PROJECTS

1953 Via Reggio Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration

Impact Sciences was retained by Sal Caruso Design Corporation (Project Applicant) to prepare an Initial Study for the so-called Via-Reggio project for submittal to the City of San Jose.  The project consists of a General Plan Amendment to convert the existing project site at Via Reggio Blvd in San Jose, CA, from its current Mixed-Use Commercial land use designation to an Urban Residential land use designation. More specifically, the existing land use designation of the site is currently Mixed-Use Commercial which allows for a density of up to 50 dwelling units per acre, a residential/commercial mixed-use floor area ratio (FAR) of 4.5, and a commercial FAR of 0.25 to 4.5, with buildings up to six stories in height.  The applicant proposed to change the land use designation to Urban Residential which allows for a density of 30-95 dwelling units per acre, and a commercial FAR of 1.0 to 4.0, with buildings up to 12 stories in height.

The General Plan Amendment application and contemporary CEQA process was complicated by the circumstance that a Long-Range Transportation Analysis (LRTA) was being prepared for the project neighborhood by the City of San Jose. The LRTA delayed review, by the City, of the Initial Study prepared for the project by 6 months. During this period, the City implemented new CEQA Guidelines, and new CEQA transportation measures (Vehicle Miles Travelled) were enforced. These changes put pressure on both budget and schedule but working closely with the City allowed the project to be completed on budget and in the most expeditious manner possible.

Based on the Initial Study, the City prepared a Draft Negative Declaration (ND) for this project. The ND was a statement by the City that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment. The project site is not present on any list pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the California Government Code. The ND was adopted by the City Council on January 26, 2021.