A simple stroll down San Benito Street on any sunny day in
Hollister will reveal the alarming truth about the state of affairs
in our business climate
– there’s just not a whole lot going on.
A simple stroll down San Benito Street on any sunny day in Hollister will reveal the alarming truth about the state of affairs in our business climate – there’s just not a whole lot going on.
It’s why the Redevelopment Agency’s announcement that a developer has been found to rebuild on the San Benito and Fourth streets lot is welcome economic news. The buildings on the grassy lot on a prominent corner of downtown were damaged, then demolished, as a result of the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989.
San Juan Bautista resident Todd DuBois’ plan was chosen by a committee of city and local business interests to enter into an “exclusive negotiating agreement” with the city to build 32,000 square foot building on the city owned property. DuBois now has six months to secure financing for the estimated $10 million project.
With 14,000 square feet on the first floor reserved for retail space, the new building hopefully will attract a retailer capable of drawing people back to downtown Hollister and give the local shopping scene a much-needed jumpstart. The architectural rendering provided by DuBois showed Borders book store as an example of one business that could utilize the space, but the possibilities are endless. The upper floor will provide 18,000 square feet of office and hotel space.
We hope DuBois is successful in landing funding and that he, and the city, can draw in a top-notch retailer, and perhaps a cafe, that will make the building an anchor for the downtown. The successful development of this lot, with the people it will attract, translates into more business for all downtown merchants.
Business begets business, as our neighbors to the north in Gilroy can well attest to. Granted Hollister has little want of, and use for, sprawling outlet stores and big box mini-malls. Still a shot in the arm to our local economy and some extra amenities closer to home benefits everyone. That is exactly what this new building could provide.
Increased retail sales and the government-running tax revenue that comes with them are essential to making Hollister’s demand for public services keep stride with the growth that has occurred in the area. The new building, if filled with strong businesses, would not only increase local tax rolls with its own contributions, but also could result in more locals spending their dollars at home. And parking for the new building won’t be problem, in fact, the new structure on Fourth Street could turn the city parking garage from a white elephant into an asset.
Of course, Hollister does stand to lose something with the new building – a green grass lawn and the home of the Farmers Market – but it’s a small price to pay to revitalize our struggling downtown.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, The Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or e-mail to ed****@fr***********.com.
