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Neighbors warmer to Longs plan-which may be done deal
Traffic study shows new drug store won't bring in more traffic
By Chantal Lamers
Willow Glenites are beginning to budge, and many are even starting to welcome a new Longs Drug store into their neighborhood. At a community meeting on July 27, Glenites began to compromise with the owners of the chain-drug store--instead of just hoping Longs would scrap the plan to move onto Lincoln Avenue.
Longs representatives presented Glenites with the proposed architecture for the vacant bank building on Lincoln and Brace avenues and results from a neighborhood traffic study. Most residents were satisfied with the plan after asking questions and making suggestions that would make Longs a good Glenite neighbor.
Bob Logan, a private attorney hired by Longs to mediate the meeting, said if Longs doesn't develop the vacant building, somebody will.
In response to the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association's concerns about bringing a corporate-owned, big-chain store to the cozy, mostly mom-and-pop-shop-owned business strip, Longs' architects designed a new building that includes Lincoln Avenue storefront features such as windows, roof tiles and awnings.
Glenites nodded their heads in approval with the new architecture for the old bank.
One resident asked Longs to limit advertisements placed in store windows. As most of the 75 Glenites at the meeting, he said, aside from being worried he'll see signs advertising six-packs of beer for 99 cents in store windows, he thinks the design of the building will compliment Lincoln Avenue.
The empty bank building will be torn down and expanded 10 feet toward Brace Avenue, and extended 20 feet toward the rear parking lot. The two-story building will feature three Longs Drugs signs; a lit sign facing Lincoln Avenue; a lit sign facing Brace Avenue; and a sign only lit during daylight facing the rear parking lot.
Longs representatives agreed that construction hours would run 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Demolition is expected to last about two weeks, and construction to last about seven months.
Once the store opens, deliveries would be made by trucks no longer than 40 feet to a corner loading door, between the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. Representatives also agreed they would help ensure trucks don't idle while they are unpacked during delivery.
Glenite Kathryn Webster asked if residents will be able to pursue recourse if Longs doesn't hold up to its end of the bargain.
Michele McGurk, chief of staff for San Jose Vice Mayor Frank Fiscalini, said Longs could prepare a written statement that the store will abide by compromises made between the corporation and residents. Longs representatives said they wouldn't have a problem sending WGNA an official agreement of terms.
Originally, Longs wanted to sell alcohol at the Lincoln Avenue store, which would require it to obtain a Conditional Use Permit from the city. Since Longs dropped its request to sell alcohol, there are no factors that would require a conditional permit.
Results from a traffic study state when the bank was active 1,452 cars drove to the bank daily. The study states that Longs will bring in 1,338 cars per day, therefore having no increased traffic impact on the avenue.
Larry Moore, from the city's department of streets and traffic, said there will be an increase in traffic because the bank has been empty for over a year. But there will be just as much traffic, if not less, then when the bank was in business.
Glenite Peggy Rossignol said residents should put pressure on the city to do something about the heavy traffic on Lincoln Avenue. Rossignol said every time a new business inquires about moving to Willow Glen, residents have the same problem concerning traffic issues.
Longs also plans on removing several existing trees facing Brace Avenue and in the rear parking lot that will be replaced with new trees after construction is complete. Longs plans to rebuild the rear parking lot in order to add 10 extra parking spaces increasing parking to about 50 spaces.
Glenite Brett Stutz asked Longs representatives if they would consider unearthing the trees and replanting them once construction is complete. Fellow Glenite Harold Schapelhouman agreed that Longs should spend a few extra dollars and move the trees around.
McGurk said Longs will probably submit their final plans to the city planning division for review at the end of August.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
