The Campbell Reporter
News
Tenants near proposed mixed-use project on Winchester were unaware of the plans
By Cathy Weselby
The corner of Winchester Boulevard and Rincon Avenue may soon undergo a significant transformation.
Merrill Gardens, an operator of senior housing facilities, wants to construct a mixed-use project that incorporates senior living and retail on the 3.69-acre site. The site is home to the old Winchester Hardware building and an adjacent strip mall at 2091 Winchester Blvd.
Annette Martin's family has owned the property for more than 40 years. She said Merrill Gardens representatives approached her about selling the parcels.
"The buildings are old, and it's time to sell," said Martin, who added that tenants rent on a month-to-month basis.
On Jan. 16, the Campbell City Council approved an amendment to rezone the parcel from central commercial to medium-density residential.
If the project is approved, existing businesses will be forced to find new locations. They include Teen Challenge Thrift Store, Willie's Shoe Repair, Restaurant O and several other retail stores.
"We've enjoyed our relationship with the city of Campbell and would prefer to stay in town if possible," said Randy Rowe, executive director of Teen Challenge International.
Another tenant, William "Willie" Hernandez, has owned Willie's Shoe Repair since 1972. He and his wife, Rosemary, have many longtime customers, and many of his customers' children are now grown and continue to patronize his business.
Customers have asked where they're going to go if Willie closes.
All the other cobblers are gone, according to Hernandez, who said he is the last one in Campbell.
Hernandez said Martin told him five years ago that she might sell the property, but because of the economic downturn, she held on.
Hernandez, 68, is not sure where he could find another affordable location, but says he has no plans to retire.
"If I could, I'd stay here till I couldn't do it anymore," he said.
Justin Perez, executive chef and owner of Restaurant O, has been at his present location for eight years. He found out about the proposed redevelopment when a customer brought in a copy of a newspaper article. He said it happened to be during a bad week, and when he heard the news, he just had to laugh.
"What else could I do?" said Perez.
He later found out that the project had been in the works for the past year.
Restaurant O has a dining area with a kitchen and catering facility in back. Perez is looking for a new location, especially for the catering facility, where the rent isn't too expensive.
He laments that he recently completed remodeling the restaurant, and estimates the remodel cost him about $65,000 for labor and materials.
"It takes quite a bit to recoup that," Perez said. "I'm upset that she didn't tell me personally, and before I began remodeling."
Charlie DeLaRose, Martin's father, opened Winchester Hardware in 1961; it closed in 2000. The Teen Challenge Thrift Store now occupies its space and would also need to find a new home.
"Our desire at Teen Challenge is to continue the services we're currently providing in an alternate location," said Rowe, who was unaware of the proposed senior-living project but did know that Martin had plans to sell the property at some point.
Rowe said looking for an alternate location would take time.
"Rincon Avenue is a high-density residential area and an ideal location for a thrift store," Rowe said. "We're seeking a similar location and would prefer to buy rather than lease the building."
Teen Challenge also has an office on Camden Avenue and Winchester Boulevard in Campbell. "We'd be very disappointed to move, but we've appreciated our landlord, and understand her need for development," he added.
The proposed project will be known as Merrill Gardens at Campbell. It includes 127 units, of which 19 will be affordable housing rentals. The complex will be made up of 101 senior rental units for independent or assisted living, 26 non-age-restricted rental units and a separate Alzheimer's facility with 21 units.
Balancing the existing needs with future needs comes into consideration for the proposed development. The number of people in the state of California who are age 65 years and older is expected to double to more than 6.5 million by the year 2030.
"I think this project will benefit Campbell because of the shortage of assisted living facilities in the area, and the Alzheimer's unit would be an added plus," Martin said.
The Campbell Planning Commission held a preliminary study session about the proposed senior living development on Feb. 27 and plans to hold community meetings about the project in the next few months.
