The Willow Glen Resident

Taco Bell considers site on Meridian Ave. again

Move could renew dispute between neighbors and the fast-food chain

By Cecily Barnes

After facing severe criticism two years ago when trying to move into Willow Glen, Taco Bell is back. Michael Lim, a real estate scout from Tri Con Development who locates sites for Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and other fast-food chains, confirmed he's looked at the old Tasso's building on Willow Street and Meridan Avenue as a possible site.

"This is an area that we're looking at, but we're also looking at 20 to 30 other sites," Lim said. "We have not gotten to that stage where we've committed. We're still talking to the developer. It depends upon the landlord's willingness to work with us and whether the cost would be something feasible."

Imwalle Stegner Development purchased the former Tasso's building more than a year ago. According to neighbors, it had been empty since a popular restaurant went out of business approximately three years ago. Development company staffers confirmed they have spoken with Taco Bell, but said no deals have been struck.

"They've contacted us about leasing the property and building their own building," project manager Dominic Giacalone said. "We've told them, 'You're going to have to get an approval from the city for us to really look at it.' Right now, we're still moving ahead as if we're going to build a retail building."

Imwalle Stegner Development plans to construct a retail center at the site and lease out space to retail and restaurant uses. However, if Taco Bell acquires a conditional use permit from the city, Giacalone said, Imwalle will likely lease them the land. At this point, Taco Bell has filed no permit requests with the city of San Jose.

"We have indicated that we would do that if they got the approval," Giacalone said. "But again, we're not banking on it."

Neighbors who have caught wind of the discussions are already opposed to the prospect of Taco Bell, echoing an uproar that ensued when the fast-food chain vied for the same building two years ago.

In 1995, Taco Bell applied for a conditional use permit to open a 24-hour "drive-thru" shop and was denied. This time, the company has agreed to forego the 24-hour service--the main point of neighbors' contention--but would still seek permits for a drive-through. Although nothing has been officially filed, neighbors are already poised to fight.

"To think that Taco Bell would have the nerve to go back in there," neighbor Margo Reynolds said. "Fast food, it just attracts all kinds of problems."

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