Things often seem to have a new beginning around Easter. In some ways it is more rejuvenating than even New Year’s Day in the minds of many. I am one of those who feel this way. The idea of resurrection is, and should be, a fine chance to start again. It is in the center of my mind this week and presents us with a real opportunity.
With the protests over “Little Saigon” seemingly in abeyance, the energy of City Hall must now turn to the unresolved public policy issues before us as a city: namely, budgetary reform, land use sanity, and the rebuilding of hope and optimism in the dream of a revitalized downtown surrounded by strong neighborhoods. These are all intimately connected, yet they have received scant attention in the last decade, except in a very negative way. Now is the time for action.
The end of the multiyear, “new city” offensive in Coyote Valley has left a legacy that is difficult to judge now. However, anyone who believes that it is over does not understand the dynamics of such large ventures and dedicated proponents. Do not forget that there was once a strong reason to provide a tax base in the northern sections of the valley. Although the plans of Apple and Tandem, as well as Cisco, are far in the past, there is always in this city the next “new new thing.” We can be cautiously optimistic that if the fixers and the “ready, fire, aim” boys of Divco and the other quick-buck artists recede into the shadows—a moldy area where I am sure they will be hydrated and comfortable—then there is the possibility of a thoughtful plan that serves the entire city, not just a handful of special interests. The solution through the General Plan process must be consistent with what is best for the city as a whole. Fairness must also be a component of the endgame.
All of this is certainly in line with the efforts of Mayor Reed to balance San Jose’s budget and its future, and the efforts of many to forge a missing connection between resources (i.e. money) and the increases in salary and benefits to the employees, and a surer guide to that future. This connection must be recognized and maintained. Also, the quite simple but elusive link between the capacity of the city to construct new facilities and the ability to staff and maintain them must be emphasized. Only then will we be on the road to a better and sustainable city.
A revitalized downtown? Then how about a resurrection of a movement to bring our National Pastime to the SJ core. As I’ve stated before, Cisco Field at Fremont (for A’s) is far from a done deal (at least two years away from a possible groundbreaking). And this Monday marks the beginning of Comcast SportsNet Bay Area (formerly FSN Bay Area), in which the SF Giants have a 20-30% stake in. A successful A’s franchise in a money-making downtown SJ location equates to more money in the pockets of the Giants (in terms of TV ratings on new network). The Giants finally ceding San Jose/SCCo. to Lew Wolff/A’s (for perhaps a little compensation) is a win win for all party’s, including our beloved downtown San Jose! Besides, it’s simpler to say “San Jose A’s” than “San Jose A’s at Fremont.” Dare to dream people!
Tom,
The City owns very close to 15 million square feet of property in San Jose. Just imagine if the City could get that property revenue up to “$2 dollars per square foot”, thats $30 million dollars in revenue. Take it to $3 dollars per square foot and the city would increase the revenue to $45 million dollars.
The Mayor and City Manager are looking for $37 million to cover their short fall.
Tom, if you were Mayor what would you do to solve this problem ? Three dollars ($3 dollars) per square foot is still cheap for rental income.
Tom, I`d like to hear your thoughts on this.
Re: San Jose’s budget situation, I actually think that the calculus is pretty simple, but “selling” the solution is what’s difficult. The city needs to reset its priorities and start contracting out more of its services. EXAMPLE: Stop funding all non-essential activities. (The city can go without a Cultural Affairs Dept for awhile…the city sent someone out to hang banners on Saratoga Ave advertising Cinnequest, rather then dedicating the same amount of man/woman hours to patching the pothholes on Mitty or Morrpark!) You see, the city is paying a lot of money to external things…it’s time to “get back to basics” for awhile, and catch up.
Pete Campbell
How do you revitalize downtown SJ, Mr McEnery? What are you proposing? There are already seem alot going for downtown. Can you be specific and clear the air about this topic?
#4 Pete,
I would like S.J.I. readers to go back and read your article in LaOferta on 23 September, 2005…call it,“words of wisdom” or forcasting the future. Well written, now we live it!
Tom,
The answer to the Mayors Budget shortfall might have come up at City Hall last Tuesday nite March 18th. A presentation by the neighborhood leaders showed the City of San Jose was only earning 28 cents per square foot for City owned property. While simple average whearehouse space was much higher.
The City owns millions of square feet of property.
Tom,
Poster #3 has an interesting point. He makes it sound like the city may have a solution to its structural deficit right in the palm of its hand and not even realize it.
If City were to rank in descending order the Fair Market Lease Value per square foot of its properties, what would be the top ten properties? What would be their FMLV per square foot be?
If you were Mayor, is this something you look at; maybe even benchmark to other cities of like size and prominence to see how we were performing?
Tom…
You wisely and thoughtfully crafted these words…
“then there is the possibility of a thoughtful plan that serves the entire city, not just a handful of special interests. “
Then there was posting #3 #7, and poooof; no comment. No response. No curiousity. No interest. H m m m
Richard/David – Thanks for the ideas/thoughts – I think that the first thing that the city has to do is control its land use policies – Mayor Reed is doing that – no more lobbyists’ free zone to sell approvals to the highest bidder, no more conversion of industrial land, willy nilly, and a reasoned policy of employee negotiations. This is the beginning. To look at the fair market value of city property is something to explore, and your 15mil. sq.ft. seems very high – I will have the crack staff at sji explore this. TMcE