Q: On the northbound side of Interstate 680 north of Durham Road, there is a multi-story building that has been under construction for years with no progress visible for a long time. Rust and graffiti have appeared.
Any idea what the building is or was supposed to be, or why the halt in construction, leaving a derelict building in place? Ran out of money is the most likely explanation.
Merlin Dorfman, San Jose
A: According to a Mercury News story, “a bankruptcy, mortgage default and two federal legal cases have engulfed a big Fremont mixed-use development,” stalling construction on the Mission Hills Square that has been planned since 2007.
If completed, it would include 148 residential units and 54,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space in buildings ranging from four to six stories, with a two-story garage.
Q: A year or so ago, Caltrans or a contractor built two parking lots under Interstate 880 at High Street in Oakland. They are first class, huge lots, with lighting and decorative fencing. Since completion, we have seen nary a vehicle there. What gives?
Carl Ramos, Alameda
A: This is one of three park-and-ride lots built by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission on Caltrans property. Construction finished just as COVID-19 hit. The new lot will be open when commute patterns return to some level of pre-COVID conditions.
MTC will operate and maintain the new facilities through an agreement with Caltrans, and MTC will decide when the lot will open. Go to 511.org/carpool/park-n-ride/pivot-point for more information.
Q: We are in our mid-80s and never have had an accident or gotten a traffic ticket in all our years of driving. It has been suggested by a relative (not our kids) that we should not be driving on the highways for long trips, say 400 miles. The fear is of slow reaction time.
We feel confident in our driving skills and take the AARP Driver’s Education class faithfully every three years. But is there a Senior Driver Assessment Class that includes behind-the-wheel driving and a driver reaction time assessment while actually being in a car?
We would take it in a heartbeat.
Marvin H. and Yvonne H.
A: First, a Roadshow salute for taking the AARP refresher class. I taught that class for several years and found it so useful.
For your driving assessment request, the DMV recommends you seek a state-licensed professional driving school or a certified driving instructor who specializes in senior drivers or contact your local AAA office to see if they offer such an assessment or can recommend someone who does.
Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats. Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5335.
