Hollister
– Although the Gavilan College Board of Trustees invited public
comments on the location of the satellite campus in Hollister, many
people who attended the meeting say their opinions were
ignored.
Hollister – Although the Gavilan College Board of Trustees invited public comments on the location of the satellite campus in Hollister, many people who attended the meeting say their opinions were ignored.
Despite a feeling that the Gavilan Board of Trustees did not listen to the public’s concerns about the location of the satellite college in Hollister, most outspoken members of the community say they wish to continue to be involved in the planning of the school.
The Gavilan Board of Trustees voted unanimously Tuesday, with one abstention, in favor of moving forward on the purchase of the property on the northeast corner of Fairview Road and Airline Highway.
This vote came despite widespread criticism from the people who attended the meeting. Many who attended the meeting expressed frustration that their opinions were not being heard.
“I assumed the public discussion would be taken into consideration, but they didn’t listen last night,” said Hollister business owner Gordan Machado, who spoke during the public discussion.
Machado said that despite statements from board members that they wanted public input on the future planning for the college – such as the programs the college would provide – he was skeptical that they would listen to the community.
“They didn’t listen last night, so I don’t know if they’ll listen to the public (about the programs) or not,” he said.
Tony Ruiz, of Hollister, said he thought the board asking for public input on the programs for the college was merely meant as a diversion from the fact that it had not listened to the public about the location.
“If there’s any area that you invite public input, it’s the location of the school,” Ruiz said. “When it comes to the programs, why would you ask people that? Those programs are dictated by the school, the state and the mission of the college.”
Hollister resident Ruth Erickson said she thought the board had not listened to the concerns expressed about the site. In a small community like San Benito County, it’s important to listen to the opinions expressed by the people, she said.
More than 50 people attended the meeting and around a dozen spoke out in opposition to the chosen site.
Still, despite frustrations that the board had not taken their expressed concerns into consideration, many people who spoke in opposition to the site said they would continue to give their input on Gavilan College during the planning stages.
“I’m going to support them in every way I can because we need a college,” Hollister City Councilman Doug Emerson said. “I think everybody realizes the importance of the college and that we’re going to have to come together to plan.”
Emerson’s primary concern with the chosen location – across from Ridgemark Golf Course – was the effect it would have on traffic. He said he hoped the city and college could work together to address the traffic problems.
Superintendent of the San Benito County Office of Education Tim Foley said that although he agreed with many of the concerns that were expressed, he hoped those community members who had been active in the site selection decisions would continue to play a part in the planning process.
“Certainly there will be continuing opportunity for people to have input,” Foley said.
Alice Joy covers education for the Free Lance. She can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 336 or at
aj**@fr***********.com
.
