The six-acre property has been empty for some time but has been designated for affordable housing. Ray Bramson, with San Jose’s Housing Department said, “We need more immediate opportunities. This is a place we feel we can construct quickly, get online much faster and in a safe environment.”
While the project is in planning stages and still needs environmental clearance, Rae Hanson with Conklin Brothers across the street from the proposed site, installed $150,000 worth of security lights and fencing because customers were afraid to come to his business. He says the crime and blight will only get worse if there are more homeless people in the neighborhood.
Councilman Pierluigi Oliverio, who represents the district, said, “I think anytime you propose any type of facility like this anywhere in any city there will always be concerns.” He favors using houses of worship that are spread throughout the community as opposed to concentrating the homeless all in one place. ##
(Photo credit: ktvu/Azenith Smith–manufactured home planned for San Jose Homeless)
