Hollister
– A planning commissioner reversed course Wednesday and helped
advance the proposed 44-unit Spur Hotel in Tres Pinos, but it’s
still a long way from final approval.
Hollister – A planning commissioner reversed course Wednesday and helped advance the proposed 44-unit Spur Hotel in Tres Pinos, but it’s still a long way from final approval.
The San Benito County Planning Commission voted 3-2 to rescind its June 20 decision to deny the project. Commissioner Dan DeVries, who previously voted for denial, made the successful motion to recommend a change from residential to commercial zoning but to delay a final vote on the commercial district review.
The zoning change next goes to the Board of Supervisors for a vote, County Planning Director Art Henriques said. If the board approves the change, the project would return to the commission for the commercial district review that determines whether it is appropriate for the existing zoning.
DeVries said after the meeting that he’d like to see changes to the hotel’s landscaping and site plan before he gives final approval. He added that he wants to “find common ground” between hotel supporters and opponents.
“I know there has been a certain amount of frustration with the continuances, but frankly, a lot of the dialogue going on now didn’t go on before and should have,” he said.
The hotel, which would be built near the intersection of Highway 25 and Southside Road, has provoked lengthy and impassioned discussions at previous Planning Commission meetings. There are Tres Pinos residents who contend it would harm the residential neighborhood and town, while supporters point to the project’s potential economic benefits.
As in previous meetings, plenty of speakers had strong opinions, and audience members supported their allies with applause. After the first round of clapping, Commission Chairman Mark Tognazzini said the applause was unnecessary.
“This isn’t going to be decided on the applause meter,” he said.
Joe Frusetta, a 16-year-old Tres Pinos resident, read a letter stating that the Planning Commission seemed to be backing away from its June 20 vote due to “political pressure.”
“You can’t in all conscience make politics more important than the people of Tres Pinos,” Frusetta said.
New Commissioner Robert Scattini, recently appointed to replace Mike Smith, said he had spoken to many locals with strong feelings on the project. Scattini said he takes their concerns seriously. But after visiting the proposed site, he argued that only one neighbor would be directly affected.
At previous meetings, Smith voted for the hotel. On Wednesday, Scattini did the same.
“Hopefully, I’ll have some friends after tonight,” Scattini said. “Maybe not.”
