Willow Glen Resident
News
City agrees to move ahead with $20 million buy of spur trail
By Emilie Crofton
San Jose City Council chose the right path in obtaining and building the Willow Glen Spur Trail, a 3-mile stretch of land running through council districts 3, 6 and 7.
On Nov. 6, the city council voted unanimously on Councilman Pierluigi Oliverio's recommendation to move forward on negotiations with the Union Pacific Railroad Company to purchase the railroad land, which could cost more than $20 million.
Although the city may not have the dollars needed to fund the project, Oliverio said it was necessary to act now and commit because of the interest from private developers.
"Spend what you have now and acquire what is available today," he said.
Helen Chapman, former president of San Jose parks commission, said the city's commitment was crucial.
"It's thrilling to hear that the city is now committed because this will open the doors to future funding," she said.
The council's decision ties into San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed's green vision, which calls for the city's 44 miles of trails to grow to 100.
"This is the first down payment on the green vision," Oliverio said.
Willow Glen Neighborhood Association president and trails advocate Larry Ames, Chapman and a number of Willow Glen residents spoke in support of the purchase
"It's a trail that offers an opportunity for exercise, a lot of fresh air and beautiful scenery," says Willow Glen resident and trail supporter Richard Zappelli.
They described the future walking and biking trail as a way to link neighborhoods, inspire healthy habits and offer alternative transportation routes.
"[The trail] links to the mayor's vision," Chapman said, "but it also links to the community's vision."
The council's decision was a step forward from the month of August, when residents were angered after a portion of the trail was sold to a developer.
"I'm pleased to see the direction has shifted," Chapman said. "The city is looking to spend money on viable services and purchasing quality of life transactions like parks and trails."
Oliverio said he had spoken with a Union Pacific representative who said that if the city was willing to make a commitment, the company and the city could work together to get something accomplished.
The next step, Oliverio said, is to set up a task force made up of city, county and community representatives to stay on top of possibilities and coordinate ways to look for money.
"We want to take every opportunity to secure this land," Oliverio said.
