Thursday, December 11, 2003

The City of San Jose (sporting a $85 million shortfall) and State of California (sporting an $10.2 billion deficit) are actively building an interchange to nowhere. The City's contribution is $4.3 million. The only reason to build this interchange it to goose "smart growth" in the Coyote Valley. But the $23.6 million to build this interchange isn't going to do anything other than induce sprawl. While the interchange is being build transit funds are being locked up in other projects, like BART to San Jose. There are no funds to bring light rail to the Coyote Valley. There are no funds to expand Caltrain service to the Coyote Valley. Yet we have a $23.6 million road to nowhere. Apparently the City and State are operating under the "If we build it, people will come, premise". This might work for a field of dreams. But we are living in reality and the city and state can't afford these dreams. 6:19:22 PM     Comment []

I have been writing to many entries that I delete. I start out with strong convictions, then I start to think about my potential audience and pare them back. While my readership is small, my personal views could seem in conflict with my neighborhoods views. Enough of that. I shouldn't delete what I think. I am not running for office (outside my neighborhood), and my neighborhood must deal with me. I am sorry that I cut myself off before. I wasn't thinking clearly. 5:49:42 PM     Comment []