In its continuing effort to woo local support of the
construction of mini-city El Rancho San Benito in northern San
Benito County, developer DMB Associates is planning to fly 30
county residents to Arizona so they can see first-hand what kind of
community it is interested in building in San Benito.
Hollister – In its continuing effort to woo local support of the construction of mini-city El Rancho San Benito in northern San Benito County, developer DMB Associates is planning to fly 30 county residents to Arizona so they can see first-hand what kind of community it is interested in building in San Benito.
The Arizona-based developer, which owns about 4,500 acres just south of the Santa Clara County line near the Pajaro River, is collecting names from people interested in taking a one-day whirlwind trip to Phoenix, Ariz., where they will take a tour of Verrado, a DMB development.
It will be the first time DMB, which has built communities in California, Arizona, Utah and Hawaii, has held a travel forum, according to local DMB representative Ray Becker.
“We’re doing it because a number of people have gone to see our projects, particularly Verrado, and have come back saying it’s been an eye-opening experience,” he said.
The group of 30 county residents, who will be chosen randomly from a list of people who have submitted their names to DMB, will fly to Arizona on Feb. 4. Becker said the idea of the travel forum is to have county residents, rather than officials, go on the trip. He said about 30 people have given their names so far for a chance to take part in the forum. All transportation and food costs will be paid by DMB.
Supervisor Anthony Botelho said he has never seen a developer put so much effort into selling their plan. But, he added that it may be a good thing to do since DMB will eventually have to get voter approval for zoning changes for the project.
“Maybe it’s not a bad idea,” he said. Since DMB announced its plans, supervisors have said they are waiting for more information about the development before they form opinions about it.
But Supervisor Pat Loe said it’s time for DMB to stop with the marketing and unveil its plans for El Rancho San Benito.
“I think (the Arizona trip) is a marketing tool,” she said. “I really believe they should come forward with a project and let the community decide. We’re now in overkill.”
Built in 2002, Verrado is located in Buckeye, Ariz., 25 miles from downtown Phoenix. The 8,800-acre town has room for more than 14,000 houses. It also has retail businesses as well as space for offices and light industrial businesses.
Becker said they chose Verrado for the travel forum because it best represents what DMB wants to do in San Benito County. But, he added, any project in San Benito would be developed to fit the county’s characteristics.
“We’re not saying we’re going to pick up Verrado and put it here,” Becker said.
Though DMB has yet to unveil a plan for El Rancho San Benito, in a report released in November it laid out an outline for the development. It proposes:
n Alternative access to Highway 101 through the project site to ensure the development’s residents don’t add to the traffic burden on Hwy. 25.
n Developer-financed services such as a library and police and fire protection
n Open space with parks, trails and sports facilities
n Diverse housing, including rentals, that will be affordable to a wide range of residents
Becker said that DMB will likely have a preliminary plan for El Rancho San Benito, including the number of houses in hopes to build, by spring. However, a final plan won’t be ready until late 2006, he said.
To enter your name for a chance to participate in February’s travel forum to Arizona contact DMB at www.elranchosanbenito.com or (831) 635-5910. Or stop by the DMB office at 615 San Benito Street, suite 101.
Luke Roney covers local government and the environment for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at lr****@fr***********.com
