San Jose housing plan slashes affordable homes, leaving advocates disappointed

San Jose housing advocates are expressing concern over a recently-approved development that dropped its pledge toward more than 100 affordable homes, including a former vice mayor.

The San Jose City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a modified plan to redevelop the El Paseo de Saratoga shopping center with a 772-home apartment complex. Developer Sand Hill Property Company is paying the city $13.9 million to cut more than 100 affordable homes, in order to keep the project financially feasible — leaving 38 apartments available for people earning the area median income, or $184,300 for a family of four.