Is it just me or is Sixth Street in the east/west direction
becoming a white knuckle ride?
Sixth Street, Third Street seem to be main areas of concern
“Is it just me or is Sixth Street in the east/west direction becoming a white knuckle ride?
“I drive this route back and forth four times daily and within the last month I could’ve been hit at least five times. People running stop signs, pedestrians on bicycles are weaving through traffic, and the best one is the non-existent four-way stop that Gilroyans still believe is at Sixth and Eigleberry. Am I the only one?”
and,
“I’m writing in regards to people speeding on Third Street, mainly between Westwood Drive and Wren Avenue. Cars aren’t just going a few miles an hour over the posted speed limit of 35, they are – in some cases – doubling that. There has been several accidents in the last few months too. My kids play on this street, and it’s getting to where I’m afraid to let them play in front of the house. Plus the school is right there and kids walk this street every day. Who can we talk to or what can we do to get them slowed down? Thanks for any help you can provide”
Dear You’re Not the Only One,
Red Phone contacted Gilroy Police Sgt. Jim Gillio, who forwarded your complaints to the traffic officer. If you don’t see an officer out there more often and if things don’t slow down, let Red Phone know.
Old Wal-Mart remains vacant
“What is up with old Wal-Mart location? Are they ever going to put in something over there? That would be a great location for a Dave and Busters given proximity to the Outlets. Just a suggestion.”
Dear What’s Up,
Dave and Busters would be a great use for the old Wal-Mart building, so Red Phone contacted Community Development Director Wendie Rooney, who said at this point there is no development application for the old Wal-Mart location, though the Westfield Corp. was looking at the site for their planned eastside mall.
“The Westfield application does not include this property,” she said. “There was some discussion that they might try to acquire it, but we have not received any revised information that includes the Wal-Mart property.”
Now, as to the fact that the building remains vacant, Red Phone responded last year to a call regarding Wal-Mart’s agreement to demolish the building.
Melissa Durkin, project manager replied in an e-mail back then:
Here is the condition of approval from Wal-Mart’s Architectural & Site Review staff report that addresses this issue: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. shall demolish the building located at 7900 Arroyo Circle if:
a. A period of 12 months has lapsed since the Wal-Mart Supercenter obtained its Certificate of Occupancy; and
b. The Wal-Mart store located at 7900 Arroyo Circle remains vacant and in Wal-Mart’s possession, and no agreement has been reached with a prospective tenant.
The 12-month time frame to demolish the Wal-Mart building located at 7900 Arroyo Circle may be extended for an additional 12 months by the City Council if Wal-Mart is engaged in good faith negotiations with a prospective user or buyer, wrote Durkin.
She added since Wal-Mart no longer owns this building, the city cannot require them to demolish it. Robert B. Hudson, purchased the building, from Wal-Mart.
“It is his property now and he can choose to leave it vacant,” said Durkin. “But he has no plans of that.”
So good caller, stay tuned for updates. As soon as something happens out there, we’ll let you know, either in the news section or here in the Red Phone column.
