Following publicly-stated criticism from two county supervisors,
the county’s head planner sent a letter to Hollister officials
announcing formal opposition regarding a city-governed
subdivision.
Following publicly-stated criticism from two county supervisors, the county’s head planner sent a letter to Hollister officials announcing formal opposition regarding a city-governed subdivision.
Some city leaders, meanwhile, are baffled over the county government’s involvement in the city project. City Attorney Elaine Cass said she could not recall such an official opposition of a subdivision in her 10 years with Hollister.
County Planning Director Rob Mendiola recently sent a letter disputing a minor subdivision in the parking lot at the corner of Nash Road and Cushman Street. The lot includes Java Express and Gold’s Gym.
The Hollister Planning Commission late last week approved the subdivision of the lot into three parcels. And the City Council will consider its final approval at an upcoming meeting.
Mendiola cited concerns over potential development build-out and added traffic congestion, according to the letter obtained by the Free Lance.
“There are significant adverse traffic impacts and levels of service not permissible in the city’s General Plan,” Mendiola wrote.
Incidentally or not, Mendiola’s points resemble similar arguments against the project previously expressed by county supervisors Pat Loe and Richard Scagliotti.
“My question is,” Commissioner Charlie Scott said, “who directed the Planning Department manager to send that letter on behalf of the county?”
Mendiola did not return phone calls placed to his office Tuesday. Loe and Scagliotti could not be reached.
Mendiola’s letter cited the Hollister Planning Department and its reported contention – that “it would not be appropriate to evaluate” potential development with the current moratorium that forbids new construction.
“The moratorium could be lifted within 18 months,” Mendiola stated, “and development could reasonably be foreseeable.”
City planners contend that the subdivision serves a sole financial purpose for the owner. It would be split into three lots so each could potentially be sold individually, according to Scott, who motioned for the approval at the March 25 meeting.
The owner of the lot, according to Scott, would not be allowed to impose further development without city approval.
The Commission approved it 4-0, as one member, Ray Pierce, excused himself with a conflict of interest because he’s a resident of the neighborhood, Scott said.
