As residents deeply concerned about the intricate fabric of our community, we are disturbed by the plans to tear down a number of local business to make way for a Chick-fil-A restaurant.  

The project would occupy a 1.1-acre site at West San Carlos Street and Race Street; the restaurant would total slightly over 5,100 square feet and would seat 78 people.

The restaurant's establishment is not in alignment with our urban village plan that promotes sustainable growth and development. This project encourages reliance on automobiles, contradicting our city's long-term goals which focuses on pedestrian-friendly environment and alternative modes of transportation. According to the American Public Transportation Association, cities that encourage non-auto travel have fewer traffic fatalities. 

Moreover, the intrusion of another fast food joint squanders the golden opportunity of creating more high-density housing, which is vital in addressing the housing crisis affecting many of our cities today. The National Multifamily Housing Council affirms that high-density housing can help close this gap, bolster affordable housing options, and increase diversity in our communities.

This City continues to approve high-rise high-density housing that looms over single family homes, but then approves project like this that squander amazing opportunities to build mixed-use projects that could promote commercial and residential opportunities on high-capacity arterials that have extensive access to public transit; this property is in walking distance from Diradon Station, VTA light-rail, VTA Bus, bike-share, and other transit options but instead are pushing for a massive parking lot.

This petition is about influencing change, and ensuring the future preservation of our community. We need our city's planners and decision-makers to adhere to the urban village plan that respects the balance between economic growth and maintaining the heart and soul of our neighborhood. It is crucial that we as a community voice our concerns and not let a fast-food franchise dictate our experience of the community.

The BVNA has formally taken an opposition stance on this project.
https://www.bvnasj.org/post/bvna-opposes-project-h24-046-navigating-the-gap-between-vision-and-proposal-in-san-jose-s-west-san

The West San Carlos Urban Village Plan envisions a rejuvenated corridor characterized by pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, transit-oriented design, and a vibrant blend of residential and commercial spaces. However, as outlined in various sources, notably the feedback provided in the comment letter concerning project H24-046 featuring a proposed Chick-fil-A establishment, there frequently exists a notable disparity between this idealistic vision and the actual content of development proposals.

Clashing Visions: The Project's Incompatibility with the Urban Village Plan
 
At the heart of the BVNA's opposition lies the contention that the project contradicts the fundamental principles of the West San Carlos Urban Village Plan. The BVNA argues that even without a drive-through, the proposed Chick-fil-A embodies a car-centric approach that undermines the plan's goals of promoting walking, biking, and transit use.
  
Traffic Troubles: Amplifying Existing Congestion Concerns
 
The BVNA expresses concerns that the project will exacerbate existing traffic issues in the area, given its proximity to a VTA light rail station, mass transit options, and high-density housing projects, this project should transform into a mixed use project that focuses on pedestrians rather than cars and that we should prioritize solutions that reduce car dependency and support the city's efforts to encourage residents to get out of their cars.
  
Environmental Impacts: The Loss of Trees and Beyond
 
The BVNA identifies the removal of mature trees as a "significant environmental loss," emphasizing their importance for air quality, temperature regulation, and wildlife habitat. This concern aligns with a growing awareness of the ecological value of mature trees in urban environments and the need to preserve them whenever possible. The letter also calls for a "thorough assessment" of the project's overall environmental impact, including factors like noise pollution and stormwater runoff. This demand for comprehensive analysis reflects our desire to ensure that new development doesn't come at the expense of the neighborhood's environmental well-being.
  
A Missed Opportunity: The BVNA's Call for Alternative Approaches
 
The BVNA concludes by urging the city to prioritize projects that align with the Urban Village Plan's vision, arguing that the proposed Chick-fil-A represents a missed opportunity to pursue development that enhances the neighborhood's character, supports local businesses, and contributes to a more sustainable and livable community. We encourages the city to deny the Site Development Permit application, effectively advocating for a more context-sensitive approach to development that prioritizes the long-term vision for the West San Carlos corridor.

Hence, we call on local residents and all who care about our neighborhood to sign this petition to stop the demolition of the local business for a Chick-fil-A. Let us act before our local landscape is irreversibly changed. Please sign.