Santa Clara council split over plan to let staff handle neighborhood right-of-way decisions

SANTA CLARA OFFICIALS are shifting decision-making over certain public right-of-way areas from elected leaders to city staff, with some residents sharing concerns about transparency and accountability.

The City Council at its May 5 meeting voted 4-3 to have the city manager approve minor public right-of-way changes, such as fences or structures near sidewalks, without needing to hold a public hearing first. Several officials and residents pushed back against the decision, citing ongoing code enforcement issues and a lack of public input. Councilmembers Albert Gonzalez, Karen Hardy, Kelly Cox and Mayor Lisa Gillmor voted in favor of the proposal, while Councilmembers Raj Chahal, Kevin Park and Suds Jain voted against it.