The two-story building in Kato Business Square on Saratoga Avenue, near Lawrence Expressway, has been a burned-out shell since January 30. That evening a three-alarm fire swept through the vacant building, part of the second story collapsed, and Saratoga Avenue was closed between Prospect Road and Lawrence Expressway. The cause is still under investigation. (NBC Bay Area, ABC7)
Councilmember Rosemary Kamei’s office reports that the City issued a demolition permit several months ago. The work was held up while the owner went through the insurance review, and demolition is now scheduled to be completed in October. Her office says it will keep monitoring progress and share updates with the community.
Questions can go to the District 1 office at district1@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 535-4901, or to Councilmember Kamei in person at her office hours on Friday, November 6 at 9 a.m. at Coffee & Water Lab, 603 Saratoga Avenue, Unit 40.
More on this stretch of Saratoga Avenue: El Paseo, Costco and the Future of the Saratoga Avenue Corridor.
