The San Jose City Council convened on June 10, 2025, to discuss a proposed general plan amendment for a site located at 826 North Winchester Boulevard. The existing site, currently vacant, features a two-story office building and is surrounded by commercial shopping centers and single-family residences. The proposal seeks to rezone the site from a neighborhood community commercial designation to a transit residential designation, allowing for a 17-story mixed-use residential development with 135 units, including 14 to 20 affordable units.

City staff presented their recommendation to deny the proposed amendment, citing several inconsistencies with existing city policies. Firstly, the site is not located within a designated growth area, which is a key factor in the city’s focused growth strategy aimed at preserving established neighborhoods. The proposed high-density development would conflict with the low-density character of the surrounding area, which primarily consists of single-story homes and two-story commercial properties.

Additionally, the amendment was deemed inconsistent with economic development policies that prioritize preserving employment lands. The current designation allows for significant commercial development, while the proposed change would convert this land to predominantly residential use, potentially impacting the city’s fiscal health by reducing job-generating opportunities.

Concerns were also raised regarding the site's suitability for high-rise construction due to its location in a liquefaction zone, which poses risks during seismic events. Public comments reflected strong opposition from local residents, who argued that the proposed building height and density are disproportionate to the neighborhood's character and infrastructure capabilities. Many speakers emphasized the need to adhere to the city’s general plan and expressed distrust in the developer's commitment to community engagement and responsible development.

The City Council was presented with three options: to approve the staff recommendation and deny the amendment, to allow continued processing of the general plan with the current application, or to propose a new land use designation. The meeting concluded with a call for public comments, where numerous residents voiced their concerns about the potential impact of the proposed development on their community.

Overall, the council's deliberation highlighted the tension between the need for increased housing and the importance of maintaining the integrity of established neighborhoods. The outcome of this proposal remains to be determined as the council considers the implications of the proposed changes.