BREAKING NEWS: A significant housing development has officially launched near the Berryessa BART Station in San Jose, promising to add 708 new homes to the area. The Facchino Family, in collaboration with city officials, marked the occasion with a ceremonial cannon fire earlier today, underscoring the project’s anticipated impact on local housing.
This development is set on a 13-acre site at 1655 Berryessa Road and includes a mix of affordable housing, townhomes, and single-family residences, all within walking distance of the major transit hub. “Here you’ve got unparalleled access to transit, and that’s really what this project means,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “700 more homes ultimately for families, places for kids to grow up… to build a future in our valley.”
The updated project plan includes 260 affordable apartments developed by Swenson and 48 townhomes by KB Homes. Among these units, 26 will be reserved for very-low income households earning between 30-50% area median income (AMI), while 130 units will cater to those earning between 50-80% AMI. This year, the AMI for a family of four in Santa Clara County is $195,200.
As the city continues to struggle with housing production, this project represents a crucial step toward meeting the state mandate for 62,200 new homes by 2031. Unfortunately, San Jose’s construction pace has lagged significantly, with a staggering 68% drop in permit activity compared to 2020.
“Once construction of the BART station was completed, it was time to transition the property to a higher and better use,” stated Erik Schoennaur, a land-use consultant. He emphasized the importance of creating a high-density urban neighborhood to support BART ridership and local retail.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding North San Jose’s development, challenges persist. The city has seen zero market-rate multifamily developments with over 20 units begin construction in the past year. To combat this, San Jose has unveiled a new incentive program aimed at cutting fees and taxes to revive stalled projects.
“This wasn’t just about maximizing a profit but knowing what our community needs,” said District 4 Councilmember David Cohen. “We need some affordable housing projects. We need a variety of things on this site, and that was the goal of this family.”
With the Berryessa BART urban village poised to accommodate over 4,800 new homes and additional job opportunities, this development is a critical piece of a larger vision for North San Jose’s growth. Future plans also include a potential housing project at the nearby Flea Market site.
As the city navigates the complexities of housing development, the Facchino Family’s initiative stands as a beacon of hope for families seeking affordable living options in Silicon Valley. This project is not just about homes; it’s about creating a community where families can thrive.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Berryessa urban village takes shape and the community eagerly anticipates its completion.
