Community Update: Chick-fil-A Project Approved, but the Fight Isn’t Over
- BVNA
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
Neighbors and supporters,
We want to thank each and every one of you who stood with us over the past year in our effort to protect the integrity of our community and advocate for responsible, equitable redevelopment at the corner of West San Carlos and Race Street.
Despite over 2,000 petition signatures, formal opposition from the Burbank Community Association, Buena Vista Neighborhood Association, the D6 Leadership Group, and powerful public testimony, the San José Planning Department has approved a permit for the Chick-fil-A project. While they did include certain conditions—such as prohibiting drive-thru service and requiring transportation demand management plans—this approval still threatens to displace a beloved, long-standing family-owned restaurant and undermines the urban village plans that were designed to ensure smart, community-centered growth.
As ABC7 and the Mercury News reported, the decision ignores the spirit of San José’s General Plan and Urban Village framework. It puts auto-centric development ahead of neighborhood walkability, equitable small business growth, and meaningful community engagement.
But this is not the end of the story.
Here’s what you should know:
✅ The current building cannot be demolished without additional approval, as staff denied that part of Chick-fil-A’s request.
⚠️ Chick-fil-A is likely to appeal to the Planning Commission or City Council to overturn that limitation—and potentially to restore elements like a drive-thru.
🛑 This project sets a troubling precedent that could weaken the protections intended by San José’s Urban Village strategy if left unchallenged.
This outcome makes one thing clear: City leadership needs to be held accountable for ensuring that development actually delivers on promises of equity, climate resilience, and neighborhood vibrancy—not just box-checking and bureaucratic approval.
What’s Next
We are preparing for the possibility of an appeal and will continue organizing to:
Demand full transparency in the appeals process.
Push for the preservation of small, locally owned businesses.
Call on the Planning Commission and City Council to uphold the General Plan and community-driven urban village values.
We’ve come this far together—and we’re not backing down.
🔗 If you haven’t already, sign and share the petition:
🗣️ Spread the word to your networks. We need to stay engaged and informed to protect the future of our neighborhoods.
Thank you again for your unwavering support.
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