2. Who is responsible for the site? City of San Jose Albert Balagso, Director of San Jose Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services
3. Who are the stakeholders? Parks and Recreation Homeless Bars andRrestaurants- Trials Pub, Tuskies Germania, VTA commuters/ VTA- Light Rail train runs right down the middle of St. James Park, two access the two segments of the park you must cross the Light Rail tracks businesses & law offices - SJAC (San Jose Athletic Club), Office Building, Unitarian Church, Post Office San Jose Court House Residents in nearby area- apartment building located at North West side of park, families with chilidren (playground in park)
4. Who does this place matter to? City of San Jose (parking meters located all around park), Homeless (they hang out here) squirrels ( may become an issue for environmentalists) Seniors (Senior Center used to be located at North East edge of park) VTA commuters Community Historical Society of San Jose (multiple landmarks/statues in park) Parks and Recreation/Arborists (keep up the greenery- grass is very nice) San Jose Redevelopment Agency "master plan" (being executed now),
5. New Family Recreation Area at St. James Park The Family Recreation Area is equipped with a trolley car, swing sets, and a schoolhouse play structure which represents the school that stood on the site of St. James Park in the late 1850’s. The single room schoolhouse includes a platform, toys, and slides. Picnic tables and trees surround the entire play area. The park improvements encourage families to use the park and welcome a new generation of children to the city’s core. The project serves as a symbol of the San Jose’s commitment to creating a new Downtown. Cost $ 800,000 from the San Jose Redevelopment Agency
6. What agendas are at work? What happened here already? The largest of the current events is Music in the Other Park. This musical event takes place every Thursday night in the month of June. A variety of musical performances is held between the hours of 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm. The event attracts approximately 5,000 people. Spectators bring their own blankets and lawn chairs and set them up on the lawn. There is currently no power provided in the park; performers must bring their own generators and sound systems. Stage and food vendors set up in the southwest quadrant of the park along the paths. Zero1 San Jose Redevelopment Agency has began construction of "master plan" demolishing the Senior Center
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8. Future Events After Renovation Christmas in the Park- currently installing new power grid to support more events Small-scale festivals and art shows would be easily accommodated in Saint James Park. The meandering perimeter path could support booths for a visual arts show. The central spine could be a more formal location for booths and displays. Food booths could be set up along First Street, the First Street and Saint John diagonal walkway and along the western half of the central spine. These locations allow for easy access both the attendees, vendors and the subsequent cleaning crews. The west portion of the central spine is sized to accommodate a large tent.
9. General suggestions repeated by two or more groups included: Add things for children – play and picnic areas. Ensure green, tranquil nature of park. Keep shade trees, add flowers. Consider parking, but review impacts carefully in order to retain character of park, historic trees and pedestrian experience. Add an attraction to the park – water feature, café and museum were all mentioned. Add an interactive water feature or another type of water feature (mention by three groups). Reunite both sides of the park – removal of Second Street and/or light rail (mentioned by three groups). Address behavioral and social issues in the park (mentioned by three groups). Increased programming was mentioned by most groups – more concerts, plays and other community events.
10. Goals for St. James Park To retain the historic character of the park and maintain the National Register designation. To upgrade the visual environment of Saint James Park in order to reflect its role as one of the most important public open spaces in downtown San Jose. To develop a plan that makes the park inviting for all members of the community. To activate the park by identifying events and activities that are compatible with the park while inviting more people, and to provide a plan and infrastructure that supports these activities while respecting the surrounding land uses. To review existing improvements for retention/renovation/elimination. To create a plan that meets all current codes.
11. Politics? [Permitting for buildings, food, grass, safety, fire, parking,events], City of San Jose regulates these issues, State- state level regulates city stuff, imported palm trees
