Chick-fil-A project at 1301 W San Carlos Street (File No. H24-046)
We are reaching out to inform you about an important Community Meeting regarding the proposed Chick-fil-A project at 1301 W San Carlos Street (File No. H24-046). This meeting will provide a critical opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and urge the San Jose Planning Commission to carefully evaluate the potential negative impacts of this development.
📅 Meeting Date: Thursday, March 27
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM
🔗 Zoom Link: https://sanjoseca.zoom.us/j/98038029038
📞 Call-in Number: 408-638-0968 | Meeting ID: 980 3802 9038
Public opposition recently led to Chin-Fil-A pulling out on their plans to build a restaurant in Campbell:
Opposition to this project is strong but we to keep things on track we need people to sign the petition: https://chng.it/qnyvr2spBM and to speak out during the community meeting!
The San Jose Planning Commission has several valid reasons to deny Chick-fil-A building permit, including:
Traffic and Congestion: Chick-fil-A restaurants often attract significant vehicle traffic, especially during peak hours, leading to congestion and potential safety hazards. For instance, in Campbell, a nearby city, Chick-fil-A withdrew its proposal after community opposition highlighted concerns over increased traffic in residential neighborhoods, despite a traffic study indicating no significant impact.
Zoning and Land Use Conflicts: The proposed site may not align with existing zoning laws or land use plans. This Chick-fil-A proposal at West San Carlos and Race Streets would replace small businesses, conflicting with community interests and potentially with zoning regulations.
Environmental Concerns: Projects that negatively impact air quality, noise levels, or stormwater management can be denied. For example, the Silver Creek and Capitol Chick-fil-A project in San Jose required environmental review due to its potential impacts, including the demolition of an existing structure and construction of a new restaurant with a dual drive-thru.
Community Opposition: Strong opposition from residents and local businesses can influence the commission's decision. In the Campbell case, residents expressed concerns about traffic and the project's compatibility with the neighborhood, leading to the proposal's withdrawal.
Non-Compliance with City Plans: If a project conflicts with the city's General Plan or specific neighborhood plans, it may be denied. The Campbell Chick-fil-A proposal was found to be out of compliance with the city's general plan and incompatible with the neighborhood due to increased traffic.
There are a variety of reasons why we all oppose this redevelopment plan but the planning commission has guidelines they follow regarding issuing permits; and when you speak during the meeting, its important that we focus on these topics We encourage all community members to attend the meeting and speak out on the following concerns:
Increased Traffic Congestion and Safety Risks
The introduction of a high-traffic business at this location will significantly impact an already busy corridor. San Carlos Street is a vital thoroughfare with limited capacity to accommodate the influx of customers, delivery vehicles, and rideshare services that a Chick-fil-A will generate.
The restaurant’s popularity means increased vehicle activity during peak hours, leading to congestion that could impact adjacent businesses and residential streets.
Pedestrian and cyclist safety is at risk, as higher traffic volumes increase the likelihood of accidents, especially in an area that is designed for walkability.
Insufficient parking and overflow issues may force customers to park in nearby residential streets, creating an inconvenience for local residents.
Non-Compliance with the City’s General Plan and Community Vision
The City of San Jose’s General Plan emphasizes sustainable, pedestrian-friendly, and mixed-use development—especially along key corridors like West San Carlos. A Chick-fil-A at this location would:
Disrupt the neighborhood's walkability by attracting car-centric traffic patterns inconsistent with the city's urban planning goals.
Conflict with local economic development objectives, which prioritize small businesses and diverse retail spaces over national fast-food chains.
Set a precedent for future chain establishments, further shifting the character of the neighborhood away from its unique, locally driven identity.
Squander the opportunity for a high-density mixed use project on a prime parcel that is perfect to provide much needed housing inventory as well as commercial opportunities for the community now and in the future. It's our moral obligation to plan for the future and right-size redevelopment project for their location to ensure that help keep the city on track in both the near-term and long-term future.
Environmental and Public Health Concerns
A high-volume restaurant like Chick-fil-A presents multiple environmental challenges:
Air and noise pollution from increased vehicle traffic, food preparation, and late-night operations could negatively impact nearby homes and businesses.
Waste management issues, including higher volumes of litter, food waste, and packaging waste, will place a strain on local sanitation services.
Impact on local infrastructure, including potential strain on water and energy resources, needs to be thoroughly assessed before approval.
The area is already covered in litter from other nearby fast-food restaurants; this will compound the issue.
Community and Small Business Impact
The introduction of a national fast-food chain to this corridor could have lasting consequences for the small businesses that define our neighborhood:
The presence of a Chick-fil-A will displace locally owned businesses that have served the community for years.
A fast-food chain in this space will undermine the character of West San Carlos, which thrives on small, independent businesses rather than large corporate establishments.
Economic studies in similar areas have shown that local businesses reinvest more revenue into the community than national chains, making this proposal a potential long-term loss for our neighborhood’s economy.
How You Can Help
💬 Attend the Meeting – Each speaker will be given one minute to present their concerns. To maximize our impact, please focus on the issues above.
📝 Submit Written Comments – If you are unable to attend, send your objections via email to Jason Lee ( jason.lee@sanjoseca.gov ) before or after the meeting.
📣 Spread the Word – Inform your neighbors, business owners, and other community members about this meeting. A strong turnout will demonstrate to the Planning Commission that the community does not support this project.
Together, we can ensure that the future of West San Carlos reflects the needs and desires of its residents. Thank you for your engagement and commitment to preserving the integrity of our neighborhood.
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