Local Leaders Roll Out Alum Rock 'Revitalization' Plan

East San Jose launched a five-pillar revitalization campaign focused on expanding small businesses, eliminating vacant storefronts, and cultural beautification. District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz announced the strategy alongside local leaders including Mexican Heritage Plaza co-director Jessica Paz-Cedillos and business association president Connie Alvarez at an Aug. 15 event. The plan calls for economic empowerment, neighborhood renewal and beautification, infrastructure investment, public safety, and accountability for property owners and unhoused service providers. Leaders highlighted recent grants and more than $2 million in new investments. A $100,000 grant was designated toward a gateway structure for the La Avenida cultural district, which still requires additional funding. Councilmembers have sought to suspend liquor and smoke shop developments pending a policy proposal by the city attorney before October.

"This is a movement, a call to action, to transform East San Jose into a place where families want to put down roots, a place where small businesses thrive, and where our art and culture are celebrated," he said. "Most importantly, we are saying no to the over-concentration of liquor stores and smoke shops in our community."

District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz stood among local leaders-including Mexican Heritage Plaza co-director Jessica Paz-Cedillos and Alum Rock Santa Clara Street Business Association president Connie Alvarez-to announce a new five-pillar strategy that includes pleas to an influential San Jose city committee. At the Aug. 15 event, Ortiz highlighted East San Jose's immigrant community and said the recent financial grants, totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, need to be put to strategic use. The five-pillar plan includes economic empowerment, neighborhood renewal and beautification, infrastructure investment, public safety, and accountability for property owners and unhoused service providers.

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