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Commission approves Roosevelt commercial alterations with landscape, archaeology and signage conditions after neighborhood objections
Summary
HDRC approved façade changes, perimeter walls and exterior repairs for the Roosevelt property near Mission San Jose with staff stipulations including a six-foot maximum wall, a required archaeological investigation, a commission-reviewed signage package and further design adjustments to reduce visual impacts.
The Historic and Design Review Commission approved most of the applicant’s requests for the commercial property near Mission San Jose (Roosevelt Ave) but imposed conditions after neighborhood groups raised concerns about archaeology, visual impacts and unpermitted construction.
Applicant representative Javier Gonzalez described the work as a mix of additions, façade updates, new iron fencing, masonry walls and revised site landscaping. He said the owner had already invested in materials and that the project team had revised renderings after a Design Review Committee meeting. The applicant offered to hire a landscape architect and to coordinate a landscaping plan with staff and the neighborhood.
Neighborhood speakers, including Jane Henry of the Mission San Jose Neighborhood Association and Brady Alexander of the Hotwell's Mission Reach Neighborhood Association, said no archaeological study was conducted before construction and urged the commission to slow approval; Henry also questioned large exhaust stacks tied to on-site operations and the visual effect adjacent to the Mission San Jose national park site. The applicant acknowledged archaeology is required and said he would comply, and he defended the necessity of certain mechanical exhaust equipment on technical grounds.
Commission discussion focused on wall height, signage size and the mechanical exhaust stacks. Staff recommended a 6-foot maximum wall consistent with the Unified Development Code; the applicant had asked for an 8-foot wall but said he would accept 6 feet if necessary. Commissioners approved staff stipulations, required an archaeological investigation prior to final COA, and directed the applicant to return with a complete signage package for commission review; the motion carried on roll-call vote.
The decision allows building additions and many exterior changes to proceed under staff conditions while ensuring archaeology, landscaping and signage are resolved through additional review.
