Along with wanting businesses that stay open until midnight, residents said they would be more apt to shop in Willow Glen if parking was easier and there were more diverse shops. Residents would also like to see more family-style restaurants in the business district, along with book, hardware and grocery stores, the survey noted.

The findings are based on a Willow Glen Neighborhood Association's membership survey conducted during its May board elections.

Voting was open to paid members who have been part of the association for at least six months, which Ames said is roughly half the total membership, or 250 people. The association received 96 replies, or 38-percent response return.

The survey had a dual purpose: to identify the wishes of its membership, and to encourage membership participation, Ames said.

In reviewing the responses the association also learned that 47 percent of respondents favored secondary units or "granny flats" under the appropriate circumstances, such as building a unit on a large lot or allowing sufficient distance from a neighbor's property. Others--32 percent--agreed with legalizing existing structures. However, 54 percent of residents indicated that they were opposed to a baseball stadium being built near San Jose Diridon Station.

"We're still digesting and evaluating the significance of the survey results," association board member Larry Ames said.

Neighbors responding to the survey want the association to continue focusing on development and traffic issues. This was the impetus for establishing the grassroots organization 30 years ago. The residents also want the association to be involved with environmental projects such as tree plantings and creek restorations, and continue maintaining neighborhood communication through the association's website and email list.

The association has 500 paying members and a free email list with more than 700 subscribers.

The association plans to present its results to the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association, which manages the downtown neighborhood business district.

This sharing of information is exactly what the Willow Glen community is about, Ames said.

"It's great when we work together--a great business area affects the quality of life in the area and our members are their customers," he said.