Hollister
– San Benito County’s general plan is long overdue for an
overhaul, officials say, and the update process is finally moving
forward. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved a contract
with San Francisco-based consultants Dyett
&
amp; Bhatia to prepare a
”
work scope
”
document for the plan update.
Hollister – San Benito County’s general plan is long overdue for an overhaul, officials say, and the update process is finally moving forward. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved a contract with San Francisco-based consultants Dyett & Bhatia to prepare a “work scope” document for the plan update.
According to County Planning Director Art Henriques, the general plan is a “long-term road map” for the county’s growth and development.
Supervisor Reb Monaco, who has long emphasized updating the general plan, said he is happy with the progress that’s being made. He added that he’s been worried about whether the update could turn into a long, drawn-out process – as it did in Monterey County, where an update has been in the works for six years and counting – but those concerns have been assuaged.
“I don’t have many worries about the project getting sidetracked or delayed,” Monaco said. “The (consulting) company has an outstanding reputation nationally, and especially in California.”
According to county documents, Dyett & Bhatia’s duties will include community outreach and visioning, an evaluation of the existing plan and the creation of a work program that will guide the update process. The firm will be paid $42,040 for its work, which is scheduled to be complete by April 25, 2007.
Henriques said the consultants and county staff would hold public workshops throughout San Benito.
“This is just the beginning of public participation,” Henriques said. “This is a good opportunity for community members to understand why it’s important to update the plan and to feel like they had a role in shaping the county’s future.”
Board Chair Pat Loe said it’s been more than 20 years since the entire general plan was updated; individual elements have been updated since then, but the county was never able to pay the cost of a complete revision.
When asked about her priorities for the plan, Loe said it should include economic enterprise zones and other elements to stimulate the economy, and that housing should be placed carefully.
“We have to make sure housing stays off prime agriculture land,” she said. “After all, ag is our number one employer.”
Monaco, on the other hand, said he didn’t have any specific goals for the plan’s content.
“I don’t have any preconceived ideas about the general plan myself,” he said. “I have no agenda or specific projects I want to push through. My concern is just to go through that process.”
Henriques said the Board has budgeted $750,000 for the entire update, but the county will have a more accurate price tag in a few months. He added that the process should take between 18 months and two years. The City of Hollister completed an update of its general plan this year.
Anthony Ha covers local government for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or [email protected].
