San Jose plans to acquire abandoned church site

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has proposed that the city use eminent domain to acquire the abandoned First Church of Christ, Scientist property, which has deteriorated over the years. The church, located at 43 East St. James Street, has been neglected by its owner, Z&L Properties. The city plans to seek a court order to take ownership of the church and the adjacent vacant lot. This move comes after Z&L Properties failed to fulfill promises to restore the church and build housing towers nearby. The mayor's proposal is included in his budget message, which the San Jose City Council will review this week. If approved, the city would initiate legal proceedings against Z&L to secure the property.