The Village at Roosevelt
Construction
995 East Santa Clara, San Jose, CA 95116
Project Overview
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Project Type: Supportive & Affordable Housing + Commercial
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Owner/Developer: First Community Housing
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Presented to our members: December 2020
Catalyze SV evaluates project sustainability, equity, and vibrancy. Learn about our project review process.
For more information, please refer to our scorecard below:
* Projects go through several phases. Developers submit applications to the City, get their design reviewed, do redesigns based on City & community feedback, resubmit proposals for review, and get approval (though can even redesign after approval)
The Village at Roosevelt Project Scorecard
Project Overview:
The Village at Roosevelt by First Community Housing is an affordable housing development with 125 homes, including up to 50% supportive housing, and 2,400 sq ft of commercial space. The development will have 8 car parking spaces, 216 secure spaces for bikes, and is located next to a VTA bus stop with frequent lines 22, 23 & within a half-mile of VTA Rapid 522, Rapid 523 & the planned 28th Street/Little Portugal BART station.
The Village at Roosevelt scored 4.5 out of 5 overall from our Project Advocacy Committee members.
Community Score: 4/5
Understanding that this project is early in the development process, we appreciate First Community Housing reaching out to many organizations in the community & encourage further coordination as the proposal progresses. We believe that close coordination with the neighboring Roosevelt Center will be key in helping to ensure the success of both this project & the Center's programs. We also hope to see additional outreach to neighborhood groups such as the Naglee Park Campus Community Association & engagement to generate interest in the target demographic of the building (i.e. non-vehicle owners).
Vibrancy Score: 4/5
We appreciate the significant amount of common space available for residents & the atrium design which brings natural light into the basement. We also appreciate that this project includes retail on East Santa Clara Street & common use space that provide active fronts on North 21st Street. Benches and visitor bike parking outside would also increase the project's vibrancy. As First Community Housing moves forward with the design, we encourage you to incorporate Portuguese design or other elements that reflect the neighborhood’s culture into this project.
Transportation Score: 4/5
The Village at Roosevelt prioritizes transit by pairing its location next to frequent bus service (lines 22 & 23) & within a half-mile of the rapid bus (lines 522 & 523); it wisely ties further to transit by providing VTA Smart Passes for all residents. With 216 secure bike parking spaces (1.7 per unit), limited parking (8 spaces), & proximity to the future 28th Street/Little Portugal BART station, First Community Housing will do a ton to incentivize non-automobile trips for residents. This project implements an ambitious Transportation Demand Management plan to reduce personal automobile trips, & takes a needed leap by providing minimal parking (0.02 spaces per unit). While we applaud this effort, some of our members believe there is a need for transitional parking for residents who rely on vehicles for work. Looking to create partnerships with the high school, community centers, other nearby developments, or private businesses to provide flex parking could be explored in case the need for more parking arises. We also encourage First Community Housing to look at additional means of reducing the need for a vehicle (shared shopping carts, was one solution). Perhaps FCH might survey the target demographic of this project to ensure their work destinations can be reached by transit or bicycle.
Sustainability Score: 5/5
With a commitment to LEED Platinum, modular construction that reduces waste, & rooftop solar, the Village at Roosevelt incorporates measurable green building features & reduces its environmental impact. FCH projects continue to stand out in this category.
Intensity/Zoning Score: 5/5
With 125 units on 0.4 acres (300 du/ac), this project brings needed homes to this important transportation corridor. While there is presumably potential to go even higher (with additional units) using density bonuses, we believe 8-floors with steel modular construction is an innovative solution we hope can be replicated in other projects.
Affordability Score: 5/5
Our members are excited to see the Village at Roosevelt provide up to 50% of its homes for the formally homeless & to those making between 30-60% of Area Median Income (AMI). With a focus on very low-income residents, First Community Housing will provide stable housing to those struggling most with high housing costs; permanent supportive housing will play a critical role in improving the lives of formerly homeless residents. We also appreciate the on-site services that will be provided, the amount of amenity space, & the reduced transportation costs that come from VTA Smart Passes being provided.
Legacy Score: N/A
Members of Catalyze SV didn’t think this category was applicable to this site.
Overall Score: 4.5 out of 5
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