I would like to address the article that was printed in the
Tuesday edition of the Free Lance this past week regarding possible
development on the site which was formerly Leatherback
Industries.
By Theresa “Tess” Ucovich
I would like to address the article that was printed in the Tuesday edition of the Free Lance this past week regarding possible development on the site which was formerly Leatherback Industries.
The Hollister Redevelopment Agency recommended that a shopping center with a grocery store be constructed on the site. The last thing we need in town is another grocery store unless it in fact could be a mini “Trader Joe’s.” What we do need at such a location is possibly an “Applebees” or a “Mimi’s” or a “Black Bear Diner.”
Also need I state that the downtown area is filled with vacant stores as are many of the existing shopping centers. We need to focus on bringing life to our city. Property values are steadily declining and will continue to do so unless we revitalize the downtown area. Where is the vision of the local governing bodies? We need some basic necessities in the heart of our city … namely, a Boutique Hotel, affordable town houses with operational businesses below, something akin to a “mini-Santana Row.” Even a department store such as a Kohl’s or a J.C. Penney would do well in our Hollister area.
Why is it that everything ends up in Gilroy? If we don’t act soon, our little community is going to become a ghost town. If any of you local residents agree with me, I ask you to write to your elected officials, to the redevelopment agency, to anyone else you can think of that could help us turn the direction in which this city is headed. It’s time to speak up before it’s too late. There is much to be corrected in our country, our state, and in our very own Hollister … yes this is our city; let’s not let it “die on the vine.” Thanks for letting me vent!
Theresa “Tess” Ucovich is from Hollister.
