Figuring out What Went Wrong in D3
I’ve been knocking on hundreds of doors recently and it’s inspiring and revealing. A question that people keep asking me is this:
What were the past decisions made by city government that led to the current decline in quality of life in D3?
I have my own thoughts, but I’d like to open the question up to the community, and I’ll report back as we go along regarding what people think.
As to today (March 13), here are the first three ideas that people mention the most:
1.) The mismanagement of the flood of 2017, which caused over $100 Million in damage and forced 14,000 people to evacuate. Sadly, we had a similar flood in 1997 and should have known this could come again. The City has a duty to warn, but poor communication and late decision making resulted in catastrophic experiences for many near Coyote Creek. Water reached several feet on some streets and crews in boats rescued more than 400 people. One firefighter was injured while gathering a family’s pets. Liccardo was asked by reporters whether there had been enough warning. “If the first time that a resident is aware that they need to get out of a home is when they see a firefighter or a boat, clearly there’s been a failure,” he said. No one wants a three-peat of communication problems and a lack of warning.
2.) The SJ Housing Dept’s Siting Policy, which states on its face that the intention of the policy is the equitably distribution of affordable housing throughout San Jose. However, the effect the policy is the continuation of most affordable housing to be placed in and around downtown. Everyone I spoke with is eager to do their part, share, and help with the housing mess we find ourselves in. The concern is in the obvious conclusion that downtown is being used for all affordable housing and the Siting Policy is not truly working as designed. D3ers understand Urban Villages and Transit Corridors but on the surface, it appears that D3 will continue to get more than its fair share.
3.) Obstacles to building more housing. Housing is a priority for the majority of residents I talk to. However, when I talk to developers, I hear about the onerous, excessive, and sometimes lunatic regulations and permits that slow down — and in many cases stop the building of new housing. Developers have told me many of their experiences, including one example where the City required 6 inspections to build one bathroom wall.
Please send your thoughts about What Went Wrong to IreneSmithD3@gmail.com
Irene Smith, JD, PhD
3/13/22
