Council adopts Seeley Avenue park master plan and names it for Edward Ichi Sakawe; relocation funding for farmhouse remains uncertain

The San Jose City Council on April 29 approved a park master plan, a turnkey parkland agreement and the official name for a 2.5-acre park on the 0 Seeley Avenue mixed-use site in North San Jose. The council unanimously adopted the plan, which includes a playground, historic plaza, dog park, pollinator garden and two pickleball courts; council also formally named the green space Edward Ichi Sakawe Park.

City staff said the park fulfills part of a larger project’s parkland obligation under the city’s Parkland Dedication Ordinance and Parkland Impact Ordinance. Rebecca Ross, supervising planner in the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department, said the developer will dedicate a fully improved park and pay about $11.1 million in park fees in installments; the project also received fee credits for on-site amenities and affordable units.

The council vote followed extensive public comment from preservation groups and the Japanese American community seeking stronger commitments to preserve and interpret the site’s history. Edward Ichi Sakawe and his family farmed the site for generations; the Sakawe family and local advocates urged relocation and long-term preservation of the Sakawe farmhouse so the structure and its story can remain accessible to the public.

“Naming this park after Mr. Sakawe not only honors his personal contributions, but also acknowledges the resilience of an entire community,” Ross told the council, noting the family’s civic leadership and the site’s World War II incarceration history. Representatives from the Japanese American Museum of San Jose, Preservation Action Council (PACSJ), and History San Jose urged the council to preserve the farmhouse and to ensure the park’s interpretive elements are developed in partnership with community organizations.

History San Jose and the Japanese American Museum said they have raised some funds but still face a gap to relocate and restore the house. Bill Shrow of History San Jose said preliminary fundraising and initial commitments total about $430,000; moving the house is estimated at roughly $700,000–$800,000, with additional restoration funds potentially bringing the total need above $1 million. Advocates said a planned move to History Park is achievable but requires faster coordination and additional financial support.

Councilmember Magdalena Kamay moved a council memorandum that directs staff to proceed with the park master plan and, in the wording modified on the record, to “explore” facilitating acquisition of external funding for the house relocation and to work with community partners. The motion passed unanimously. City staff and the developer said the Sakawe house is currently secured on cribbing inside the construction site and will remain secured while partners pursue relocation.

Staff said the turnkey agreement requires the park to be fully provided within five years of the issuance of the first building permit. The council’s action approves the park plan and park name; it does not commit the city to funding the farmhouse relocation beyond exploring grant and philanthropic options. Preservation advocates asked the council to maintain active oversight of fundraising progress and to report back on prospects for moving and restoring the house.

Votes at a glance: the council approved the 0 Seeley Avenue park master plan, the turnkey parkland agreement, recordation of the agreement, and adoption of Edward Ichi Sakawe Park as the official park name; vote was unanimous.