Willow Glen Resident

News

Rethinking parking on Lincoln Ave. with fewer restrictions

By Mayra Flores De Marcotte

The Willow Glen Business and Professional Association wants to talk about parking in its downtown. That includes changing some San Jose ordinances.

The business association did just that on April 5 at the Fraternal Order of Eagles building, association executive director Norma Ruiz said.

The business association is requesting the city remove all parking requirements for new and expanding businesses.

"We want an economically strong, pedestrian-friendly business district," Ruiz said. "But in order to materialize our vision, we need strong retail and restaurant presence."

Ruiz said as an older business district, Willow Glen is at a major disadvantage because of the current parking requirements.

"If a restaurant wants to expand in order to increase their revenue, they are required to add parking space," Ruiz said, "and with the older buildings, there isn't any space to add parking."

Parking requirements in San Jose have been in place since the early 1960s, said San Jose economic development manager of corporate outreach Nancy Klein. Older buildings weren't built with more parking than was usually needed, but those requirements are outdated.

"It's not a lack of parking that's the issue," Ruiz said. "It's the way parking is being used."

The business association is exploring various alternatives, such as shared parking throughout the downtown Willow Glen business district, as well as how to make better use of underutilized lots, such as the one at Bank of America.

Neighborhood leaders are questioning some of the proposals, and said the elimination of parking requirements might not be the safest route.

"We just don't want unintentional consequences to come from these changes," Willow Glen Neighborhood Association President Ed Rast said.

He cited as an example of these "unintentional consequences" new businesses coming in to the district and not having enough parking. This could cause customers to overflow on to the side streets, such as Meredith and Brace avenues, and park in front of residents' homes.

"Then neighbors might have to make the decision of either dealing with the problem or going to permit parking," Rast said.

He suggested the city planners at the meeting look for an interim solution instead of going from established requirements to no requirements.

"If this doesn't work, we get stuck," Rast said.

Neighborhood association board member Larry Ames suggested the city consider giving waivers to businesses.

"If the requirement is eight spaces and they only have five, issue a waiver instead of getting rid of the requirements altogether," Ames said. "Then the city can see the impact and go from there."

The real problem, according to business association treasurer Marvin Bamburg, goes beyond the number of spaces. He cites access to parking as an obstacle that needs to be resolved.

"We need more consolidation," Bamburg said. "We want to allow parking to flow from lot to lot, but it takes the cooperation from the property owners."

The business association has attempted to accomplish this fluid-parking approach for several years. Its most recent efforts were 2 1/2 years ago, but property owners weren't in agreement.

Now with the turnover of businesses and new owners, the business association thinks property owners are starting to open up to the idea.

"The climate has changed, and the window of opportunity is here," Ruiz said.