SAN JOSE, Calif. (KCBS) -- The Santa Clara County Open Space Authority is suddenly $30 million richer.
That's because only 25 percent of Santa Clara County property owners eligible to receive a $130 refund applied in time to get their money back.
That means the agency will have more money to buy land for parks and wildlife.
KCBS’ Mike Colgan Reports
San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed said it's great news, with the amount of open space in the city.
"We're looking to add open space around Alum Rock Park to protect the park. We're looking to add open space in the Evergreen area," Reed said. "Lots of areas we can use the money. It's great news."
San Jose City Council Member Rose Herrera, who represents the Evergreen area said this can only help the city grow.
"As we grow San Jose, in terms of economic development, one of the main reasons an employee will choose a company is quality of life in that city," Herrera said. "And parks add to quality of life, so it's very, very important that we maintain that and with this extra $30 million surfacing, hopefully they'll be some projects that will be able to be done."
The agency was required to return the money after the California Supreme Court ruled a 2001 assessment tax was illegal because it wasn't approved by 2/3 of the voters.
(kmi)
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