September 2, 2005

WGNA’s August board meeting full of business

By Carol Rosen
Editor

After a month off in July, the board of directors of the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association held a meeting on Aug. 10. Besides, the usual agenda, the board wanted to talk about the traffic study for Willow Glen Elementary and discuss the potential dog park at Wallenberg. There were so many things to discuss, time ran out!

Willow Glen Elementary School’s construction manager, Steve Adamo, explains traffic patterns to those attending the August WGNA board meeting.

While most of the evening was centered on the traffic study and the dog park, other matters brought people out too. San Jose Unified School Boardmember Pam Foley introduced the district’s construction manager, Steve Adamo, who explained the traffic pattern around Willow Glen Elementary and how it is likely to impact drivers.

In order to alleviate bus/car traffic, the district decided to have a bus drop-off on Minnesota in front of the school, while cars will drop students off in the circular parking lot on Lincoln or on the avenue itself. No parking will be allowed in the driveway itself and there is no parking allowed between the entrance or exit of the parking lot.

Adamo said the study, which was completed on June 3, indicates there are no anticipated traffic impacts. In fact, he noted that the new drop-off zones are likely to improve previous traffic problems.

There was little discussion following Adamo’s presentation, although WGNA directors did mention the need to educate parents and new drivers about the changes.

The directors voted to increase WGNA dues to $10 for an individual and $20 per family. This goes into effective Jan. 1. The dues had been $5 for singles and $10 per family. The extra money that is raised will be used for community activities, including social events and possibly summer movie nights.

Probably the most contentious subject on the agenda was the proposed dog park for Wallenberg Park. President Ed Rast opened the subject noting that the board had received a lot of letters concerning the dog park. He acknowledged everyone’s concerns and noted that the association wants to work with everyone involved.

Once attendees started speaking, it became apparent how contentious the situation is. Some people are worried about small children, others are concerned about middle school and high school students that walk through the park. Some in the audience worried about dog bites and intimidation, while others noted that the dogs aren’t the problem.

One gentleman suggested setting aside park hours for the dogs and letting them run off leash when no one else is around. That suggestion met with disapproval from everyone, based on Curtner traffic and the inability some drivers have to obey the 35 MPH speed limit.

While the board was trying to help find a solution, it appeared that those attending had already decided where they stood. Rast suggested the board form a committee with some of the people for and against the park to determine the best strategy.

Earlier topics included an update on the possibility of working with the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association to produce a Founder’s Day in September or October of 2006. The committee working on this is trying to decide whether to make it a one or two day event, with parades and carnivals on one day and activities such as a Pancake Breakfast, 5- or 1-K runs and a Kid Zone with other activities on Sunday.

Discussion included cost, with some board members reminding others of the costs involved, for example in closing down Lincoln Avenue for the day. Foley suggested that perhaps the high school, which has its home coming in October, could work out something with the Founder’s Day producers to reduce the stress on WGNA’s budget.

The November general meeting was discussed with possible topics suggested. No decisions were made.

The next WGNA board meeting will be held Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Willow Glen Baptist Church, 1292 Minnesota Ave. at the corner of Hicks and Minnesota. The agenda for that meeting had not been published at press time.