval
Planning Commission approved the consent calendar containing routine items by unanimous vote.
Item Dropped from Agenda - Technical Analysis Pending
An item previously deferred at the last meeting was dropped from the agenda pending technical analysis from applicants. No date certain for return; will be re-noticed when ready.
Development Activity (1)
Camden Avenue Residential Condominiums (Cinnabar Elementary Site)
108 residential condominiums in 32 three-story buildings, 7.4% extremely low income units (8 homes), 243 parking spaces, 40 bike spots, two-car garages per unit, 6.7 acres carved from school property, 16.2 dwelling units per acre density, 100% electric project
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
San Jose is described as the single most expensive and hardest city to purchase a single-family home among major US cities, driving need for new housing development.
Housing Demand
Union School District enrollment declined from 50,000 students historically to 5,500 currently, with projections to lose 500 more students in five years, indicating demographic shifts affecting housing patterns.
Housing Demand
Multiple commissioners noted young professionals and families cannot afford to live in San Jose, with one commissioner stating recently married individuals have 'no shot at buying a home' in the area.
Infrastructure
City approved three major housing projects under incentive program allowing more than 1,000 units total, including Gateway project, Bank of Italy conversion, and 1777 Saratoga Avenue project.
Housing Demand
Recent housing completions in the Blossom Hill area include 170 units at 1001 Blossom Hill Road near Oak Ridge Mall, with 120 additional units under construction, plus 190 units at Cooser on Stanwood Drive.