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Business owners say VTA eminent-domain timeline threatens long‑running East San Jose stone supplier
Summary
Multiple speakers told the council during open forum that Silicon Valley Granite faces imminent lock‑out after a VTA eminent‑domain action; speakers asked elected officials to press VTA for fair relocation assistance and more time to move millions of pounds of inventory.
During open forum on May 6, several people spoke about Silicon Valley Granite, an East San Jose natural‑stone supplier that faces a court-ordered eviction tied to a Valley Transportation Authority eminent‑domain action. Speakers asked San Jose elected officials — including those who serve on the VTA board — to intervene or press for fair relocation assistance and additional time to move the company’s heavy inventory.
Speakers described the business as a nearly 20‑year, family‑owned operation that stores thousands of heavy stone slabs and pallets totaling millions of pounds, and they said VTA set an unworkable two‑day removal window in a recent court order. Presenters said the VTA had previously estimated a six‑month move and that the tunnel‑boring work at issue will not reach the property for several years, yet VTA attorneys obtained an order treating remaining inventory as abandoned and ineligible for compensation. Family members and community supporters said VTA offered inconsistent settlement terms and that the relocation advisor did not find alternative sites.
Speakers urged the council and its members who sit on the VTA board to seek better, humane treatment and to ensure compliance with relocation law. Several commenters said community members, temples and other businesses had offered temporary space and manpower to help move inventory if VTA would allow a practical schedule and relocation support. Speakers noted VTA is an independent special district but said public representatives can ask questions and press for fair treatment.
Mayor Mahan replied that the council does not have jurisdiction to overturn a VTA eminent-domain process but said he and other council members who sit on the VTA board would follow up offline and that materials should be sent to council members for review. No council action was taken during the meeting; public commenters requested additional time and a written settlement from VTA.
