Santa Clara County is the center of Silicon Valley, but before the high-tech industry came along, this region was the center of agriculture in Northern California. With the shift towards better care of our environment and support of local community resources, Santa Clara County’s metro areas are now beginning to return to their farming roots. Urban farming is on the rise, allowing for more agriculture within cities than you may think possible. In a recent article published by the San Jose Business Journal, a new Santa Clara housing development plan has been submitted, featuring an urban farm.
Santa Clara Sustainable, will bring a variety of housing options, with an urban farm included for both resident and public use. The site of this planned development is ideal for agricultural use, as it was home to a U.C. Davis test farm previously. Encompassing 6 empty acres on N. Winchester Blvd., just north of Stevens Creek Blvd., the revival of a local farm resource is in response to public input sought by the city-selected master developer, The Core Companies.
Including an urban farm within a new housing development has been made more readily available with the creation of Urban Agricultural Incentive Zones (UAIZ), which was done by Santa Clara County after State Law AB551 was passed in 2013, allowing counties to offer tax incentives to urban farms within high population density areas. Since then, Santa Clara County has created UAIZ’s within 13 of the 15 cities which make up the County. Within Santa Clara Sustainable, there will be an agricultural garden almost 30,000 square feet in size, alongside 7,000 square feet of community garden space for the development residents.
Another highlight of this new development is the mix of housing. A total of 359 residential units will be built among five buildings. Included will be a 165 unit, affordable housing complex for seniors, in particular veterans; with the majority being reserved for families with an income level 50% below the regional median income. Another building of 160 units will include an additional 16 affordable units which shall be geared towards households making 120% of the regional median income. There will be 34 town homes to be sold at market rates, which will be set up within three clusters. Like the urban farm feature, the affordable housing aspects are focused on a multigenerational approach based on public input.
Santa Clara Sustainable is still in the beginning stages, with approval of the plan anticipated to be given by autumn 2017. Once final approval is given, construction is expected to take two years to complete. With the inclusion of an urban farm as one of the main community features, this new development will offer a unique, in-depth connection to its residents and visitors, This is key to developing thriving urban villages. The more we can connect, the stronger, healthier and more vibrant our communities can be.
If you are ready to sell or buy a home, working with a Realtor® who understands the market and region, will make for a better experience. We at Haylen Group are here to help you with of your real estate needs! As your agent, we will strive to work together and give you the best support we can. Call Helen Chong at (408) 800-LIST or email at Helen@HaylenGroup.com. You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.
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