Downtown SJ street becomes permanent pedestrian mall, boosting LGBTQ+ businesses

San Jose officials have approved the permanent restriction of vehicle traffic at a popular downtown street in an effort to increase fast-growing economic vibrancy in the business district.

The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to permanently close Post Street to cars, which began during the pandemic when the Al Fresco dining and shopping pilot programs were put in place. Mayor Matt Mahan said he wants to see the new pedestrian mall recreate the success of downtown gathering spaces like San Pedro Square and Paseo de San Antonio.