VTA court battle over eminent domain could go to a jury trial—even though the agency no longer wants the site

SAN JOSE — A court battle over the site of a proposed housing tower in San Jose could wind up in front of a jury within months if a powerful regional transit agency can’t craft a settlement with the property’s owner.

The legal fight involves the location of a potential residential development at 17 East Santa Clara St. in downtown San Jose, Santa Clara County court and real estate records show.

Eterna Tower in downtown San Jose at 17 through 29 E. Santa Clara St., concept. The Bank of Italy building is across the street.