GAF Leatherback Corp. survived for many years in a less than
flourishing industrial climate.
GAF Leatherback Corp. survived for many years in a less than flourishing industrial climate.
As the housing market slump has compounded other adverse economic factors, the operation will close its doors and leave 40 workers without jobs. Losing the jobs certainly comes as a blow to the local economy and workforce. We are disturbed to see the closure of another local business, especially one that offered quality jobs to area workers for decades.
Hollister’s industrial sector has historically provided many jobs and strengthened the local economy. Although the business’ closing marks another sad reminder of our direction in recent years, it will open new doors for development on the fringe of downtown.
Leatherback – a subsidiary of Wayne, N.J.-based GAF Materials Corp. – informed city officials of the closing last week and cited a declining market and competitors’ growth as reasons for the decision. GAF had bought the company from Leatherback Industries in 1997.
When Leatherback ceases operations at its two parcels – 111 Hillcrest Road and 901 Prospect Ave. – the land will be available for an array of opportunities. The prospect of nearly 7 acres of property near downtown has potential to solidify that area and should be viewed by developers as having immense potential, especially considering work has begun on the Highway 25 bypass and the building moratorium on new sewer connections is slated to end in December 2008.
We expect officials and the Hollister Downtown Association and San Benito County Chamber of Commerce will work together to make sure this land is taken into consideration while plans for downtown redevelopment are being discussed.
This could open up many new doors for commercial businesses in Hollister. Although the land is zoned for industrial use, our elected officials should make sure it is rezoned when the time is appropriate – we hope during upcoming discussions regarding the city’s general plan.
The city has pushed industrial development to designated areas near the Hollister Municipal Airport, while planning for commercial expansion near the city center. This trend should continue in coming years to provide inviting surroundings to both commercial and industrial enterprises.
The Leatherback property could be used for the development of high-density housing, among other plans. Such housing would boost foot traffic downtown and stimulate commerce throughout the area.
It could act as an anchor for many years to come.
A plan must be developed that takes many factors into account, including the future of downtown, neighboring businesses and the railroad.
We also hope the Leatherback facility won’t sit vacant and unused for too long after the moratorium’s lifting. We cannot think of a more depressing backdrop to the downtown area than silent factories.
