San Juan Bautista
– Ballots are in the mail for an election that could be critical
for the Mission City’s financial future.
San Juan Bautista – Ballots are in the mail for an election that could be critical for the Mission City’s financial future.
Developer Tod duBois has said his proposed Artisans’ Plaza is unfeasible under the city’s existing growth cap, which limits construction to around seven residential units per year. So he’s asking local voters to give him an exemption.
“(This project) is exactly what San Juan is all about,” duBois said.
Plans for the Artisans’ Plaza, which would be located on Muckelemi Street, include a bed-and-breakfast inn, live-work condominiums for artists and senior “co-housing.” The senior co-housing allows residents to participate in the design and operation of their neighborhood.
“It would put us economically in the right direction,” Councilman Ed Laverone said.
City Manager Jan McClintock has said the city is currently struggling with severely limited finances, and the City Council will be asking voters to approve a sales tax increase during a special election in November.
DuBois said local feedback continues to be positive, and his claim was backed by comments made Monday by San Juan Bautista residents. Carl Leaver, who recently moved to the area, said he attended one of duBois’ workshops promoting the Artisans’ Plaza and was impressed by what he saw.
“It seemed very promising,” Leaver said.
He added that as a photographer, he would consider using one of the project’s live-work condos.
“I don’t think it will have a big impact on the downtown,” Leaver said. “There will be more people living in town, but there’s nothing wrong with that.”
As a private citizen, Laverone said he will vote in favor of duBois’ proposal. Conversations with duBois and other locals have strengthened his support, he said.
“The people I’ve talked to have said it’s a good, well-planned project, and I have to agree,” he said.
Laverone said the only detractor he’s heard of is local resident Ruben Lopez, who criticized the plans in a May 15 Free Lance article. But on Monday, even Lopez said he has learned more and now supports the plans.
“We need something in town,” he said.
DuBois’ proposal would completely exempt the Muckelemi Street property from San Juan Bautista’s growth restrictions. The project would still need to go through the normal planning process and receive Planning Commission approval, duBois said.
Lopez said he doesn’t mind supporting an exemption for the right project.
“That’s fine with me,” he said.
DuBois has agreed to pay the city $13,000 to cover the election’s cost, and he also expects to spend more than $5,000 on the campaign. Getting the measure passed could be a challenge, duBois said, because he needs to educate the public about relatively complicated land-use issues.
“In San Juan Bautista, it’s challenging because there are 50 people who are really active in the community and another 750 … who it’s hard to read where they’re at,” he said.
DuBois will be hosting town hall meetings at the San Juan Bakery and Grocery at 5:30pm Aug. 8 and Aug. 14.
