Once again the Mercury News editorial board rolls out their domino theory of development when making the case against a project that will convert a site from industrial uses to housing. From today’s editorial:

“Not only will it directly displace thriving businesses, it also will start a domino effect that will destroy adjacent industrial properties, then the next ones, turning them to housing.”

The Mercury News also acknowledges in the editorial that heavy industry has no place in a campus industrial setting:

“Will big companies with sparkling campuses in North San Jose carve out space for welding shops on their perimeters? Forget it.”

With all the recent articles on Coyote Valley, we have yet to see any serious discussion in the Mercury News how the 600 megawatt power plant under construction will affect the development of North Coyote Valley. If the Mercury News is correct, we cannot expect companies to locate their “sparkling campuses” next to such a heavy industrial site.

Back in March 2001 Mayor Gonzales speaking before the California Energy Commission had similar thoughts about the impact of the Metcalf Energy Center on Coyote Valley:

“The proposed project is inappropriate at this site. It is a very large, heavy industrial use that would be detrimental to achieving our long-standing vision for the balanced development of the entire Coyote Valley area.

This vision was developed with extensive public participation, environmental review, and many different community points of view. Coyote Valley, as we have outlined it in the San José 2020 General Plan, includes high quality technology campuses, residential development, and our greenbelt to achieve long-term goals for jobs, housing, and open space.”

If the impacts of the Metcalf Energy Center are never honestly addressed in the current planning process for Coyote Valley, we risk creating a plan that nobody will ever implement. In a recent Mercury News article, former mayor Tom McHenry said we should hold out for the Ciscos, not the Burger Kings. If the Ciscos are not convinced North Coyote is a good location for their employees, we might have plenty more room for welding shops.