IBM Rezoning Plan Sparks Fears Over Open Space, Environmental Protections
The proposed rezoning of IBM's Almaden Research Center in San Jose has raised concerns among residents. The city had previously intended to maintain over 500 acres as permanent open space, but now plans to eliminate Planned Development zoning and rezone 35 acres for Industrial Park.
This move matters because it could exempt advanced-manufacturing projects from environmental review under SB 131.
Former City Council directive called for legally binding protection of 540 acres. The current staff report does not address this.