San Jose council approves Burbank property annexation for affordable housing project

The San Jose City Council convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the Guadalupe Gardens and the Burbank property annexation, both of which are poised to reshape the community's landscape and address pressing urban needs.

The meeting highlighted the Coleman and Heading Commercial Development Project, which aims to amend the Guadalupe Gardens Master Plan. This area, encompassing 120 acres under airport oversight, has faced challenges due to its proximity to the airport and previous encampments that violated Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The city is now moving forward with plans to rezone four sites within the gardens from open space and light industrial to combined industrial commercial. This change is intended to facilitate commercial development while ensuring compliance with FAA requirements, which prohibit residential uses in the airport's approach path.

City officials emphasized a balanced approach that incorporates recreational uses alongside commercial development. The FAA has granted the city a community benefit waiver, allowing the land to be used at less than fair market value, which has historically hindered development. The council's discussions included plans for community gardens, urban agriculture, and recreational facilities, such as a dog park and potential soccer fields, to enhance public access to the area.

In a related discussion, the council reviewed the Burbank property annexation, which involves a proposal for a 100% affordable housing development comprising 94 units and commercial space. This project, located at 1921 and 1927 West San Carlos Street, aims to address the city's housing crisis by increasing density and utilizing flexible development standards. The annexation would detach the site from special districts and rezone it to an Urban Village designation, promoting higher density and mixed-use development.

Council members expressed support for both initiatives, recognizing their potential to revitalize underutilized areas and provide essential services to the community. The discussions underscored the city's commitment to balancing development with community needs, particularly in light of the ongoing housing challenges in San Jose.

As the council moves forward with these projects, the next steps include further public hearings and compliance with environmental regulations, ensuring that both the commercial and residential developments align with the city's broader goals for sustainable growth and community benefit.