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City Council 9/30/2025 - Item 8.2: Gateway Tower Project From Jay Hairston
Date Mon 9/29/2025 9:15 PM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>; District1 < district1 @sanjoseca.gov>; Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>; District2 < [email protected]>; Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; Torres, Omar <[email protected]>; District4 < [email protected]>; Cohen, David <[email protected]>; District5 «[email protected]>; Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>; District 6 < [email protected]>; Davis, Dev <[email protected]>; District7 < [email protected]>; Doan, Bien < [email protected]>; District8 < [email protected]>; Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>
[External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council,
1 am writing to express my support for the memo from Councilmember Tordillos, Mayor Mahan, and Councilmember Cohen related to Item 8.2 on your agenda for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, which would offer right of first refusal to local, SoFA-based artists for 10 low-income, rent-restricted units in the Gateway Tower affordable housing project.
As stated in the memo, this project creates an opportunity for "a unique form of housing in which artists can live, collaborate, and create in the same communities they bring to life with their art each day." The proposal from Councilmember Tordillos et al. could be a game-changing moment for local artists who are rapidly being forced out of San José by the high cost of living.
Please approve the Tordillos-Mahan-Cohen memo to help keep creativity alive in our city! John Hairston
Facility Manager/Cafe Supervisor at 3Below Theaters
Downtown San Jose
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City Council 9/30/2025 - Item 8.2: Gateway Tower Project From Jonathan Borca <
Date Mon 9/29/2025 9:36 PM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>; District1 < district1 @sanjoseca.gov>; Kamei, Rosemary «[email protected]>; District2 < [email protected]>; Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; Torres, Omar <[email protected]>; District4 < [email protected]>; Cohen, David <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>; District 6 < [email protected]>; Davis, Dev <[email protected]>; District7 < [email protected]>; Doan, Bien <[email protected]>; District8 < [email protected]>; Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>
[External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council,
My name is Jonathan Francisco Borca, and I am writing as an artist, cultural producer, and San José resident to express my strong support for the memo from Councilmember Tordillos, Mayor Mahan, and Councilmember Cohen related to Item 8.2, which would offer right of first refusal to local, SoFA-based artists for 10 low-income, rent-restricted units in the Gateway Tower affordable housing project. I'm writing as an individual and not in any official capacity or on behalf of any organization or commission.
I was raised in San José's East Side (District 5), where I lived from 1995 through 2022. I now reside along Monterey Road in District 2. Over the past two decades, I've seen firsthand how quickly artists and cultural workers are being priced out of our city. San José has a wealth of homegrown talent from visual artists like Elba Raquel and Francisco Ramirez, to photographer Alex Knowbody, to poet laureates and storytellers like Mighty Mike Mace and Mike McGee and Yosimar Reyes. Through my own work producing The Haberdasher Shows and curating residencies like Hip Hop(e) & Healing at the San José Museum of Art, I've witnessed how essential these creatives are to community life. Ensuring they have housing options to remain rooted here will benefit all of San José, both culturally and economically.
This proposal offers a concrete step in that direction. Gateway Tower can serve as a model for how we connect cultural districts with housing policy, ensuring that artists not only contribute to San José's vibrancy but also have the stability to live and thrive here. From my perspective as someone rooted in the local arts ecosystem, approving this memo is a vital investment in San José's future.
Please vote yes on the Tordillos-Mahan-Cohen memo to help keep creativity and culture alive in our city.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Francisco Borca
Resident, District 2 (Monterey Road)
Outlook
City Council 9/30/2025 - Item 8.2: Gateway Tower Project From E A <
Date Tue 9/30/2025 9:50 AM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan <[email protected]>; Mahan, Matt < [email protected]>; District1 < district1 @sanjoseca.gov>; Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>; District2 < [email protected]>; Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; Torres, Omar <[email protected]>; District4 < [email protected]>; Cohen, David <[email protected]>; District5 <[email protected]>; Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>; District 6 < [email protected]>; Davis, Dev <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; Doan, Bien <[email protected]>; District8 < [email protected]>; Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>; District9 <[email protected]>
[External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council,
I first wanted to say I am truly impressed by this project and the number and type of affordable units that will be available. This is an excellent opportunity to further expand the natural strength of our Downtown community, which has been the Arts.
I am writing to express my support for the memo from Councilmember Tordillos, Mayor Mahan, and Councilmember Cohen related to Item 8.2 on your agenda for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, which would offer right of first refusal to local, SoFA-based artists for 10 low-income, rent-restricted units in the Gateway Tower affordable housing project.
As stated in the memo, this project creates an opportunity for "a unique form of housing in which artists can live, collaborate, and create in the same communities they bring to life with their art each day." The proposal from Councilmember Tordillos et al. could be a game-changing moment for local artists who are rapidly being forced out of San José by the high cost of living.
Please approve the Tordillos-Mahan-Cohen memo to help keep creativity alive in our city! Elizabeth Agramont-Justiniano
District 3/St. James/Julian Neighborhood
Thank You!
Volunteer: YES ON MEASURE A!
https://www.saveourlocalhospitals.com
Volunteer:YES ON PROP 50!
stopelectionrigging.com
Elizabeth Agramont-Justiniano
she/her/ella/GRRLL!
Artist/Creative
Expand TRUST in SJ!/INVEST IN COMMUNITY
Political Ambassador, Afro UPRIS/Black Political Representation Needed in SCC! Choir, Member of Urban Sanctuary
Unhoused Response Group, Housing Justice Advocate
Downtown Resident of District 3: St. James/Julian Neighborhood Values: Honesty, Kindness, Compassion, Courage, Justice "be a light
that doesn't cast shadows
on anyone
have a smile
that shines
for everyone
and create a happiness
that can be taken by
no one"
~ellen everett
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City Council 9/30/2025 - Item 8.2: Gateway Tower Project From Sadie TheArtist
Date Tue 9/30/2025 10:17 AM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan < [email protected]>; Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>; District1 < district1 @sanjoseca.gov>; Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; Campos, Pamela <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; Tordillos, Anthony < [email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; Cohen, David <David. [email protected]>; District5 < [email protected]>; Ortiz, Peter «[email protected]>; District 6 < [email protected]>; Mulcahy, Michael <[email protected]>; District7 <District7 @sanjoseca.gov>; Doan, Bien <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>; District9 < [email protected]> [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council,
I am writing to express my support for the memo from Councilmember Tordillos, Mayor Mahan, and Councilmember Cohen related to Item 8.2 on your agenda for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, which would offer right of first refusal to local, SoFA-based artists for 10 low-income, rent-restricted units in the Gateway Tower affordable housing project.
As stated in the memo, this project creates an opportunity for "a unique form of housing in which artists can live, collaborate, and create in the same communities they bring to life with their art each day." The proposal from Councilmember Tordillos et al. could be a game-changing moment for local artists who are rapidly being forced out of San José by the high cost of living.
Please approve the Tordillos-Mahan-Cohen memo to help keep creativity alive in our city! Sadie Amick
Downtown San Jose
Artist and future firefighter
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City Council 9/30/2025 - Item 8.2: Gateway Tower Project From Carman Tyra
Date Tue 9/30/2025 11:18 AM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan < [email protected]>; Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>; District1 < district1 @sanjoseca.gov>; Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; Campos, Pamela <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; Tordillos, Anthony < [email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; Cohen, David <David. [email protected]>; District5 < [email protected]>; Ortiz, Peter «[email protected]>; District 6 < [email protected]>; Mulcahy, Michael <[email protected]>; District7 <District7 @sanjoseca.gov>; Doan, Bien <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>; District9 < [email protected]> [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council,
I am writing to express my support for the memo from Councilmember Tordillos, Mayor Mahan, and Councilmember Cohen related to Item 8.2 on your agenda for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, which would offer right of first refusal to local, SoFA-based artists for 10 low-income, rent-restricted units in the Gateway Tower affordable housing project.
As stated in the memo, this project creates an opportunity for "a unique form of housing in which artists can live, collaborate, and create in the same communities they bring to life with their art each day." The proposal from Councilmember Tordillos et al. could be a game-changing moment for local artists who are rapidly being forced out of San José by the high cost of living.
Please approve the Tordillos-Mahan-Cohen memo to help keep creativity alive in our city! Carman Tyra Gaines
District 3 Resident
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.
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City Council 9/30/2025 - Item 8.2: Gateway Tower Project From Meredith Orr
Date Tue 9/30/2025 11:24 AM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan < [email protected]>; Mahan, Matt < [email protected]>; District1 < district1 @sanjoseca.gov>; Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; Campos, Pamela <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; Tordillos, Anthony <[email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; Cohen, David <David. [email protected]>; District5 < [email protected]>; Ortiz, Peter «[email protected]>; District 6 < [email protected]>; Mulcahy, Michael <[email protected]»; District7 <District7 @sanjoseca.gov>; Doan, Bien <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>; District9 < [email protected]> [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn morel You don't often get email from -earn why this is important Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council,
I am writing to express my support for the memo from Councilmember Tordillos, Mayor Mahan, and Councilmember Cohen related to Item 8.2 on your agenda for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, which would offer right of first refusal to local, SoFA-based artists for 10 low- income, rent-restricted units in the Gateway Tower affordable housing project.
As stated in the memo, this project creates an opportunity for "a unique form of housing in which artists can live, collaborate, and create in the same communities they bring to life with their art each day." The proposal from Councilmember Tordillos et al. could be a game- changing moment for local artists who are rapidly being forced out of San José by the high cost of living.
Please approve the Tordillos-Mahan-Cohen memo to help keep creativity alive in our city! D3 Resident
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City Council 9/30/2025 - Item 8.2: Gateway Tower Project From Cathleen King
Date Tue 9/30/2025 12:36 PM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan < [email protected]>; Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>; District1 < district1 @sanjoseca.gov>; Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; Campos, Pamela <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; Tordillos, Anthony < [email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; Cohen, David <David. [email protected]>; District5 < [email protected]>; Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>; District 6 <[email protected]>; Mulcahy, Michael <[email protected]>; District7 <[email protected]>; Doan, Bien <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; Candelas, Domingo «[email protected]>; District9 < [email protected]> [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council,
I am writing to express my support for the memo from Councilmember Tordillos, Mayor Mahan, and Councilmember Cohen related to Item 8.2 on your agenda for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, which would offer right of first refusal to local, SoFA-based artists for 10 low-income, rent-restricted units in the Gateway Tower affordable housing project.
San Jose Stage Company sits directly across the street from this site and we employ over 150 artists every year.
We struggle to house many of these artist at anything close to an affordable rate. In the last five to six years, we've experienced many talented artists leave San Jose-and even leave California —because the housing market here has made it impossible for them to stay. Artists deserve to work, live and play in their own community.
This is more than an industry issue. When artists leave, San Jose loses part of its cultural soul. Dedicated artist housing in this project would be a lifeline for our creative workforce and a clear sign that San Jose values and protects the people who bring art, vitality, and innovation to our city.
As stated in the memo, this project creates an opportunity for "a unique form of housing in which artists can live, collaborate, and create in the same communities they bring to life with their art each day." The proposal from Councilmember Tordillos et al. could be a game-changing moment for local artists who are rapidly being forced out of San José by the high cost of living.
Please approve this project with the 10% artist housing designation as outlined in the Tordillos-Mahan-Cohen memo to help keep creativity alive in our city!
With gratitude,
Cathleen King
Executive Director
San Jose Stage Company
www.thestage.org
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City Council 9/30/2025 - Item 8.2: Gateway Tower Project From Peter Allen -
Date Tue 9/30/2025 12:39 PM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan < [email protected]>; Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>; District1 < district1 @sanjoseca.gov>; Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; Campos, Pamela <[email protected]>; District3 <[email protected]>; Tordillos, Anthony < [email protected]>; District4 <[email protected]>; Cohen, David <David. [email protected]>; District5 < [email protected]>; Ortiz, Peter «[email protected]>; District 6 < [email protected]>; Mulcahy, Michael <[email protected]»; District7 <District7 @sanjoseca.gov>; Doan, Bien <[email protected]>; District8 <[email protected]>; Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>; District9 < [email protected]> [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Dear Mayor Mahan and City Council,
I am writing to express my support for the memo from Councilmember Tordillos, Mayor Mahan, and Councilmember Cohen related to Item 8.2 on your agenda for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, which would offer right of first refusal to local, SoFA-based artists for 10 low-income, rent-restricted units in the Gateway Tower affordable housing project.
As stated in the memo, this project creates an opportunity for "a unique form of housing in which artists can live, collaborate, and create in the same communities they bring to life with their art each day." The proposal from Councilmember Tordillos et al. could be a game-changing moment for local artists who are rapidly being forced out of San José by the high cost of living.
Please approve the Tordillos-Mahan-Cohen memo to help keep creativity alive in our city! Peter Allen
District 6 Resident
Co-Founder, San José Arts Advocates
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.