Cinnabar Site Redevelopment
Union School District has historically been underfunded in comparison to other school districts. This underfunding has highlighted the need for additional resources to adequately support USD's students and programs. To address this funding shortfall and secure sustainable, local revenues, in 2020, the District began exploring possible options to use underutilized properties owned by the district as long term revenue sources that would benefit the community as well as supplement the district’s operating budget.
We are committed to being good neighbors
We would only pursue a project that we feel is beneficial to our community. In Spring 2023, USD selected Mana Investors to develop a portion of the Cinnabar site (approximately 6.67 acres) into 108 townhomes. These new homes will help to address the pressing need for affordable housing, with 80% offered at market rate and 20% designated as affordable housing units. The school district will maintain ownership of the school building, currently leased, as well as the Maintenance & Operations Yard.
We are committed to relocating the baseball fields
The District is committed to supporting enrichment opportunities, including baseball, for the youth of our community and is dedicated to working collaboratively to ensure the availability of facilities that sustain these programs in the future. Over the past year, USD staff have met several times with Union Little League to discuss the potential relocation of the baseball facilities. After exploring various options, Dartmouth Middle School emerged as the preferred choice due to its size, proximity to Cinnabar, alignment with program needs, and the potential to enhance an existing school site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the baseball fields be relocated to?
After exploring various options, Dartmouth Middle School emerged as the preferred choice due to its size, proximity to Cinnabar, alignment with program needs, and the potential to enhance an existing school site. The current plan includes renovations of the entire fields area with construction of four fields - (2) 200’ outfields, (1) 155’ outfield, and (1) 135’ outfield. A potential site layout was presented to the Board on February 12, 2024. However, before proceeding, a comprehensive design would be developed, incorporating stakeholder input to ensure the layout and amenities meet the needs and expectations of all involved parties.
When will the baseball fields be relocated?
The current close of escrow is December 2025; however, construction would not start until the City entitlement process is completed, a phase that could extend up to two years after the close of escrow. Mana Investors and the District have reached an agreement to permit the use of the baseball fields post-escrow closure. Amendment #4 approved in May 2024 allows the use of the fields to continue for either (i) for up to one hundred eighty (180) days following the Close of Escrow or (ii) until thirty(30) days after Mana provides the District written notice of the issuance of a pending grading permit by the City of San Jose for the Housing Project, whichever date is later.
What is the current ownership status of the Cinnabar school site? Is it still owned by Union School District, or has it been sold?
The District currently owns the property; however the property is in escrow with Mana Investors. The transfer of the property is anticipated to occur in December 2025. Note, the sale of the property is only for the fields; the District will retain ownership of the school and Maintenance and Operations buildings.
Does the District have capacity to accommodate new students from the development?
Yes, the development is projected to yield 30 additional students who would enroll in Guadalupe Elementary and Dartmouth Middle School. Both schools currently have sufficient capacity to accommodate new students.
DRAFT (Not Final) - Conceptual Plan for Field Design located at Dartmouth Middle School
I missed the City of San Jose CEQA meeting. Where can I get more information?
More information regarding the meeting including a recording of the meeting can be found on the City's website by clicking here. Additional questions regarding the City of San Jose's process can be directed to:
City of San Jose Project Manager:
Jason Lee: jason.lee@sanjoseca.gov | (408) 535-3887
City of San Jose Environmental Project Manager:
Cort Hitchens: cort.hitchens@sanjoseca.gov | (408) 794-7386
Project Information and Outreach Materials
Contact
Questions regarding the development should be directed to Mana Investors project management team Orville Power at op@manainv.com or Scott Murray at sm@manainv.com or (408) 406-6000
Questions regarding the baseball field relocation should be directed to Kirsten Perez, Assistant Superintendent Business Services at perezk@unionsd.org or (408) 558-4224
