Parking and traffic gridlock around SAP Center are among issues of concern for the SharksGetty Images
The Sharks said that they "may be forced out" of San Jose because of "big downtown developments near the Diridon train station that threaten access and parking at the SAP Center," according to a front-page piece by George Avalos of the San Jose MERCURY NEWS. The Sharks' warning "could shove city officials onto a tightrope as they attempt to balance the needs of the city's highest profile sports team and their quest to dramatically revitalize San Jose's small downtown district." Sharks Sports & Entertainment President Jonathan Becher said, "We definitely do not want to leave. This is our home. This is where we want to be. Leaving is the last resort. But it could come to that if the arena becomes unviable." Avalos notes Google is planning a "transit-oriented development of office buildings, homes, shops, restaurants, entertainment hubs, cultural centers and parks near the train station and the SAP complex." More development is "planned for areas adjacent to that project, and the Sharks are concerned with parking, traffic gridlock and the impact of ongoing construction." Google said that it has been "collaborating with multiple parties and groups, including the Sharks." And the Sharks have "made it clear that Google isn't the problem." The team noted that its agreement with San Jose "requires the city to ensure 4,850 parking spaces are available within one-third of a mile of SAP Center" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 11/13).
MAYOR TRIES TO ALLEVIATE WORRIES: San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, asked about the Sharks' warning at a press conference on Thursday, said he was "confident that nothing that we will do will hasten the departure of the franchise from the city." Liccardo added, "Any professional sports franchise would love to have the opportunity to have thousands of Sharks fans in the form of transit riders, in the form of local workers, in the form of thousands of new residents, right there on the front door of the arena. And that is what our development is going to do" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 11/12). In S.F., Roland Li reports San Jose officials are "expected to vote on whether to approve" Google's plan next spring, and a public hearing will be held on Monday. It is the "largest project ever proposed in downtown San Jose." Becher said that the team "hopes to reach an agreement with the city, but legal action is an option" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 11/13).
