”
Lately, I have noticed a few signs on the surface streets near
Cochrane Road exit that are still covered up in black plastic,
designed to re-route traffic. Is there a major construction
planned? As these are mostly residential streets, I wonder what
traffic levels are expected. Thanks.
”
“Lately, I have noticed a few signs on the surface streets near Cochrane Road exit that are still covered up in black plastic, designed to re-route traffic. Is there a major construction planned? As these are mostly residential streets, I wonder what traffic levels are expected. Thanks.”
Dear What’s Going On, first Red Phone contacted Deputy Director of Public Works Karl Bjarke, who said the signs were installed by Caltrans. So, Red Phone contacted Bernard Walik, Caltrans public information officer, who said the signs are there to alert motorists about ongoing construction that will result in some on- and off-ramp closures. Caltrans will begin repaving sections of U.S. 101 from Buena Vista Avenue in north Gilroy to Cochrane Road in north Morgan Hill Monday.
“There will be numerous (full) on-ramp and off-ramp closures along this close eight mile stretch of construction along with partial freeway closures, but no full freeway closures on U.S. 101,” Walik said. “Construction area signs will be strategically placed along the project area and alert motorists to ramp closures and subsequent detours.”
The duration of the construction is expected to last about 20 nights, weather permitting, he added.
“This will be a night shift project; however, the specific hours can vary from location to location in terms of starting and ending times,” Walik said.
There you have it, good caller. Keep your eyes out for those detour signs beginning next week.
Why couldn’t Ross wait for Wal-Mart?
“Hey Red Phone, I visited the new Wal-Mart today and man it was packed full of people inside and outside in the parking lot! Which made me think once again. Why did Ross leave Cochrane Plaza? Their sales were OK, they even said it, and now with Wal-Mart they would have more customers, I don’t understand why they just didn’t wait a few months. The store at Cochrane Plaza was twice the size of the new one! They had way more stuff! Another question is: Are there any plans for the old Mervyn’s building? A Kohl’s or JC Penney would be nice there, but that’s up to the city to decide right? Oh, and why is the sign still up? Well those are my questions for today. Thank you in advance.”
Dear Why Couldn’t They Wait, Red Phone contacted Tammy Brownlow, who said it was the city’s understanding from talking to Ross Store representatives and the owner of Cochrane Plaza that the decision to close the store in Cochrane Plaza was based on a number of factors, including a decreasing sales volume at this location. The company has since reopened in the space formerly occupied by dd’s Discounts, which is also owned by Ross Stores, Inc.
“With the recent opening of Wal-Mart and the increase in shoppers to the center, the former Mervyn’s store and other space in Cochrane Plaza will be viewed as more attractive to prospective retailers.” Brownlow said. “We agree another department store in this space would be a good fit. Unfortunately, with a Kohl’s store in nearby Gilroy, the company feels this market area is currently being served. Since many retailers today are faced with downsizing and closures, it makes it even more difficult to find a tenant for this empty space. City staff continues to work with brokers and retailers that express interest in Morgan Hill and we feel the opening of Wal-Mart will definitely increase interest in the center.”
As for the Mervyn’s sign still being up, there are provisions in the city’s sign code that closed businesses must remove signage after a period of time.
“We will refer this question to the city’s Code Enforcement Division for follow-up,” Brownlow said.
Hope that answers your questions, good caller.
