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Community divided over Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan as hearing draws strong praise and criticism
Summary
At an informational hearing, staff and community supporters said the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan will help preserve culture and spur a community benefit district; opponents urged postponing endorsement, citing insufficient relocation plans for Japan Center tenants, unclear funding and heritage documentation.
The Planning Commission heard an informational presentation on May 28 on the draft Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan, followed by hours of public testimony both supporting and criticizing the draft.
Rosie Dudley, the plan—s project manager, described a two‑year community process and four plan goals: preserve Japantown—s history, strengthen the local retail district, increase housing opportunities, and enhance the public realm. She told commissioners endorsement is not adoption and that an EIR would be required for any binding regulatory changes.
Community speakers supporting the plan said it was the product of extensive outreach and could be improved into an implementable program. "This is the beginning of the process to preserve Japantown and not the end," said Bob Hamaguchi of the Japantown Task Force. The plan envisions an implementation organization and ultimately a community benefit district (CBD) to fund maintenance and marketing; staff and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development said seed funding and CDBG assistance for microbusiness retention are in place.
Opponents urged delay. The Japanese Cultural and Community Center (JCCCNC) executive director and multiple small business owners warned the plan lacked a concrete relocation and mitigation plan if Japan Center and the garage are reconstructed, and argued endorsement could be premature without clear protections for merchants and tenants. "This endorsement should not be on the planning department—s timeline," said Paulo Saki of the JCCCNC, who requested stronger commitments for preserving cultural institutions and small businesses.
Preservation groups asked for a more complete historic resources survey; staff replied the consultant produced preliminary forms for hundreds of properties, with a smaller set of in‑depth surveys planned.
Commissioners and staff agreed to schedule follow‑up hearings on June 18 and June 25 to continue land‑use and Japan Center discussions and to allow staff and the consultant to respond to concerns about the EIR, funding, and tenant retention.
What to watch
Key follow‑ups include: detailed analysis of the Japan Center options, a clearer plan for tenant relocation/retention if redevelopment occurs, the formation timetable for an implementation organization and CBD funding, and whether staff will recommend endorsement at a future hearing.
