Although I can’t be considered an
”
old-timer
”
as I’ve only lived in the Gilroy/Hollister area for 31 years, I
believe I could be considered a
”
long-term resident
”
. As such, the changing face of our community is of great
concern to me.
Editor,
Although I can’t be considered an “old-timer” as I’ve only lived in the Gilroy/Hollister area for 31 years, I believe I could be considered a “long-term resident”. As such, the changing face of our community is of great concern to me.
As DMB presents more and more information regarding its planned development of Rancho San Benito, I felt it was time for me to pay a little closer attention to what the new development will offer. I was fortunate to speak to Kathy Johnson of DMB, who graciously answered all of my questions, and gave me some insight into what is in store if the project is successful. So far, WOW!
The proposed project will provide a number of things that I, as a long-term resident find quite exciting:
1. Affordable housing – As most of us know, many of our community members (including our children) have had to move to Los Banos, Modesto and other valley locations to afford a house. DMB is proposing over 1,300 affordable housing units. Maybe some of those families can come home!
2. DMB just purchased a bunch of land, which will be maintained as open space. Many of us would love to live in a neighborhood surrounded by open space. I don’t remember that being a selling point by any of the previous developers.
3. Traffic impact fees that will be paid to the County Council of Governments (COG) are estimated at $170 million. I read in this weekend’s Pinnacle that Gilroy collects $10-$12 million in sales tax from the Outlets. Although comparing fees paid to COG and sales taxes collected is not comparing apples to apples, dollar for dollar, these fees still go into the County coffers. Do you realize that we could go over 10 years without “big box” stores and have more revenue coming in than they do?
4. Jobs, jobs, jobs – Over 1,800 construction jobs are expected, many of which should be filled by San Benito County workers.
I urge all of you who will be voting on the proposed development to go to the forums that DMB is hosting, ask all of the questions that pop into your mind, and like me, you may be pleasantly surprised. I believe DMB may bring the Community back to San Benito County!
Bette Grace Hollister
