A housing development in Saratoga has been sold to a national builder after the original developer reached an agreement with neighbors who initially opposed the project. City Connect Companies announced on July 3 that it is transferring the Vineyard One site to Lennar Corp. for $110 million. The transaction provides the developer with a $79 million profit after accounting for the $31 million purchase price of the land and other costs.
The project is located on a 12-acre parcel at the intersection of Chester Avenue and Allendale Avenue, formerly a vineyard owned by the Bellicitti family for over a century. Thomas J. Wilson of City Connect and his partners acquired an option to buy the property in June 2023 and finalized the purchase in June 2025.
When City Connect first proposed 231 homes on the site two years ago, the plan faced strong opposition from nearby residents. Wilson, a Saratoga native, reported receiving intense backlash, including harassment at his children’s schools and the posting of signs with his personal contact information throughout the community. He described himself as "Public Enemy No. 1" during that period.
After tensions subsided, Wilson engaged in discussions with a group of approximately eight neighbors led by James Atwell, who has lived near the site for 35 years, and Bernie Mills. These meetings, which began at a local coffee shop in late 2024, resulted in a revised plan for 64 homes. The updated proposal includes 52 single-family residences and 12 accessory dwelling units.
Atwell stated that the group presented the neighborhood with a choice between supporting the 52-home plan or continuing their opposition. He reported receiving unanimous support for the compromise. Saratoga Mayor Chuck Page also endorsed the scaled-down project, noting that the original density would have overwhelmed local roads. The Saratoga City Council approved the revised plan on May 6.