I understand the deal for the gardens is still under discussion,
and they’re still waiting for things to work out, but I drive
around town and I see signs all over the place.
The name game
I understand the deal for the gardens is still under discussion, and they’re still waiting for things to work out, but I drive around town and I see signs all over the place. “Bonfante Gardens” has been blacked out and “Gilroy Gardens” has replaced it. Does that mean the deal has gone through? What would be the purpose of changing all those signs if the purchase is still under discussion?
Red Phone:
Dear Caller, The confusion stems from the recent name change by the park’s board of directors. Hoping to cash in on Garlic Capital’s name recognition, the nonprofit park decided in late February to change its name from Bonfante Gardens (after founder Michael Bonfante) to Gilroy Gardens. Three weeks later, the city announced it was exploring the possible purchase of the park and its 536 acres off Hecker Pass Highway. The $12.4 million deal has not been consummated, and officials are now exploring the legal and budget challenges that stand in the way. They have promised that you, dear caller, and any other members of the public, will have a chance to weigh in on the proposed sale after they spend three months performing their “due diligence.” No doubt you’re counting the seconds, caller.
High traffic area
I wonder if the city would or has considered putting in traffic lights at two extremely busy intersections? Both Wren/Mantelli and Wren/Welburn could benefit from a traffic signal. Wren/Mantelli is particularly bad as you can have (including right turners) up to 12 lanes of traffic converging on a four-way stop sign. Wren/Welburn has the same problem and is a major school crossing intersection. Also, there is a crosswalk going across Wren between 3rd and 4th that goes to the park there. It is difficult to see if anyone is in that crosswalk when heading towards Uvas as there are vehicles parked there blocking the view. I think the city should move the no parking stripe back another 50 to 75 feet so that motorists have a clear view of anyone entering that crosswalk
Red Phone:
Dear Caller, Red Phone contacted Gilroy Traffic Engineer Don Dey, who told us the city monitors all the busy intersections in the city. “There’s enough development going on that we do traffic studies to see if a signal is warranted,” Dey said. The city follows state and federal guidelines to determine whether a host of specific conditions exist that would trigger the need for a signal, he said. “We follow that practice, and when (the conditions) get to a certain point, then we install a signal,” he said. For example, Dey offered, when the Oak Commons project near the intersection of First Street and Wren Avenue was being developed, the additional traffic it generates triggered the need for a signal at that intersection. Ditto for Wren Avenue and Third Street. “At Wren and Mantelli we don’t think it warrants one yet,” Dey said. “But at Wren and Welburn, which we are monitoring closely, it is busy, and the next development in that area will warrant a light.”
So dear caller, hang in there. The way Gilroy is growing, you’ll likely see a new signal in the time it takes, well, a light to change.
