Now my first question is, what other "big box" tenants or chain restaurants could they possibly add there that don't already exist in the area? If you look at the map below, every chain you can imagine already exists somewhere in the vicinity. There are already millions of square feet of car-oriented retail in the area.
My second question is... in today's economy is it better to snatch the opportunity for a development such as this one or would it have been better to wait for a better use of this acreage? I would have preferred a mixed use development with housing, office, and local retail that is pedestrian friendly. This seems like a great place for an urban village. It's a tough call... take the tax money now or sit on empty land hoping for a better proposal in the future.
Source: SJBJ
My biggest concern is that little has been thought of for access to Almaden Ranch from the Oakridge light rail station and the 64 bus line on Almaden Expwy. I felt this should have been deeply considered before the San Jose City Council approved the development last month. I have heard there will be some ped/bike bridge between the Ranch and Oakridge light rail station but I need to confirm it.
ReplyDeleteGreatest concern is access from the 64 bus line on Almaden Expressway. With people having to cross up to 8 lanes of traffic just to reach the Ranch, what about those who might not be fast enough to cross the Expressway without getting hurt? That has to be addressed.
No thought because Reed was the mayor at the time. Trying to get money for the city no matter what the cost to locals.
DeleteThe Business Journal just confirmed today that Walmart will be opening this month in the old EXPO space behind Best Buy, right across from this proposed development. Talk about adding to a traffic nightmare. I'm glad I live downtown!!
ReplyDeleteThey need to get the police presence back there. They used to have police directing traffic there. There are too many assholes driving out or in who don't even bother to stop at the crosswalk or look where they were going. I have even seen people leaving Wal-Mart taking a swig of Budweiser from a bottle while turning--and texting! drivers there break the law EVERY DAY and no one does anything about it.
DeleteAlmaden expressway will become the new Stevens Creek offramp from 280 north. Lookout
ReplyDeleteI'm so pissed off about this, it's amazing. I live in the area and avoid it at all costs and I wouldn't be surprised if my entire neighborhood feels the same. God damn, Almaden used to be so nice and quiet.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you there.This was not an appropriate use of this land. Meanwhile, the hunters and fishers can buy stuff to go fishing in some nice open spaces--gee, just like what we used to have!
Deletealmaden is boring there needs to be more entertainment ,like nice coffe shops and restaurants.. places to get dressed up and go out, build some thing nice...
ReplyDeleteWith all the new stuff going on around this area, traffic is already a mess. The city made an absolute joke out of the redesign of the lanes in and around this area. Just wait until they put more business' in the area. I'm not sure if anyone gets as frusterated as I do? Also, the city seriously needs to have a look at the crosswalk that crosses Cherry avenue at Almaden. I have witnessed multiple pedestrians almost being hit while trying to cross going north. All vehicle drivers are so focused on traffic heading south on almaden as they attempt to make a right turn onto Almaden from Cherry Avenue.
ReplyDeletePreservation of our environment has taken a back seat to turning OUR neighborhood into a "money machine" for big box retailers.
ReplyDeleteWhen you drive down Almaden toward Branham, the view is incredibly ugly and claustrophobic because of the huge walls that are almost right next to yiu as you drive. Did ANYONE from te city council take this into consideration? Also, WHY are we even getting these new projects when we have a drought? Would the current mayor even have approved this? There is an argument that these big box crap heaps provide jobs--well, if you don't like living here because of the economy, you can always move! Just love how people not even from the immediately surrounding neighborhoods think they can judge us on how we feel about this construction. damn, I wish something like a fire had happened there like at Santana Row it could at least have bought the new mayor some time to tr think this mess!
ReplyDeletePeople scoff at the neeed to preserve this open space because it isn't pretty and doesn't have apparant wildlife. But for every open space gobbled up by development, creatures like coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc still have to go somewhere. can you guess where they go? You guessed it--in people's yards! That doesnt sound bad, but in my neighborhood a fucking coyote was on our street and so far 3 cats have been eaten.
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