Purchasers Thomas J. Wilson, Dustin T. Mannina, Sachneel Patel, and Jeffrey Bader have jumped in on a plan to transform a Saratoga vineyard into a large-scale housing development. The group of South Bay business executives paid $30.6 million for the 11.6-acre property near the corner of Chester Avenue and Allendale Drive.
The developers have released early plans for the new site, calling the property Vineyard One. The proposal brings designs by SDG Architects, including 85 townhomes, 84 residential flats, 24 single-family detached units, and 38 attached accessory dwelling units.
14001 Chester Avenue Concept Rendering, image by SDG Architects
Approvals for the project are still ongoing; however, the developers are using a builder’s remedy approach for the project. Under this strategy, state law includes that cities without a state-approved housing element cannot deny the approval of qualifying projects even if the proposals are inconsistent with the city’s general plan or zoning laws. While this does not guarantee the project will move forward, it streamlines the process considerably.
The Saratoga location is near West Valley College, in an area well-positioned for residents commuting into Silicon Valley offices. The development plans have not released exact details, but given the location, it is likely that residents will primarily use automobile transportation.
14001 Chester Avenue Current Site, image via Google Street View
14001 Chester Avenue Site Location, image via ArcGIS Online
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
Interesting photo– a vineyard without vines.
God forbid we leave any open space undeveloped! Pave everything. Make the Bay Area New Jersey!