Hollister native Chris Alvarez wants to see Hollister retain its
small town charm
– and as the newly appointed District 2 planning commissioner,
he’ll now be in a position to see that come to pass.
Hollister – Hollister native Chris Alvarez wants to see Hollister retain its small town charm – and as the newly appointed District 2 planning commissioner, he’ll now be in a position to see that come to pass.
The city council approved District 2 Councilman Robert Scattini’s appointment of Alvarez Aug. 15. Alvarez was the only applicant for the two-year position, last held by Elizabeth Gage.
“I thought it was time for our generation to get involved,” said Alvarez, 43. “I want Hollister to grow successfully.”
Alvarez said he is interested in implementing the city’s new general plan, which has been in the works for two years. It is the first revision in the city’s general plan in 10 years. The city council may vote on the plan in November.
A preliminary draft calls for the revitalization of downtown through mixed commercial and residential use, which appeals to Alvarez.
“I like that mixed housing. I love the downtown. We still have that small town feeling, which I like,” he said. “Growth is good, but we don’t want explosive growth.”
Alvarez said he would like to see the airport used to boost the city’s economy, as well as see some larger businesses, such as a book store, come into town. Above all, he said, he wants to be responsive to those he represents.
“My goal is to listen to what people need and try to implement as many as possible,” he said.
Alvarez, who sat on the parks and recreation commission from 2004 to 2005, applied for the planning commissioner post two years ago. Scattini, who chooses a commission appointee from among those who apply, said he chose Gage because of her education. Alvarez, he said, was a close second.
“Chris is a hometown boy and dedicated,” he said. “I have no doubt he’ll do me a good job.”
Scattini said he wants a planning commissioner who can make his own decisions and won’t be swayed by other members of the commission.
“I like someone who’s their own person,” he said.
Scattini said he thinks Alvarez fits that description.
Alvarez works as a meat cutter at Safeway, is married, and has one child with one on the way. He said he wants to get involved in city government so his children have a good future in the town he loves.
Though he has no experience in municipal planning, Alvarez said his time on the parks and recreation commission gave him some insight into how city government works. He said he anticipates city staff will be helpful as he learns the ins and outs of the commission.
In addition to getting help from the city staff, Alvarez said he’ll also get a little help from his father, who sat on Hollister’s planning commission in 1975.
“My father will give me some insight,” he said.
His first meeting as a commissioner will be Thursday.
