As land preparations continue for the expansion of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system into San Jose, many businesses are facing relocation. However, one owner, Sridhar Kollareddy of Silicon Valley Granite, is struggling to find a feasible solution due to the nature of his inventory: heavy granite slabs and monuments.

Unique Inventory Challenges

Silicon Valley Granite operates on a 3-acre outdoor site, showcasing over 7,000 granite slabs, polished monuments, and half a million tiles imported worldwide over the last three decades. Kollareddy, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1998, has dedicated his life to this business. He states, “It’s my passion, it’s my livelihood. That’s what I do all my life. I don’t know anything else.”

Eminent Domain Complications

The business lies in a zone designated for the upcoming 28th St. and Little Portugal BART station, with the property acquired through eminent domain by the VTA (Valley Transportation Authority). While other tenants have vacated, Kollareddy faces distinct obstacles due to the size and weight of each granite slab, which can weigh over a thousand pounds. His son, Praneeth, emphasized the necessity of specialized equipment and skills for moving the inventory: “Moving it requires very special skill, specialized equipment. It’s impossible to move this in any kind of short timeline.”

Urgent Relocation Efforts

Despite being notified years in advance, the Kollareddy family has struggled to secure a new site capable of accommodating their unique inventory. Although there were multiple extensions granted, a recent court decision mandated the business to vacate by Thursday morning, with any remaining goods deemed “abandoned” and transferred to VTA ownership.

Anisha Kollareddy, Sridhar’s daughter, described the frantic efforts over the past week as they mobilize workers to relocate the inventory, achieving only about 5% of the move thus far. “You think it’s impossible, but it feels like it’s all being ‘lifted,’ all his life savings, 401(k), everything gone in two days,” she remarked.

Appeal for Assistance

The Kollareddys have requested that VTA either compensate them for their entire inventory or provide additional time for relocation. Currently, VTA has stated that negotiations are concluded, requiring them to vacate their property by the court-imposed deadline. Sridhar expressed his frustration over the situation, stating, “I mean, they’re stealing me. Whatever I made for my whole life, they’re stealing overnight. I’ll be left with zero and be thrown on the street. It is totally an injustice.”

Future Prospects

In light of their challenges, Kollareddy is actively searching for a new location, even considering a downsized operation. However, a consultant estimated that relocating all materials could take approximately five months and cost around $1.5 million.

The family emphasizes they are not opposed to the new BART station but simply wish their relocation process could be more manageable. They feel their plea for understanding and consideration from VTA has gone unheard.