Willow Glen Resident

News

Greater Gardner Coalition wants to replace old chain-link fence

By Laura Rheinheimer

Plans are in the works to build a fence in front of Gardner Academy along Virginia Street.

The fence project, similar to one at Anne Darling Elementary School, will be 375 feet long with three art panels, said Harry Mavrogenes, San Jose executive director of redevelopment.

The redevelopment agency is expected to approve $75,000 for the project. The remainder, an additional $75,000, is to be funded through San Jose Unified School District, if approved by the school board.

The project would replace the unsightly chain-link fencing in the neighborhood with iron-rod fencing. One idea is to have each graduating class from Gardner Academy design a panel to add to the fence.

The project is in its pre-planning stages, and the school district wants community input, Luanne Solarez said at a July 26 Gardner Neighborhood Association Coalition meeting.

Members of the community see more potential in the project. Greater Gardner Coalition chairman Kevin Christman says with enough funding, he hopes to have the fence run around the school along Willis and Illinois avenues, and possibly replace the fence around Briebach Park.

"We wanted to beautify the neighborhood," Christman said.