Organizational Issues/Committee snapshots – April 2013
Police/Downtown Entertainment Committee
Contact: Blage Zelalich
The PBID’s enhanced security program, utilizing off-duty SEU San Jose Police officers, was implemented in the month of May. The pilot program calls for two officers to provide enhanced security in the downtown core four days a week for 3-5 hours at a time. While only 1-3 shifts per week have been covered, the sight of officers providing enhanced security is a welcome one. A schedule for June – July has been distributed through the SEU system for additional sign-ups.
Marketing Arts & Dining
Chairperson: Dan Pulcrano
The committee meets every other month and did not meet in May. Production is underway for the following event marketing campaigns: Dine Downtown San Jose, Starlight Cinemas and Music in the Park. A “Walk Around Downtown” wayfinding map was designed for each of the six APTs with a “You are Here” graphic, plus icons promoting the general districts – SoFA, San Pedro Square, Historic and Convention & Cultural – for their dining, shopping and arts and entertainment.
Historic District
Chairperson: vacant
The Historic District met on May 15, 3 p.m. at Gordon Biersch. An update was given on current and upcoming SJDA events. SJDA operations manager, Eric Hon, gave an update on the PBID SEU program that began on May 7. The two SEU officers working that day attended the meeting and met with members. Bruce Labadie provided details on San Jose Jazz festival and Post Street stages.
Finance Committee
Chairperson: Chris Neale
The Finance Committee met May 22 to review April 2013 financial statements. Also discussed the line of credit, elevator issue at CBOA, Board give or get, FY 2012-13 annual review process and SJDA financial plan overview and long-term planning. Next meeting is June 26.
SoFA (South First Area) Committee
Chair: Roger Springall
SoFA did not meet in May. Next meeting will be June 26.
Downtown Parking Board/Parking Committee
Chair: Steve Borkenhagen
The parking board meets quarterly and last met May 1. The board approved its proposed FY 13-14 budget. Received updates on “multimodal” transportation projects, on-street smart meter pilot project, and subcommittee recommendation to brand city parking facilities. Next meeting is August 7.
San Pedro Square Committee
Chairperson: Cathy Spielberger Cassetta
The committee did not meet in May. However, the Downtown Farmers’ Market returned to the neighborhood on May 3. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday (except July 5) through November 15.
PBID Board of Directors
President: Chuck Hammers
The beautification RFP selection committee selected CMG to develop the new beautification strategy plan. Staff is currently finalizing the service agreement with CMG. The first step in the process is to tour the district on June 12 with CMG, members of the beautification subcommittee and staff. CMG will use this opportunity to gather input from the group to generate their initial thoughts and recommendations. Their preliminary findings will be shared with the PBID board at the June 18 meeting. The PBID SEU program began on May 7 and will continue for the next six months.
Advocacy
Chairperson: Henry Cord
The Advocacy Committee’s May 28 meeting was canceled. Next meeting is June 25.
Downtown Foundation
Board of Trustee President: Diana Beechie
The Foundation’s program subcommittee met on May 7 to discuss details of the 2013 Downtown Doors program. 25 pieces from 11 different schools have been selected for display. The 2013 artist/sponsor recognition reception will take place on June 7 at the San Jose Museum of Art. The next Trustee meeting will be June 18.
Board Organizational Committee
Chairperson: Tore Saso
The board organizational committee did not meet in May but will meet in June to begin the process of new board member recruitment.
Downtown Large Commercial Property Owners/Managers
Contact: Eric Hon
The commercial property meeting was on May 9. SJDA’s business development manager, Marcelle Boudreaux, was introduced to the group and provided updates on her first few months on the job. Boudreaux also led a discussion on downtown high-speed internet service. Representatives from Comcast attended this meeting, as well as members from the City’s IT department. The City is currently working on a feasibility study to address downtown broadband needs. Deputy Director Blage Zelalich gave an update on the PBID SEU program that began on May 7. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for August 16.
Downtown Design Committee
Chairperson: Kent Mather
The committee met May 23. Sares Regis/Steinberg Architects “The Pierce” mixed-use residential project was presented to the group by representatives from the architecture and development team. According to the development team, the 230-unit, approximately 7-story project would be submitted to the City on May 24. Updates were provided on the Hampton Inn hotel (site at Santa Clara & Hwy 87), including the increased height from 6 to 8 stories. Next meeting scheduled June 26 at 3 p.m. at AIA offices.
(Last update June 14, 2013)
