A proposal for 44 detached homes on Almaden Road has reached a point where neighbors can help shape what Santa Clara County studies. The project, called Quicksilver Estates, would occupy part of a property at 19960 Almaden Road near Topam Glen Court. The county is preparing a draft environmental impact report and has scheduled a virtual public meeting for Tuesday, November 17 at 6 p.m. files.ceqanet.lci.ca.gov

What would be built?

The plan calls for 44 detached single-family homes, including six that would be deed-restricted for lower-income households. The proposed development would occupy about 6.65 acres of a 16.75-acre parcel in unincorporated Santa Clara County, near the San José city boundary. Two existing residences and related structures would be removed. The plan includes two driveways off Almaden Road, a private internal street, shared open space, stormwater facilities, and an on-site wastewater system. files.ceqanet.lci.ca.gov

Why does the location matter?

Alamitos Creek crosses the northeastern part of the larger parcel. The county’s notice places the proposed development footprint about 150 feet from the creek at its closest point. The parcel also carries an Open Space Reserve designation in the county’s general plan. These site details give neighbors a starting point for asking how the county will evaluate runoff, habitat, grading and the project’s fit with surrounding land uses. files.ceqanet.lci.ca.gov

The proposed driveways also make access a practical issue to follow. Residents who regularly drive, walk or cycle along this stretch of Almaden Road can ask what the transportation study will cover, including sight distance at the entrances and how construction traffic would use the road. The county lists transportation, wildfire, water quality and noise among the topics for review. files.ceqanet.lci.ca.gov

What does the environmental review mean?

The county has issued a Notice of Preparation, which opens the stage when the public can suggest what the environmental report should study. The report will examine potential impacts and consider alternatives and measures that could reduce those impacts. For the proposal to proceed, the county says it must certify a final environmental impact report and approve the subdivision and grading application. The November meeting is for public input on the scope of the study. files.ceqanet.lci.ca.gov

What could neighbors ask the county to study?

• Road access. How will the review evaluate visibility at the two proposed driveways and account for construction vehicles, cyclists and people on foot?
• Wildfire and emergency access. What assumptions will the study use to evaluate evacuation and emergency vehicle access?
• Drainage and creek protection. Where would stormwater flow during heavy rain, and how will the county evaluate potential effects on Alamitos Creek?
• Wastewater and long-term maintenance. How would the proposed on-site system be monitored, and how would the homeowners association maintain the shared wastewater and drainage facilities?

These questions are based on the proposed site plan and the topics identified in the county notice.

How to participate

The county notice directs residents to its project page for the Zoom link. If you submit a comment, identify the location and the specific issue you want the county to evaluate. For example, if your concern is road visibility, describe the spot and the direction of travel you want studied. County project page · Official project filing and county notice. files.ceqanet.lci.ca.gov

For Almaden Valley homeowners and buyers following the proposal, the next document to watch for is the draft environmental impact report. That’s where the county’s analysis can help answer questions about how the subdivision might affect this stretch of Almaden Road. For now, the November meeting and written comment period are the opportunities to help determine what gets studied. files.ceqanet.lci.ca.gov