County supervisors Tuesday are set to weigh an appeal to a
rejection by the planning commission of a flea market near the
Hollister airport.
County supervisors Tuesday are set to weigh an appeal to a rejection by the planning commission of a flea market near the Hollister airport.
The San Benito County Planning Commission in October rejected Robert Rodriguez’s application for the flea market at 1771 San Felipe Road. It was denied in a 3-0 vote – with Commissioner Dan DeVries absent and Commissioner Robert Scattini recusing himself from consideration. Commissioners Gordon Machado, Richard Bettencourt and Jeff Culler opposed it, with the two primary concerns being its proximity to the Hollister Municipal Airport and traffic on San Felipe Road.
Rodriguez is officially appealing the decision at the 1:30 p.m. hearing at the County Administration Building, 481 Fourth St. The proposal is for a weekend operation with 100 vending booths, parking for 350 or more cars, portable concession areas, chemical toilets, and live and recorded music. The same applicant’s idea for a flea market on Shore Road – denied by supervisors in February largely due to traffic issues – would have included 50 vendors, toilets, a food truck and a beverage stand.
Rodriguez has contended it is a safe location and he hopes to open the business in the spring of 2011. Regarding the airport, opponents have argued it is too close to the runway in the event of an accident.
