San Jose Businesses Voice Concerns as Viva Calle Returns This weekend
SAN JOSE,CA – Some san Jose business owners are bracing for potential losses this Sunday as the city prepares to close 10 miles of streets for Viva Calle,a popular event encouraging residents to explore neighborhoods on foot and by bike.While city officials tout the event’s economic benefits, several merchants worry about lost revenue due to restricted vehicle access.
Viva Calle, which draws over 425,000 people to its three annual events, will impact Willow Glen, the Rose Garden, and Japantown this weekend.
“Viva Calle is just an prospect for us to get out of our cars, slow life down a little bit,” explained Amanda Rodriguez of the city’s parks and recreation department. “Walk, ride yoru bike, or ride your scooter. Whatever your choice of transportation is, just slow down and take in the sights of San jose.”
However, the closures are causing anxiety for businesses like the market run by Getnat Milike on Race Street. “We’re going to lose a lot of money, lose a lot of customers the whole day,” Milike stated.
Similar concerns arose during previous Viva Calle events, including one on Alum Rock Avenue where a baker opted to close for the day due to anticipated business disruption.
Acknowledging these concerns, Rodriguez said, “We over the years have heard a lot of concerns from business owners about closing the streets and what it means for their business on that day.” She added that the Viva Calle team is actively working to support businesses along the route, citing Bibo’s Pizza in Little Italy as an example of a ”pit stop” designed to attract new customers.”The goal is to drive new people to that business,” Rodriguez said.
The city maintains that Viva Calle ultimately boosts the local economy, citing survey data indicating the event generates approximately $2 million in annual spending.
