Vacant Buildings on the corner of Zanker and River Oaks Pkwy

I am just wondering if anyone knows what's going on at the vacant office buildings on the corner of Zanker and River Oaks Pkwy? Several old trees were cut down and some big equipments are on site. Any idea?

nunu @ Building 475

I went to the meeting one time and you might get those letters before from City of San Jose (some type of community meeting). It seemed at the time they planned to build retail stores in that area (Sony campus before) and also a residential complex at the campus Cadence sold (at the corner of River Oaks and Seely). I was not happy about the plan on the residential complex since it would create more traffic and parking problem (1.3 parking spots per unit if I remember it right). If you read those ugly signs along River Oaks and Seely done by City of San Jose, you would know they try to "develop" this area.

And I was hoping due to the huge deficit City of San Jose facing, they would hold off this project, but I guess they come back.

Carolyn at 470

If they built a "Whole Foods Store" or "Trader Joe's" on the Sony property, I'd be in favor. However, what I recall is that the Sony property was to also contain apartments as well as a 5 acre park (to make up for the promised park that was never built); and, all apartment complexes were to have a certain percentage (10%?) of low income units.

I'm hoping the old Cadence building project is still on hold.

Found this online: Regarding the North San Jose Development Plan. It's dated, but gives some thoughts. And here's an address of the "River Oaks Neighborhood Association that might be of interest: http://www.ro-na.org/

--ghp95134

Sorry for my snarky comment, but the City of San Jose does not do private development (the redevelopment agency may, however). It only provides guidance and regulations for development. Those sites are owned privately and up to those private companies to propose a plan that is acceptable by the City and the community. Same goes for what retail/commercial occupy those sites. The city really doesn't have any control other than the type of use (restaurants, gas stations, convenience market, full scale grocery store, etc). They can't safe Whole Foods yes, Safeway no. The land owner/developer can.

Anyhow, housing is in the pits, no one is lending construction $$$, so no new housing. Project is likely on hold until it "pencils out" and someone can get a loan (developer) and someone can make money (bank and developer).

Well ... for the past week or so the trees at Sony have been cut down and the parking lot torn out. They haven't started on the building yet; but, it does look like this particular project is now moving forward.

--ghp95134

It will be an new apartment complex built by Irvine and will resemble the apartments on First and Rio Robles. A neighborhood associations, RONA http://www.ro-na.org/ , will have more information on the topic.

Thank you for sending RONA information out. I wonder if our BOD periodically attend their meetings so can bring some more information back and speak out for our concern.

Personally I don't trust government moves much even though I work for local government. Especially after I saw the person representing city of San Jose late for the community meeting for an hour last time and not confident to answer my question. This RONA may help us to make sure our voice heard at least.

Carolyn

I noticed this morning that demolition of the Sony Building has finally begun.

--ghp95134