Regional Transit Center Plan Unveiled In San Jose
SAN JOSE (KCBS) – The San Jose City Council got its first look at the grand plans to build a regional transit center in the city on Tuesday.
The Diridon train station could someday become the "Grand Central Station" of Silicon Valley, serving as a major hub for Caltrain, BART, light rail and high-speed rail.
And while the A's playing baseball in San Jose is still a big question mark, San Jose Councilman Pierluigi Oliverio said they still have to plan, with or without a baseball stadium.
"You clear the Environmental Impact Report so development can happen," he said. "Whether or not development happens the way you want it to is another story."
KCBS' Matt Bigler Reports:
Many local business owners are in support of the A's moving to the area near downtown, like Santos Hernandez, who owns World Sports Memorabilia near HP Pavilion.
"Not just me, but it will help a lot of businesses to grow and get better in this economy," Santos said.
But even without a ballpark, Councilman Ash Kalra said "even more so than the sports venue, the transit center is the most critical component."
Parking issues are still being worked out, with some business owners pushing for more garages and residents calling for more bike and pedestrian paths.
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