A stroll down San Benito Street on any sunny day in Hollister
will reveal the truth about the state of affairs in our business
climate
– there’s just not a whole lot going on.
A stroll down San Benito Street on any sunny day in Hollister will reveal the truth about the state of affairs in our business climate – there’s just not a whole lot going on.
That’s why developer Tod DuBois’ progressive plan to build on the vacant lot owned by the city on San Benito and Fourth streets is so important.
DuBois, who is from San Juan Bautista, told reporter Luke Roney this week that he plans to ask the city council to host a series of community forums so he can find out exactly what people would like to see there. His initial plans, based on the Cooper House in Santa Cruz, include a 60,000 square-foot, four-story building with retail space on the bottom and residential space or a 39-room hotel on the top floors. His initial architectural renderings are a promising start, but inviting the public to give their input could improve the overall design.
And, involving the public is important for two reasons: Projects proposed on the lot in the past have failed, and it is a great way to build the political will to develop the city’s premiere corner, which has been vacant for too long. The original buildings on the corner were damaged, then demolished, as a result of the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989.
The successful development of this lot, with the people it will attract, will translate into more business for all downtown merchants. Business begets business, and this new building can provide a shot in the arm to our local economy.
Increased retail sales and the government-running tax revenue that comes with them are essential to making Hollister’s public services keep stride with the growth that has occurred in the area. The new building, if filled with strong businesses, would not only boost local tax rolls, but will result in more locals spending their dollars at home.
DuBois wants to have his plan in place so he can break ground on the day the building moratorium – imposed by the state in 2002 when 15 million gallons of treated sewage spilled into the San Benito River – is lifted in 2007.
Starting construction on a significant new project for downtown on that day would be a proud moment for the city. The City Council and City Manager Clint Quilter should make that their goal, and work with DuBois and the community to make sure it happens.
