As you may have heard, the Planning Commission’s recommendation was to approve the project with the following conditions, and with Item 3 added by friendly amendment by Vice Mayor Chappie Jones as noted:
- Direct the Developer to work with Development Services to explore the option of a pedestrian bridge connecting the site across Saratoga Avenue.
- Developer shall initiate a community visioning process for the remainder of the El Paseo site.
- Developer shall offer free VTA transit passes as an option to all residents of the new project for their time of residence, with a maximum of two passes per unit, and with this option be reviewed/reevaluated after two years.
- Developer shall work with DoT and VTA as part of the Urban Village process for the area.
- Improve physical aesthetic to include:
- A signature piece of architecture at a prominent corner (ie a sign, arch, or other unique feature)
- Greenery or a water feature to the large empty space to the left when facing Whole Foods
- Update the materials in the 1777 Saratoga building to mirror the buildings on the El Paseo site, including eliminating any metal grate materials
- Increase overall urban greening of the project to limit the urban heat island effect on the project site
