Willow Glen Resident

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DEL MONTE PARK WON'T BE BUILT UNTIL CITY FINDS MORE FUNDING

ByTiffany Carney

The former Del Monte Cannery site will be filled with shade trees, playground equipment and even an area for dogs to roam--but not for a few years.

San Jose park officials have put the 2.2-acre Del Monte Park Master Plan, approved unanimously by San Jose City Council on Sept. 9, on hold until the city allocates funds for the project.

"At this time, we do not have funding yet," said Simeon Mercado, parks manager for the city. "The next step will be for us to identify funding sources for the design of the park and construction of the park."

The city acquired the parkland through an agreement with KB Homes, which is developing the 383-unit Cannery Square housing project near the site. KB dedicated 1.7 acres facing Auzerais Avenue to the city in addition to park fees as part of the city's park impact obligation.

According to preliminary cost estimates, the city will need $2.5 million to $3 million to fund the construction and all associated park costs.

Mercado said the city expects to identify funds within the next year.

"Until we have the full funding of the project, we can not develop a park schedule," Mercado said.

The San Jose Redevelopment Agency could help provide funding, Mercado added.

Once the funding is allocated, Mercado said the park is estimated to take up to 12 months to design and another three months to bid and award the project. Once awarded, it will take about one year to construct.