With its central pool, palm trees and great room veranda balcony views, 405 Alberto Way became the first official Senate Bill 330 proposal to move from pre-application stage to a genuine project in-play in Los Gatos, last week.
SB 330, which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, prohibits jurisdictions from disapproving low-income housing projects over the next five years, and among other things, allows unlimited residential permits and expedites permit processes, regardless of a local municipality’s individual restrictions.
Until now, the Town has downplayed the ramifications of housing emerging under the new State law that takes square aim at the affordability crisis in California.
The plans from Newport Beach-based Bucilla Group Architecture, Inc. propose 600 square feet of retail, 625 square feet of fitness and 52 housing units.
The drawings, delivered Aug. 28, show five electric vehicle chargers per building, short-and-long-term bike parking, 57,443 square feet of open space, a dog park, a bocce ball area and a hot tub.
As well-appointed as the renderings suggest the living arrangements will be, don’t expect handcrafted details reminiscent of the historic Almond Grove neighborhood, or the psychedelic tones popular just over the hill in Santa Cruz.