Santa Clara residents urge city officials to prioritize downtown courthouse relocation

In the heart of Santa Clara's city hall, a chorus of voices echoed the community's desire for revitalization during the City Council Priority Setting meeting on April 3, 2025. Residents gathered to express their hopes and concerns, focusing on the future of their downtown area and the long-closed state courthouse that looms over it.

Elaine Lee was the first to speak, urging city officials to prioritize the relocation of the courthouse, which has been shuttered for two years and is now a haven for pests. "While we are waiting for interest rates to come down for development, we must make our downtown developer-ready," she emphasized, calling for immediate action to restore the courthouse's former glory and facilitate downtown's revival.

Mary Bridal followed, expressing gratitude for the city staff's efforts in reconnecting Benton and Bridal streets, a move she believes will enhance the Santa Clara Station area. She praised the city for securing $400,000 in planning grants to improve transportation access, highlighting the importance of collaboration between city officials and state representatives in the courthouse relocation discussions.

As the speakers continued, Linda Nepherm raised concerns about the city's senior center, advocating for a tiered pricing structure to accommodate different income levels. She also pointed out the need for additional support at the library for homeless patrons, emphasizing the library's role as a central resource for the community. Nepherm concluded with a cautionary note about the environmental impact of data centers, urging the council to consider their water usage and heat production.

Ray Gammel, a lifelong resident, passionately implored the council to expedite the downtown revitalization efforts. "Our downtown needs to come back," he declared, reflecting on the community's long-standing frustrations with the lack of progress. His heartfelt plea resonated with many, as he urged the council to take decisive action before it was too late.

Rod Dunham, a fourth-generation Santa Claran and founder of the Reclaiming Our Downtown movement, echoed these sentiments. He recalled the city's past efforts to secure federal funding for urban renewal and urged the council to reignite that spirit of revitalization. "We need to get the ball rolling," he insisted, as the community's collective voice grew stronger.

As the meeting unfolded, it became clear that the residents of Santa Clara are united in their vision for a vibrant downtown. Their passionate appeals reflect a deep-rooted desire for change and a commitment to working alongside city officials to bring their dreams to fruition. With the council's attention now focused on these pressing issues, the future of Santa Clara's downtown may finally be within reach.