Huge New Whole Foods Store Opens In San Jose
SAN JOSE (KCBS) - The troubled San Jose Redevelopment Agency got a bit of good news on Wednesday as city leaders gathered for the opening of a Whole Foods store in south San Jose.
The 50,000 square foot store at Blossom Hill and Almaden Expressway is expected to give the city a much needed economic boost.
Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Harry Mavrogenes said they invested $4 million on improvement projects in the area.
KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:
"Here's an area that has been ignored for years," he said. "We went in, we cultivated and improved it and now, it's a stronger market and a good place to do business."
While there's been some talk about doing away with the agency because of its financial troubles, City Manager Debra Figone said days like this point to the importance of having the agency.
"A redevelopment agency is a wonderful tool for the city. It has been critical to the city's rebound over the years," she said. "After the significant decline of the downtown area, we need to hold on to our redevelopment agency."
The city added about 200 jobs with the opening of the Whole Foods store.
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