The Hollister City Council has opposed Robert Rodriguez’s idea
for a flea market once before, but it will have a hard time finding
problems with the resident’s latest proposal for the operation –
temporary use of the old Leatherback Industries site near
downtown.
The Hollister City Council has opposed Robert Rodriguez’s idea for a flea market once before, but it will have a hard time finding problems with the resident’s latest proposal for the operation – temporary use of the old Leatherback Industries site near downtown.
The county has denied Rodriguez’s idea for a weekend flea market at two separate locations: along Shore Road and near the Hollister Municipal Airport. The Hollister council officially opposed the airport location, citing concerns about safety with the close proximity of an airport runway.
It’s no surprise that Rodriguez is back again, this time showing up at last week’s Hollister council meeting and discussing his idea to use the redevelopment agency-owned location where Leatherback closed shop in 2007 for what he dubbed as an “open-air market.” Staff members had planned to examine the idea and bring it back for a future meeting.
For the most part, there really aren’t any legitimate, deal-killing issues with the spot. The roadways nearby can handle the traffic volume. There is plenty of space to park vehicles, especially on the weekends when downtown Hollister attracts little activity. And while there could be a dust problem there, he could prevent it with use of a cover to the grounds, as suggested at the meeting.
The Hollister Downtown Association opposed it while contending it would lack vendor screening, have “ingress and egress” issues for traffic and safety, and contain the potential for air-borne trash behind the event area.
Of course, any short-term ideas for that location would hinge on interest level in the site from outside developers and how fast one might want to get working on a project. The RDA has requested proposals from developers, while requiring that any bidders set aside land for a new YMCA of San Benito County building.
If a developer’s plans contradict with Rodriguez’s proposal, it would all but kill the idea for a market at the location. If not, at least in the short term, then there is no credible reason to stand in the way of Rodriguez pursuing his business at the site.
