Guest View: Right move to eliminate growth restrictions

The Pinnacle editorial of December 18 recommending the Board of
Supervisors eliminates the growth and affordable housing ordinances
from the Housing Element of the General Plan was well written. Such
actions would be beneficial for the future of San Benito
County.
By Marvin Jones

The Pinnacle editorial of December 18 recommending the Board of Supervisors eliminates the growth and affordable housing ordinances from the Housing Element of the General Plan was well written. Such actions would be beneficial for the future of San Benito County. 

Both items were on the agenda of the December 16 Special Session of the Board of Supervisors. It was noted early in the discussion that the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) will require an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on any housing activity regardless of the action of the board on these two matters. 

The discussion seemed to be leaning toward eliminating the affordable housing requirement.  Then the need of an EIR was invoked.

  That seemed funny.  An EIR is required to make something nothing.  And if anything is done after there are no restrictions (build something constructive) another EIR will be required.  That is, do an EIR in order to progress to the point an EIR is required. 

  The Board appeared to not know what to do next.  So next year when there is a new Chairman, he/she will appoint a task force to study the matter some more. 

  Small wonder it took almost eight years for the Board of Supervisors to modify the Hillside Ordinance. 

  Marvin L. Jones is a Hollister resident.