June 12, 2024
To Mayor Matt Mahan and Members of the San José City Council
re: Council 6/18/24, Agenda Item 8.2: “Downtown Residential High-Rise Incentive Program Extension”
Dear Mayor Mahan and San José Councilmembers,
The undersigned organizations, representing thousands of San Jose residents, are committed to parks and open space, wildlife habitats and the enjoyment of nature. We are writing to express our opposition to the proposed extension and expansion of park impact fee discounts in the Downtown Residential High-Rise Incentive area and beyond. Specifically, we are opposed to staff recommendations (c) and (d), which seek to offer additional discounts in the downtown area and to study extending the impact fee reduction program citywide and to low- and include mid-rise residential projects. We understand that the City is contemplating a ballot measure to provide funding for the maintenance of parkland and ask you to defer the discussion of reducing residential park impact fee until after this source of funding is guaranteed.
Parks offer a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond their immediate physical boundaries, contributing to the overall livability and economic vitality of cities. Many studies have documented the extraordinary impact of nature in the city.
- Health and Well-Being: Parks provide residents with accessible spaces for recreation, relaxation, and exercise, which are crucial for both physical and mental health. Regular interaction with nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall well-being. Parks also offer spaces for children to play, fostering social interaction and healthy lifestyles from a young age.
- Community Cohesion: Parks act as communal gathering spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can come together, fostering social ties and a sense of community. Events, festivals, and everyday interactions in these shared spaces help to build a cohesive and inclusive community.
- Environmental Benefits: Parks are vital for maintaining ecological balance within cities. They provide habitats for wildlife, contribute to biodiversity, and help manage urban heat islands by providing shade and cooling. Parks also play a critical role in air and water quality improvement, absorbing pollutants and managing stormwater runoff.
- Economic Vitality: Well-maintained parks and green spaces attract residents and businesses, driving economic growth. Proximity to parks attracts tourists and enhances the appeal of neighborhoods for potential residents and investors. Moreover, parks can spur local economic activity by hosting events and markets, supporting small businesses and creating job opportunities.
- Urban Resilience: Parks contribute to the resilience of cities by offering green infrastructure solutions. They help mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as reducing the urban heat island effect and managing flood risks. Parks are also essential in providing spaces for community response and recovery during environmental emergencies.
The proposal to significantly reduce park impact fees in order to encourage housing development in San José raises substantial concerns about the impact on the City's park system as well as overall community health and quality of life. We recognize that the construction of high-rise residential buildings in the downtown area is a financial challenge for developers. However, offering further fee reductions is unlikely to make a meaningful difference in overcoming the existing economic barriers. Instead, such action risks reducing essential funding that is needed for the development and maintenance of parks that are critical to the quality of life in a growing community.
Moreover, extending these fee reductions to encompass low- and mid-rise housing projects citywide threatens the long-term sustainability of the City’s parks. Such measures are likely to lead to reduced funding, resulting in the deterioration of park facilities and a decline in the quality of these important public spaces. Ultimately, this could transform City parks from enjoyable, welcoming areas into neglected spaces that fail to meet the needs of residents and detract from the overall livability of San José.
We urge you to vote NO on item 8.2. (c) and (d). Instead of abandoning our parks in a futile attempt to stimulate development, we call on you to invest in this vital aspect of a livable city. By enhancing and protecting our parks, we can create a city that is not only attractive and livable but also economically prosperous and environmentally sustainable. This will benefit both current and future residents, as well as the diverse wildlife that makes our community healthy.
Thank you for considering our comments,
James Eggers,
Chapter Director
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
Shani Kleinhaus, Ph.D.
Environmental Advocate
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
Jason Su
Executive Director
Guadalupe River Park Conservancy
James P. Reber
Executive Director
San Jose Parks Foundation
Alice Kaufman
Policy and Advocacy Director
Green Foothills