Sunday morning around twenty volunteers began a cleanup of the north end of Lincoln Avenue from Coe to Parkmoor. They successfully cleaned the east side of Lincoln from Parkmoor to Paula, and the west side to Lonus. They collected eighty 55-gallon trash bags worth of trash and weeds, in addition to non-baggable junk like old tires, mattresses, clothing, motor oil and paint cans. The owner of Ranch Town Recycling was kind enough to provide a truck and driver to collect larger items and tree trimmings, and providing a large dumpster at no cost.
Thank Yous
Thanks to all the volunteers who came from the Elements complex, local Walgreen’s stores, the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association and San Jose Bike Party. Scott Knies, the executive director of the San Jose Downtown Business Association, and Marylyn, the executive director of a non-profit called Sustainable Silicon Valley, also participated. Special thanks to the Elements complex which hosted complimentary continental breakfast for all volunteers, and Union Bank which bought La Villa for lunch.
Connecting the Midtown “Urban Village” with Willow Glen
With the ratification of its new long-term development strategy last year, San Jose committed to the development of “transit-oriented developments” also known as urban villages. They are designed to alleviate urban sprawl by 1) Promoting biking, walking and the use of public transportation. 2) Fostering self-containment where people live, work and play in the same area and 3) Facilitating strong community institutions and interaction.
One such urban village called Midtown Urban Village is just north of Willow Glen. Elements is the first major complex as part of it. When complete, approximately 5,000 people will live there, mostly 21-35 year olds and empty nesters. These folks will be looking for nearby shops and restaurants they can bike and walk to, making it important to make Lincoln Avenue a pedestrian-friendly connection.
