At the April 26, 2022 San José City Council meeting, for agenda item 8.3, please support the memo item 2 for a weekly closure of Post St. The following petition was circulated before the item was on the council agenda:

At the beginning of 2022, The City of San José began allowing car traffic again on Post St., forcing the demolition of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and outdoor community parklets. This is a major blow to the downtown and LGBTQ+ community, as this was one of the only South Bay spaces for queer folks.

Sign in favor of opening Post. St (from 1st to Lightston) to people instead of traffic!

During the first year of the pandemic, San José and the broader South Bay community witnessed the emergence of a bustling, walkable, and FUN space—the result of Post St. in Downtown opening to people and closing to traffic. Later that same year, the area became officially designated as Qmunity District, a welcoming, inclusive, and affirming place for LGBTQ+ people and families in the South Bay. The new district featured shopping, socializing, dining, networking, and nightlife in Downtown San José on Post Street from S. 1st to S. Market Streets.

A pedestrianized Post St. advances our goals as a community—providing a financial lifeline to the small bars and restaurants, transforming downtown into a lively destination that brings people together. The street itself better serves people on foot than in cars; it is short, narrow, and limited in street parking. Meanwhile, Post St. is near 12 major bus lines, light rail lines, bike corridors, and an already existing parking garage to serve existing demand without needing street parking on Post St.

The future of our cities is at stake at this moment; we know we must move toward vibrant community spaces without letting cars dominate every square inch of our streets. And we must do better for our LGBTQ+ South Bay residents.

Sign in favor of opening Post. St (from 1st to Lightston) to people, instead of traffic.