San Benito Foods is canning more than just tomatoes of late.
It’s packing a whole lot of goodwill, too.
After several residential neighbors expressed concerns about the
constant noise emitted from the company’s steamers and cookers that
operate 24 hours, seven days a week during the nearly 12-week
canning season and after City of Hollister officials took
noise-level measurements late last week that registered above legal
limits, the company, located in downtown Hollister, has decided to
make every available attempt to muffle the noise by next canning
season.
San Benito Foods is canning more than just tomatoes of late. It’s packing a whole lot of goodwill, too.
After several residential neighbors expressed concerns about the constant noise emitted from the company’s steamers and cookers that operate 24 hours, seven days a week during the nearly 12-week canning season and after City of Hollister officials took noise-level measurements late last week that registered above legal limits, the company, located in downtown Hollister, has decided to make every available attempt to muffle the noise by next canning season.
To the best of city officials’ knowledge, the last time San Benito Foods attempted to mute the shrieking racket was 16 years ago, much too long of a time. But the recent action, stemming from a meeting between city officials and the plant manager, has decisive action, cooperation, compromise and understanding stamped all over it.
The noise from the cannery can be heard as far away as the high school and Hazel Hawkins Hospital. Just think what it’s like for nearby residents.
While it’s no fault of the cannery, built in 1915, that the city and neighborhoods developed around it during the past decades, the noise is a constant reminder of days gone by.
Now, roadways are built and sound walls are required to quiet the noise of traffic for the betterment of neighborhoods. It was about time the cannery took similar action as city officials and community leaders develop plans to revitalize the historic downtown district, bringing with it foot traffic, businesses, restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, San Benito Foods serves the community well, providing jobs for workers who in turn spend their money downtown and throughout the county and city. It has done so since the early 1900s. It should continue to do so and it should continue to be a part of the community’s future plans.
What the recent agreement between San Benito Foods and the city to work together to reduce the cause and lower the noise levels before the 2004 canning season shows is a pledge of cooperation between all involved.
It shows San Benito Foods is committed to being a good neighbor. We look forward to less noise next summer.
