Not so fast …
”
I was reading the article on the Glen Loma development deal
(Oct. 7). Does the Glen Loma development really think that putting
a bridge on 10th Street is going to be that easy?
Not so fast …
“I was reading the article on the Glen Loma development deal (Oct. 7). Does the Glen Loma development really think that putting a bridge on 10th Street is going to be that easy? If so, have they researched the permits they’ll have to get from the fish and game, being that they will cross the creek with the new bridge? Give us some insight on that because I don’t think it’s going to be that easy. I think there’s going to be some hurdles they’ll have to cross, therefore probably belaying this project a little bit. I hope City Council is not that naive to take that bait. I hope not anyway. Thank you.”
Red Phone:
Important concerns caller, but no worries, the city is not operating in the dark.
Building in any body of water – in this case Uvas Creek – is a sensitive matter that involves permitting from a number of local, state and federal agencies. To name a few for this project – the Santa Clara Valley Water District, the Army Corps of Engineers, the federal Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“Yes we’re aware of the permitting,” City Transportation Engineer Don Dey said, “because we’re going through that on another bridge in town – the Camino Arroyo bridge. We work very closely with the water district who then steers us in the proper direction to work with all of the agencies involved with approving the necessary permits.”
Following council approval, Dey said bridge design, permitting, and environmental studies would take place simultaneously over a two year period, followed by a two year construction time. Construction lasts so long because the city is only allowed to build in creeks and other environmentally sensitive areas during a three to five month window in the summer.
So, to add things up – two years of planning plus two years of construction equals bridge by 2010. Or, to play it safe, 2011.
Bamboozled – again and again
“Reference to the Red Phone ‘Word of Warning.’ The fellow mentioned in that warning who asks people for money to catch a bus to Seattle must be a frequent commuter to Morgan Hill and Gilroy because he has been getting bus fare from here to Seattle for at least the last two years. He frequently is at the exit from Nob Hill on Vineyard.”
• “I’m a sucker, Red Phone, just like the caller and yourself. I fell for the man’s Hurricane Katrina victim sign and forked over some of my hard-earned cash. Though I fell for it, thanks for printing the warning. Hopefully it will save some others a little money. Bye.”
• “Hey Red Phone, I was just looking at your article about the man and the $20 bill at the Target shopping center. About three months ago he was $17 short of a trip to Seattle and I gave him $20. He’s been there for at least three or four months doing this off and on. I think he’s probably making a pretty good living. Maybe the police department could look into fraud charges? Thank you.”
• “Hello Red Phone! Just wanted to offer my experience with the $17 short man who hangs out at the Target center. Add me to the list of people who got bamboozled. I guess it just shows you can’t really trust anyone anymore. Thanks.”
• “That guy getting money with the hurricane sign should be ashamed. I read the column about how someone gave him $20 and then how you, Red Phone, also offered some money, and it makes me angry. I also gave that crook $10. I sure hope he needed it for something important. I gave it out of the kindness of my heart, but I could have used that money too. I work hard for my money and unfortunately he made a fool of me. That’s the last time I ever do that. Let people go get jobs. Thanks Red Phone. And I’m glad you let people know about this guy, because most of the time, people give the money and never hear another word. You have a great column.”
Red Phone:
Wow … The Red Phone was taken aback by the response it received on its word of warning. Looks like this guy is pretty well-known – and not only in Gilroy. Anyone interested can head down to the police station at 7370 Rosanna St. or call 846-0350 – though it may be difficult to press charges because the man’s whereabouts seem to change regularly.
