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City Beat
Neighbors say plans for project need to be improved
Property owner plans to replace a produce stand with mixed-use buildings
By Michele Leung
Thirty Willow Glen neighbors voiced their concerns and suggestions at a community meeting on Feb. 17 regarding the redevelopment of the San Jose Produce Market at 640 Minnesota Ave. After hearing the comments, architect Andy Kennedy conceded he will be going back to the drawing board.
Kennedy, who is with Salvatore Caruso Design Corporation, presented the neighbors with an initial design of the owner-funded project. The existing produce stand will be replaced with a three-story mixed-use structure for retail business and apartments. There are four proposed shops and 16 apartments, though Kennedy says the plans will be revamped.
Many residents who consider the produce stand "an eyesore" were pleased to hear that the stand will go, and Kennedy agreed. "It's not really what you call an architectural statement. It's outdated and rundown. This project is vastly superior to what's out front now," he said.
However, parking, traffic and privacy topped the list of concerns for the immediate neighbors who live on Belmont Way and Minnesota Avenue. The firm is proposing 65 parking spaces, of which 41 are reserved for retail. "The parking is just about adequate for what we are proposing now," said Kennedy.
Neighbors expressed their skepticism. "In every apartment situation I've been in, parking is never adequate," said John Polcher. Kennedy suggested a trade-off with the retail shops by restricting their parking spaces, which would become available for residents when the businesses close down for the day.
The area south of Belmont Way is prone to flooding, and residents fear the height of the building will exacerbate the problem. "I've got 12 inches of water all the time [because of the winter rains]. You're going to flood me up," said Felix Quintero. "I better buy a canoe."
Residents also weighed in on the importance of aesthetics and craftsmanship, stressing the need for quality over quantity. "This is an enormous sterile edifice that doesn't represent why we live here," said Dean Cowherd. "This doesn't represent [our homes' uniqueness]. I personally would never back a three-story edifice like that."
The community also revealed its dismay at the current property owner, Bob Vlahopuliotis, who was not present at the meeting and will retain ownership. Vlahopuliotis also owns the adjoining laundromat, video store and taqueria.
According to city officials, Vlahopuliotis has had several building-code violations. "Overflowing trash bins is the biggest complaint we get [about him]," said code enforcer Cindi Gil-Blanco. She said she has issued many citations and Vlahopuliotis pays the fines, but the problems persist. Other complaints have included tagging and illegal dumping.
Meeting attendees offered Kennedy their suggestions, which included making the buildings two stories only and converting the apartments into office space. The firm appeared open to implementing some of the ideas, though Kennedy admits the balancing act will be difficult.
"The plans are going to change," said Kennedy. "We want to work with the community in a win-win situation. We want to accommodate the client economically but also the community at large."
At press time, Bob Vlahopuliotis could not be reached for comment.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
