Despite reluctance from some Hollister officials on a partnership, county and San Benito High School District leaders appear intent on moving ahead in addressing safety issues on Nash Road.
Supervisors held a discussion on the possible, temporary closure of Nash Road near the high school along with consideration of eventually building a traffic bypass.
The arrangement needs support from all three government entities due to jurisdictional issues with the road and campus. Hollister council members, an apparent surprise to some staff officials at the county and high school, in January rejected the idea to temporary close Nash Road in a 3-2 vote.
Tuesday’s discussion among county and high school officials reflected an attitude that they may plan to move ahead in some manner with or without the city’s support.
The initially broached idea would have closed the road between West Street and Monterey Street until a bypass could be built due to safety concerns with so many students and staff members accessing the road during school hours. As part of the agreement, the high school district would transfer nearby property to the county for its regional park idea. The county board in January approved the idea for the joint partnership project.
Supervisor Robert Rivas, who is employed by the high school district, suggested the county consider cutting the city out of the memorandum of understanding, transferring the land and starting the process with just the school district and county involved.
“Once that process has begun, I’m sure it would be a lot easier to get the city to buy in,” Rivas said.
Supervisor Anthony Botelho said he would like to invite the city to discussions another time before moving forward without it. Supervisor Jerry Muenzer insisted on more clarity from the city before moving ahead.
“We have tried to work with the city and the city has reneged on things,” Muenzer said. “I need to hear that the city is committed to working with us also.”
San Benito High School District Superintendent John Perales spoke during the discussion, as did Board President Ray Rodriguez. Hollister City Manager Bill Avera also provided a perspective from the city council.
Rodriguez mentioned a recent traffic incident from last week that underscored the need to upgrade campus safety. He said a staff member had to move between a moving vehicle and student, though the incident didn’t cause life-threatening injuries.
“It could’ve been much worse for the staff member and our students,” Rodriguez said.
