The San Jose City Council meeting on September 9, 2025, was dominated by discussions surrounding the controversial Anchor Road project, a significant infrastructure initiative that has sparked public concern over its design and implications for traffic and safety.

During the meeting, council members debated a funding amendment with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) for the project, which aims to enhance connectivity in North San Jose. However, public comments revealed strong opposition, with residents questioning the necessity of a nine-lane interchange and expressing fears that it could worsen traffic congestion rather than alleviate it. Eamon Gormley, a local resident, criticized the proposal as "fundamentally flawed," arguing that it reflects outdated beliefs about road expansion reducing traffic.

Council members acknowledged the complexity of the project, which has been in the works for several years and is tied to broader development plans in North San Jose. Director of Transportation John Russo explained that the project is designed to support significant housing and commercial growth in the area, but he also noted the challenges of integrating safe pedestrian and cyclist facilities into the design.

Despite the concerns raised, the council moved forward with a vote to approve the funding amendment, emphasizing the need to proceed with the design phase. Councilmember Cohen highlighted the importance of ensuring that the project incorporates modern safety standards for cyclists and pedestrians, a sentiment echoed by other council members who stressed the necessity of refining the design as it progresses.

The council's decision to advance the project comes with the understanding that further design work and community input will be essential in addressing the public's safety concerns. As the project moves into its next phase, the council aims to balance infrastructure development with the need for safe and accessible transportation options for all residents.