 |
|
|
|
|
Speak Out
Glen is scapegoat for community problems
I would like to comment on the Oct. 13 article regarding The Glen ("Council vote ends Glen's long battle for 2 a.m. closing time").
I attended the hearing and could not understand the decision. The decision approved lacked merit and facts. The issue was not with The Glen, but rather with motorcycles driving down Meredith, people making noise as they walk to their automobiles, setting a citywide precedent and a phobia of The Glen becoming a nightclub.
The Glen was used as a scapegoat for all of downtown Willow Glen's problems. Lincoln Avenue is a growing commercial district for all to enjoy. When you buy a house near a commercial district, you will experience some noise and inconveniences. I was amazed when Meredith Avenue neighbors actually held The Glen accountable for cars and motorcycles driving down their street. The City Council hearing needed to be re-focused on permit parking, banning motorcycles on Lincoln, etc. What happened to the $5,000 The Glen gave to the Meredith Avenue neighbors for permit parking implementation over one year ago?
If Vice Mayor Fiscalini was worried about setting a precedent, why was The Glen allowed a nine-month trial period? Why is the restaurant located 10 feet away from The Glen allowed to stay open until 2 a.m. seven days a week? Are those not precedents?
Two neighborhood associations spoke against the 2 a.m. closing. However, the Blewitt Avenue neighbors most impacted by The Glen spoke in favor of allowing The Glen to continue operating until 2 a.m. Who do these neighborhood groups represent if not the neighbors most immediately impacted? Why does the Shasta Neighborhood Group care about what happens in Willow Glen?
What bothered me most about this debate are the politics associated with running a small business in the city of San Jose. What happened to the democratic way of life, and allowing market demand to determine the fate of a business?
Finally, I want to commend Mayor Ron Gonzales for listening to both sides of the debate and doing what a true leader should do--compromise. That is why he is the mayor.
Jennifer Batuyong
Junewood Avenue
Tree is nice, Avenue lights would be nicer
As a big fan/believer in events that bring the community together, I am happy to see that the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association and the Willow Glen Sunrisers are already working on the holiday tree lighting festivities ["WG school to be home of town's Xmas tree," Oct. 13].
One tradition that is not spoken of that I wish would be, is the Lights Over Lincoln. Other business districts such as Campbell and Los Gatos have large, very brightly lit community Christmas trees, but they also have the trees lining their main streets lit, adding warmth to their shopping districts. While it isn't feasible to light the sycamores lining Lincoln Avenue, it is very feasible to put the Lights Over Lincoln back up (last done in '96).
Yes, there is some work in checking them out and getting them up, but it is well worth the effort, as they improve the holiday ambiance on the Avenue, and attract more visitors. Given this, the Lights Over Lincoln would be a good project for the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association to undertake, they having done it before.
In addition to putting the Lights Over Lincoln back up, I would also like to suggest lighting the archways on the Avenue again. A big community Christmas tree is nice, but that is nice only in one place. The two suggestions I have would help make the holiday atmosphere nicer for the businesses further up the Avenue.
And don't complain about the labor involved; community-minded people with experience like myself would gladly help if asked.
June E. Cooley
Almaden Road
The Booksin library is grateful to community
In response to Carmen Nicholls' Sept. 15 Speak Out ["Booksin library volunteers displaced by union employee"], please rest assured that the district is grateful for the community's support for the Booksin library. The Booksin library has for several years been housed in a small, single-sized classroom which did not adequately meet the needs of students nor did it allow the librarian an opportunity to conduct library and research skills classes with students. Last year, under the guidance of the librarian, the library was moved from its cramped quarters to a much larger, double-sized classroom that meets the district standards for elementary school libraries.
We are very appreciative of the parent volunteers and school staff who worked together shelving books and putting the room in order during the opening days of school this year. The library is now fully operational, and accommodates full classes of students under the direction of the librarian, while volunteers read to groups of youngsters.
Booksin principal Wendy Carlson joins me in inviting the school community to visit Booksin and its library. Next year, in line with the school modernization schedule, the library will receive further structural upgrades.
Linda T. Murray
Superintendent of Schools
San Jose Unified School District
WG isn't perfect but it's pretty close
It sounds as if Nancy Bentley ("Perfect community has turned 'greedy, high and mighty,' " Speak Out, Oct. 20) has been here too long and should start looking for the "perfect place" again, if there is such a thing.
I love Willow Glen in spite of its few shortcomings. I like walking up to the town and browsing around (the shops are NOT junky) and talking to the friendly people. I see people outside sweeping the front of their stores (admit it, most stores only have time to sweep once a day!) with smiles on their faces. I don't hear my neighbors complain of anything much, but I do agree with Nancy about those who complain about The Glen. I have read enough of that and would like to see these people look at the good side of things for a while. I also would like to see more independent stores instead of the chains, but since that's not to be, I will accept them with grace.
Okay, Nancy--which will it be: a new perfect place or Willow Glen?
Sue Evans
Dean Avenue
|
|
|
|
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
