The Willow Glen Resident

Council Watch

Council votes to rezone Lincoln Ave. for homes, retail shops

Council's decision is in opposition to city planners'

By Cecily Barnes

Northern Lincoln Avenue is on the way to mimicking its southern counterpart as a viable commercial and residential district. On Nov. 20, the San Jose City Council voted to rezone the industrial strip of Lincoln, between Coe and Highway 280 out to Los Gatos Creek, to allow for businesses and housing. Now, retail shops, restaurants, and homeowners will be encouraged in this area instead of garages, carwashes and mini-storage facilities.

"If somebody wants to develop that land, the front portion could be commercial or residential, and the back portion could be residential," said Joe Guerra, chief aide to District 6 City Councilmember Frank Fiscalini. "It could all be converted to an extension of Willow Glen."

For the past decade or so, city officials and the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association have concentrated on revitalizing downtown Willow Glen from a rundown row of thrift shops into a vibrant shopping district. Now that the goal has virtually been accomplished, the vision of what Willow Glen can be is expanding.

"From my perspective we have an untapped treasure," Guerra said before the changes were finalized. "The area isn't best as an industrial zone. I think [the rezoning] will improve Willow Glen overall."

Apparently the City Council agreed, despite an opposing recommendation from the Planning Commission. Planners said residential property would clash with the nearby freeway, railroad tracks and industrial businesses.

However, experts from the San Jose Real Estate Board predict that townhouses or condominiums anywhere in Willow Glen would likely be desirable to developers.

"It's a very hot area for residential developers," said Dolores Anaya, statistics analyst for the San Jose Real Estate Board. "Willow Glen is comparable to Los Gatos; it's old and has the feeling of a quiet neighborhood. People want that."

The few existing retail establishments in this pocket are overjoyed with the decision, saying it will help their business.

"I'm thrilled," said Lynn Knee, owner of Talk of the Town. "I've always felt a little left out down here, so we all look upon the change as very beneficial to us in terms of increased foot traffic and cleaning up the area."

Knee is so confident about the zoning change, she plans to eventually reopen her shop for full-service breakfast and lunch. Currently she offers catering services and a coffee and pastry bar.

"I'm going to start my own little strip of the Avenue down here," Knee said.

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