Wednesday, November 17, 2004
S.J. delays vote on airport size
By Aaron C. Davis
The San Jose (CA) Mercury News
The San Jose City Council on Tuesday delayed a vote to increase by nearly 60 percent the size of Mineta San Jose International Airport’s $2.8 billion expansion, saying they need more information about the cost and more time to let the public comment on the proposed change. The 625,000-square-foot increase — listed as a “minor amendment” to the airport’s master plan — would be larger than the combined area of HP Pavilion and the entire exhibit space at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center.
The proposed increase was reported Sunday in the Mercury News, and some council members said they were surprised after learning of the request in the newspaper. Councilwoman Cindy Chavez proposed delaying the vote to Dec. 7, and the council approved the motion unanimously. Chavez and Councilman Ken Yeager said they planned to quickly organize a community meeting to discuss the change with residents who live next to the airport.
Airport officials say the increase is needed to accommodate bulky post-Sept. 11 security checkpoints and a “wish list” of amenities ranging from meditation rooms and children’s play areas to more restaurants and roomy restrooms.