RDA Needs to Refocus on Existing Property Owners
RDA Needs to Refocus on Existing Property Owners
Editor,
The recent announcement at the Aug. 21 city council meeting that the RDA would contribute $11 million toward the sewer plant project was welcomed, but the amount was certainly not substantial.
The amended RDA plan called for $295 million to be used for infrastructure improvements. Looking at percentages will give property owners a much clearer picture of the RDA’s minimal contribution. Eleven million dollars is 3 percent of the total tax increment that the RDA will receive until 2033. Eleven million dollars is approximately 3 percent of the total construction cost of the new sewer treatment plant with interest. This minimal contribution from the RDA should not be acceptable to anyone.
The amended RDA plan also increased the bonding capacity of the RDA from $35 million to $75 million. How much bonding capacity is being used by the RDA to help pay for the new sewer plant?
The RDA must refocus and make a commitment to help existing property owners by increasing the RDA contribution by a substantial amount. If that means that other RDA projects are delayed or eliminated, than so be it. Isn’t the new sewer treatment plant a top priority?
Again, I urge the city council to withhold approving these excessive rates until the RDA makes a much larger financial commitment to this project.
Aurelio Zuniga,
Hollister
Del Webb Community Would be a Great Thing for Hollister
Editor,
I am an ex-Hollister resident who moved to a Del Webb Community in Henderson, Nev., four years ago. I would move back to Hollister in a heartbeat if Del Webb builds a Sun City there. Sun City provides 55-plus adults with activities, pools, tennis courts, golf, clubhouse with pool tables, computers, large gym areas with equipment, arts and craft activities. It has support groups, home assistance directory, various services and the pools have access for handicapped.
The Hollister area has built in coastal “air conditioning” which is something I really miss. With the number of baby boomers skyrocketing, Hollister can provide for this need through a Del Webb community.
It is difficult to move back to California after leaving because of the price of homes. Del Webb would provide this opportunity because of the variety of both homes and prices.
I understand that there is to be a vote to sample interest in a Sun City Hollister. Please vote for this “Class Project.”
Nancy Howard
Sun City Anthem,
Henderson, Nev.
