Het verhaal
Seniors and members of the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center turned out at Palo Alto’s Aug. 20 Architectural Review Board against a multifamily project at 3997 Fabian Way in south Palo Alto, next to the JCC and Moldaw Residences. Juno Realty Partners would merge six parcels into one for five stories of 273 apartments over two parking levels, topping the city’s 147-unit projection for the lots. Only 12 units (5%) would be reserved for very-low-income families. JCC CEO Zach Bodner cited security and line-of-sight to the outdoor pool; Moldaw residents raised shadows, traffic and emergency-response times.
Board members had little authority to force a redesign unless the city finds substantial health and safety impacts. Staff noted a builder’s remedy application as backup — 350 units at eight stories — after the city missed its Housing Element deadline. The site is part of a wave of housing around San Antonio Road (including the already-approved 228 units at 762 San Antonio). The project now goes to Planning Director Jonathan Lait; the city could still appeal on health and safety grounds.