Subject: Objection to 555 River Oaks Parkway Development Proposal (PDC06-067) Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2007 11:08:55 -0800 From: Mike Bertram To: CC: , Mr. Baty, I am writing on behalf of the River Oak Neighborhood Association to object to the design of the development proposed for 555 River Oaks Parkway (PDC06-067). Specifically we object to the height and density being proposed near the property line adjacent to the Crescendo complex. The current development plan is to put an eight story building, plus parking, adjacent to the Crescendo complex property line. Crescendo is comprised of two story condos. The new project proposes a size difference of over 400%. In addition, the density being proposed is above 60 DU/AC, more than 4 times the density of the adjacent property. We believe this clearly goes against the current City of San Jose Residential Design Guidelines, which state at the beginning of the opening chapter /"Transitions between existing and new projects of differing densities should be gradual. The height and mass of new projects should not create abrupt changes from those of existing buildings." / // We have met with Essex, the developer, several times and have clearly expressed that the height and density they are proposing is unacceptable to the community. As recently as a month ago we met again with the expectation that they had heard our complaints and would be proposing modifications that would mitigate the height and density issue, but that was not the case. Their current proposal is largely unchanged from what had been presented months earlier. I am attaching a copy of petition, signed by over 250 residents in the River Oaks area, clearly indicating that the height and density of new projects in our neighborhood are a primary concern. // We ask for your help in working with the developer to come up with a solution that is acceptable to both the developer and the community. Michael Bertram Vice President of the River Oaks Neighborhood Association <>