San Jose residents are locking horns with city planners and the retail giant Costco over a proposed warehouse that could reshape the West San Jose neighborhood. For nearly three years, community members have been unified in opposition, citing concerns ranging from traffic jams and student safety to environmental impact and the necessity of another Costco mere minutes from several others.
In a bid to save their suburban community flavor, local grassroots organization Save West Valley! hosted a meeting on Feb. 1 to raise awareness and rally support against the construction, according to San Jose Spotlight. Janelle Greenlee, a mother and ten-year resident, fears the increased traffic and road safety, particularly for the students of Prospect High School, located across the street from the planned site. "Every student in this school, especially if they're denied bussing, especially if we're impacted with cars, should have a safe walking and biking route wherever they need to go," she told San Jose Spotlight.
Vociferous opposition to the project isn't just about the safety and logistics; it's about preserving the character of a community that feels itself straining under the weight of Silicon Valley's relentless expansion. On Change.org, residents implore city officials to consider the future of the West Valley, emphasizing that while they are not against development, it should not come at the cost of their quality of life. The petition suggests a more integrated urban village concept that aligns with the Envision San Jose 2040 plan.
Despite the outcry, San Jose's planning commission and city council have yet to cast their decisive votes, expected in the spring or summer. A Costco spokesperson told San Jose Spotlight, "Unfortunately, it is our company policy to not comment regarding future Costco warehouses until we are ready to share details about the new location (usually 2-3 months in advance)." The decision looms large over residents who see the behemoth warehouse and its 11,000 car trips daily as a threat, not just to their comfort but to the community's spirit.
As the debate continues, community members remain steadfast, ready to challenge what they see as a profit-over-people move in this nook of San Jose. Co-founder of Save West Valley! Marc Pawliger expressed his view—shared by many—about the balance of development and community need: "When I see someone come in and basically try and turn a profit on things as opposed to looking at what the neighborhood needs, that's when I get concerned."
