Small businesses in San Jose's Alviso neighborhood, like Laine's Bait and Rentals, have faced significant challenges due to the exit of insurance carriers and sharp increases in premiums. Owner Kyle Laine expressed concern over losing kayak rental revenue, which has been essential to their operations since the 1950s. Local advocates cite neglected community issues, such as illegal dumping and neglected infrastructure, as contributing factors to the downturn. This neglect leads to a decrease in business attractiveness and a loss of vital services, ultimately prompting Laine's to list their historical building for sale.
"We haven't been able to rent out kayaks in over a year. We could make a couple hundred thousand dollars a year if we could rent out, and it would be run by four or five employees."
"We've had at least 10 fires in the last few years ... I've taken code enforcement officials with me around the neighborhood to show everything that should be addressed, and they did nothing."
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