Usually one wants fewer cars downtown

Posted on January 22, 2006 by Gene

San Jose has a major problem with its downtown: lack of life. It reminds me of Phoenix — during the day, people work there and the arena and theatres are there, but no one really goes there for socializing and bars and restaurants and the like. And a large retail development, Santana Row, was built about 4 miles out in the western suburbs drawing the hip young crowds, making downtown even less attractive.
Yes, there are some good restaurants downtown; but there is also block after block of gorgeous old historic storefronts, completely empty. There’s a light rail system meandering through — this past Friday, I counted an average of 7 people per rail car. Now, that is value for money, eh?
Among the various things the city has tried for revitalization (I guess luring retail downtown didn’t cross their minds) is — get this — a Grand Prix style car race, on downtown streets.
Now, think for a moment. Can you image race cars careening around the block in your downtown? Screaming around the park, whipping by the museum, skidding by your hotel? It just seems silly to me, and an event that doesn’t do anything to revitalize downtown or keep people coming year round. Nevertheless, the San Jose City Council has already earmarked subsidy of $4,000,000 for next year’s Grand Prix. That’s right, $4 million for an event that will bring people downtown for just a couple of days; and while they are there the streets are blocked off anyway, so what’s the point?
On top of this, they’ve now decided to relocate trees and widen streets to accommodate the needs of race car drivers. It’ll cost about $505,000 to move the trees and make changes to the road. Who knows how long the construction will tie up traffic.
Then there will be another Grand Prix, after which everyone will go to Santana Row for a drink.