June 5, 2007

District 6 Report

Small businesses are integral to San Jose neighborhoods

By Pierluigi Oliverio
Special to the Times

The backbone of San Jose is made of its neighborhood businesses. District 6 has many viable and strong small businesses located within its boundary. There are three active business associations that include Lincoln Avenue (Willow Glen Business Association), The Alameda (Alameda Business Association) and West San Carlos (West San Carlos Business Association).  Small businesses in District 6 provide tax revenue for our city. In addition, Willow Glen, The Alameda and West San Carlos business associations have good relationships with and compliment the surrounding residential neighborhoods they border. 

The district has experienced many empty storefronts, whether it is at the corner of Curtner and Lincoln, the former Albertsons store on Bird or others. However, some of those empty storefronts seem to be becoming something of the past. This past week, I attended one meeting and one grand opening of two small businesses owned by people living in the area.

On May 23, I attended the opening of Powell’s Sweet Shop on Lincoln Avenue. Powell’s is a Northern Californian chain that started in the North Bay. They sell vintage candy, gourmet chocolate and gelato. The store was packed with excited patrons who couldn’t wait to unwrap the candies. Although it took a long time for Powell’s to move through the process, its new home is sure to attract an anxious crowd. 

Directly across the street from Powell’s is the upcoming 3 Dog Café, which is slated to open next March. This is a new concept restaurant from the creators of Aqui’s. As many people know, Aqui’s started on Lincoln Avenue and is owned by a gentleman who grew up in San Jose. I hope the process for 3 Dog Café is not backlogged.

In addition, many neighbors in Willow Glen are hopeful that Zanottos will move into the former Albertsons site. I will be tracking this process to make sure that the city departments charged with helping small businesses actually provide assistance. Willow Glen residents want more neighborhood-friendly businesses on Lincoln Avenue and throughout Willow Glen; therefore, I do not want to hold up private investment in our neighborhood business districts. 

I also attended a community meeting this week for a new business on The Alameda, Wine Affairs, which will locate on the same block as the Towne Theater. The woman opening the business formerly worked in high-tech. Now she is pursuing her dream to open a wine bar that serves desserts and also offers classes.  Her target audience is the nearby neighborhood.

City staff, neighborhood and business leaders and various community members attended the Wine Affairs meeting. Usually there is disagreement at these meetings, especially with alcohol being served. However, no one in the room disagreed. Everyone was happy and delighted with the proposed business.

One member of the audience asked how much money was needed to start a business like this. He was told that the start-up costs were over a quarter of a million dollars. I’m glad the question was asked. I am not sure if folks understand what a financial commitment small business owners make when they open a business.

These enterprises chose to locate in these areas because they wanted a central business district feel. They also appreciate the neighborhoods in which the business districts are located. The city needs to continue to provide infrastructure for these areas like pedestrian safety, slowing cars down, trees, benches, bike racks, lighting and other needs.

What are your ideas for neighborhood business districts and businesses in District 6?

If you have any questions or comments for our office, please call at (408) 535-4906, or e-mail us at District6@sanjoseca.gov.