San Jose is changing its preservation ordinance to create a new pathway for projects that typically would be considered too “detrimental” to its landmarks and historic districts to advance — a move that clears the way for the redevelopment of St. James Park.
The ordinance mirrors the override process of the California Environmental Quality Act for these types of projects.
While the amendment applies citywide, the decision to change the existing law on Tuesday by a 9-2 vote was prompted by the findings in the legal saga between the Sainte Claire Historic Preservation Foundation and the city. The findings revealed San Jose had erred in granting a historic permit for a concert venue at St. James Park because it did not have a mechanism to consider the public benefits…