Tim Gildersleeve
Running for:
Council District 1
Campaign Website:
1) PAC*SJ recently released its first annual “Endangered Eight” list of the most threatened historic places in San José. As a resident of the City, which of these eight places most resonates with you personally? Which of these would you use the power of your elected office to address, and how?
The Berryessa Flea Market. Because it effects so many people economically, that would be my greatest concern. I would only be one vote, but I would advocate that we make sure that the vendors are taken care of. I would not vote for displacement unless I knew that.
2) Is there a historic place or preservation issue not on our “Endangered Eight” list that you would nominate to be added? If so, what solutions would you offer as an elected official to address the issue/threat?
I can't think of one at this time.
3) Do you believe that SB9, which allows by-right redevelopment of up to four new units on most single-family-zoned parcels statewide, is compatible with the preservation of older and historic homes and neighborhoods? Why or why not?
No. I don't think that SB9 is a good bill. Nevertheless, it is now law. What makes it disturbing is it's one-size-fits all philosophy. It might effect historic neighborhoods if someone intends to build in spite of what the rest of the neighborhood thinks.
4) In the past two years alone, at least five vacant historic buildings in San José have been lost to fire, and many more have suffered from chronic neglect and vandalism. How would you propose more effective code enforcement to prevent the continued loss of our historic resources to neglect? What additional measures would you propose to address these systemic problems?
We definitely have to encourage code enforcement. I am not certain that with the current resources in San Jose that we have the means to prevent it. It's a complex problem.
5) Do you believe the city should collect compensatory mitigation fees from development projects that result in the demolition of historic resources? Why or why not? If such a policy was instituted, how would you like to see those funds directed?
If we did implement the fees, the fees should go to a fund that preserves historic resources. I would support that idea if that is what the voters wanted.
6) The City has long acknowledged that our Historic Resources Inventory-- a citywide survey of historic sites intended to proactively guide development decisions-- is incomplete and out-of-date. Do you support increased City funding and staffing levels to ensure that the HRI is an up-to-date and effective planning tool?
It's a matter of resource allocation. I don't know where this fits in the priority of the city so when the time comes for budget hearings, constituents need to speak up and advocate for this issue. I support the idea, but the question is if its economically feasible or not.
7) What role do you believe that historic preservation should play in creating and sustaining a vibrant and culturally diverse future for San José? Is there a particular project or effort you have undertaken--either professionally or personally-- that best embodies your vision for historic preservation in San José?
I have to be honest - I am not a big proponent of preserving historic resources. But I have vowed to do as the constituents want before my own ideas. I believe that there are many who are concerned about this issue. Is there a big enough group to stem the tide? The amount of people speaking out in favor of this issue (especially in my district) would influence my decisions.