While it will be several months before the development plans are complete, the construction is likely to go on for years. As projects break ground in the coming years – such as an expected expansion of the San Jose McEnery Convention Center and the relocation of the civic center to the downtown core - parking will be gobbled up.

The San Jose Downtown Association say the short-term answer to the parking crunch is to better use existing parking, and to inform drivers where such parking is available through a computerized tracking system. The San Jose Arena, just west of Highway 87 between San Carlos and San Fernando streets could provide the reprieve the city needs – until construction on a nearby library is complete.

Workers can then walk to their office location or take the free Downtown Area Shuttle.The 800-space lot at Fourth and San Fernando streets will serve the library, but the project is not slated to open until 2003 – about a year after the current construction on the shops, restaurants, offices, hotel and apartments is complete.