IBM Rezoning Proposal Sparks Concerns Over Environmental Protection

San José's proposed rezoning of the former IBM Almaden Research Center is not just about bringing its zoning into conformity with the General Plan. According to a recent letter, in 1999, the City Council rejected a plan to change the General Plan and instead directed staff to pursue permanent protection for over 540 acres of land.

The current proposal would eliminate Planned Development zoning and rezone 35 acres as Industrial Park. This matters because it could potentially exempt qualifying advanced-manufacturing projects from environmental review under SB 131.

Concerned residents are urging the City Council to determine whether the promised open space was permanently protected before making any decisions on rezoning or General Plan designations.