Curfew Proposed for San Jose's Communications Hill

A San Jose city councilwoman is looking to designate the popular grand staircase as park land

San Jose's most popular steps may soon get a curfew.

Communications Hill has drawn crowds looking to climb what is known as the "grand staircase," 226 steps that have become a bit of a local phenomenon.

"Oh, yeah, it's a great workout," said Melinda Tablang, who visited Communications Hill on Thursday to get some exercise. "There's a lot of people at night so we come during the day."

The grand staircase's popularity has come at a price. Neighbors have complained of visitors showing up at all hours of the day and night making noise, littering, and in some instances committing crimes.

Councilwoman Madison Nguyen has a possible solution, especially because a developer wants to add more homes and staircases to the area.

"If we can somehow designate the grand staircase as a park land, it would only be allowed to be open sunrise to sunset," Nguyen said. "I think that will resolve the issue."

The City Council is scheduled to vote on Nguyen's proposal on Oct. 21.

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