I was hoping it was just a bad dream: a couple of weeks ago I
learned that a big developer was preparing plans for housing, on a
parcel off Highway 25.
”
Oh no,
”
I thought.
”
Not the Bolsa.
”
I was hoping it was just a bad dream: a couple of weeks ago I learned that a big developer was preparing plans for housing, on a parcel off Highway 25. “Oh no,” I thought. “Not the Bolsa.”
I have always found Highway 25, despite traffic problems and a few eyesores, to be a magical transition between the outside world and our little corner of paradise.
Then I didn’t hear or see any more about it. Until Tuesday. There it was in the Free Lance: Jessica Quandt’s story about DMB Inc. and their approach to development.
According to DMB representative Ray Becker, DMB works closely with existing communities to determine what kind of project to create. He has already been meeting with the County Supervisors to exchange views.
I read the comments of people who were involved with the company’s projects elsewhere, mainly in Arizona, who had mostly positive things to say.
Then I checked out their website. I thought the houses, spas and clubs in the various developments looked kind of plastic. But then I think most new buildings and homes look kind of plastic. Several of the developments featured golf-pro-designed, high-level golf courses.
I try to keep an open mind.
I don’t want to seem negative.
But is this what we want for San Benito County? To pave some of the best agricultural land in the world for plastic homes and golf courses?
I voted against Measure G. I found it too restrictive and economically suspect. I was frightened of the unintended consequences. I don’t think planning should be done by sweeping ballot measures.
However, the public MUST be involved. We must inform ourselves and think about what we want for our county.
As a member of the planning commission for the City of Hollister (not the county), I have been dismayed at the seeming low level of public interest in the city’s General Plan update.
The issues are complicated. Experts get involved and the jargon flies thick and fast. It can seem boring. At a lot of meetings I had to steal myself to ask for clarifications and explanations. I felt like the dumb kid in class. But the year-plus long process and all the meetings are worth it because it’s the way to keep the city we want and make it better.
I wish more people had attended our workshops and planning commission meetings.
Sometimes people who attend are simply seeking a favor for themselves. You, the public, sometimes ramble. You cause trouble, ask difficult questions and make the meetings last too long.
You’re indispensable.
The city’s General Plan update will come before the public and the City Council in the next couple of months. It’s up to you to ask hard questions of the Planning Commission, and then to encourage the City Council to adopt the plan and to pass ordinances that will help enforce it.
The county will probably begin its own General Plan update sometime this year. This is our chance to help design the future of our county and make sure we don’t destroy the reasons we want to live here. We don’t want to let the guys with the most energy (usually developers) win by default.
