Construction on the proposed extension of North Street will be
delayed at least another month because letters in Spanish were not
sent to homes that would be affected by the project.
Hollister – Construction on the proposed extension of North Street will be delayed at least another month because letters in Spanish were not sent to homes that would be affected by the project.
The proposed extension would connect North Street. to Buena Vista Road at Locust Avenue and widen sections of North Street. from about 60 feet to 84 feet, relieving traffic along San Benito and Fourth streets. The project would be combined with improvements to Buena Vista Street, according to Assistant Civil Engineer Matt Kelley. These improvements would include adding sidewalks, curbs, and gutters, and upgrading traffic signals.
Kelley said the original plan for North Street., which was completed in 1975, provided for its eventual expansion to 84 feet in width.
But in addition to a number of noise and safety concerns from property owners who live along the would-be extension, one resident at Monday night’s meeting was worried her Spanish-speaking neighbors would have no idea the project was coming or that it would affect them.
Mary Grimm, of Hollister, said she had received notification of the proposed extension from the city, and that her Spanish-speaking neighbors had received the same notification she had – in English.
Kelley said he sent notification to about 25 homes in the area that would be affected by the extension, and confirmed that all of the notices had been in English. The city and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) do not require mailings to be done in both English and Spanish, he said.
Councilman Brian Conroy made a motion at Monday’s City Council meeting to table the approval of the extension until the new council is seated in December, giving the Engineering Department time to send out additional notifications in Spanish. The motion passed 3-2.
“I think what’s important is we give people a chance to communicate in this community that’s 50 percent Latino,” said Councilwoman Pauline Valdivia.
However, councilman Tony LoBue countered, if 50 percent of the 25 households were in fact Latino, sending out letters in Spanish would delay construction for at least the 45-day response period for about 12 houses. LoBue expressed concern that if the fate of the extension did hinge on these potential 12 Spanish-speaking houses and construction were delayed 45 days, it would be into the winter months which could delay the project even further.
However, LoBue and councilman Robert Scattini were outnumbered in the vote, and the motion to send out letters in Spanish and table the approval until the new council is seated passed.
“Frankly, I’m embarrassed that we didn’t send out letters in Spanish,” said Mayor Tony Bruscia at Monday’s meeting.
He said Tuesday he could see why LoBue would be worried about the project crossing over into the winter months, but still believes the delay is justified.
“I can see both sides. You’ve got personal responsibility in conflict with wanting to please everyone in the community. There were 25 letters sent out; probably 15 of those families were Latino. Of those 15, I would bet money that none of them speak English or have a member who does. Whether they (Latinos) make up 55 percent or 15 percent, it doesn’t matter. We need to serve them in the way they need to be served,” Bruscia said.
Jessica Quandt is a staff writer for the Free Lance. Reach her at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or at [email protected].
