San Jose Berryessa Flea Market vendors say a city-owned landfill is their best option for a new home, but a state law is stopping the idea from becoming a reality.
The 90-acre Singleton site, a former landfill, is the favored location. It’s close to freeways and residential neighborhoods — making it the top option out of eight sites proposed by city consultants last year. But the vendors and city can’t move forward without a state exemption due to the California Surplus Land Act, which requires San Jose to prioritize city-owned properties like Singleton for affordable housing.
City officials said they’re seeking an exemption from the California Housing and Community Development Department based on the economic benefits that would result from continuing the flea market, which has to leave its current location next year due to development…