Google files master plan for San Jose megaproject

Google formally proposed on Thursday its megaproject near San Jose’s Diridon Station that would add 6.5 million square feet of new office space and up to 5,000 new homes.

The Mountain View tech giant filed a formal master plan application for the project, which would transform 80 acres of mostly parking lots and industrial buildings into one of its largest new campuses.

The plan has sparked backlash and concerns that major growth — up to 25,000 jobs, according to city estimates — will push home prices even higher and hurt existing residents.

A portion of Google’s housing will be affordable, the amount hasn’t been finalized. The city has an overall goal in the 240acre Diridon

Station area of 25% affordable units, which are restricted for lowerincome residents typically making less than the area median income.

The company will continue to hold community meetings and solicit more feedback over the next year, said Michael Appel, a Google spokesman. San Jose will conduct an environmental review, and the City Council could vote to approve the project by the end of next year.

City officials, including Mayor Sam Liccardo, support the project because they say it will help concentrate more jobs near downtown San Jose and correct an imbalance that sees residents clogging highways as they commute to smaller Silicon Valley cities.

The city will study a project with up to 5,900 housing units and 7.3 million square feet of office space, but Appel said Google is aiming for the previously planned 6.5 million square feet and 3,000 to 5,000 new homes.

Google’s development partner is Australian construction company Lendlease, and its design team includes British firm Heatherwick Studio.