A Letter from the Future to SJ homeowners
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February, 2028
Dear Neighbor,
We are writing as a courtesy rather than a requirement. Our Los Altos–based real estate development firm has purchased the house next door to you, as well as another home further down your block.
Our intention is to utilize the City of San Jose’s updated General Plan, which now permits higher-density development across all single-family neighborhoods.
Project 1 (Next Door): Because your neighbor's property features a 9,000-square-foot lot, current regulations allow up to 16 new housing units. We plan to maximize this parcel with a three-story complex consisting of a primary multi-family building alongside a mix of attached and detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
While the project includes minimal on-site parking, we remain optimistic that future residents will embrace alternative transportation options. Should vehicle ownership exceed expectations, surrounding neighborhood streets will provide a valuable community parking resource.
To be clear, dedicated parking is not required by city code; however, as a gesture of goodwill, we will retain the existing driveway and add one additional parking space by removing the front lawn. Converting lawns also reduces water consumption, directly supporting municipal environmental goals. The existing garage will be eliminated and repurposed into living space.
Because the new building’s footprint occupies a larger share of the parcel, all existing trees on the property will be removed. While we acknowledge the reduction in local tree canopy, this site coverage is essential to maximize our total yield of rental housing stock.
Project 2 (Down the Block): The second property on your block features an 8,000-square-foot lot, limiting construction to 14 units. This new structure will mirror the neighboring three-story design with matching neutral paint and vinyl siding. Due to lot size constraints, the existing driveway will be removed; however, two parking spaces will be provided by paving over the current lawn and rose garden.
Timeline & Public Process: Demolition begins this week. Construction is expected to take 12 months, operating seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (restricted to 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends).
If you are just learning about this project, it is due to municipal updates that eliminated mandatory public hearings and the neighbor appeal process.
We focus our investment activity in San Jose because current policy offers a streamlined path to high-density growth that neighboring jurisdictions resist. San Jose’s proactive approach to rezoning single-family neighborhoods allows us to build housing for the workforce that commutes to surrounding cities.
We appreciate your understanding as San Jose continues its transition toward a denser urban future.
Sincerely,
Out-of-Town Redevelopment Partners, LLC
{The above letter originally appeared on the Willow Glen Neighborhood Ass'n Facebook site}
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