If the City of Hollister wants growth in the future, something
other than a moratorium now stands in the way
– the people.
If the City of Hollister wants growth in the future, something other than a moratorium now stands in the way – the people.
Measure U, which maintains the current residential growth limit of 244 units per year, passed Tuesday, giving voters sole power over the city’s growth management planning.
The measure received 3,733 votes, or 69.5 percent, to 1,635 no votes, or 30.5 percent.
The measure will take effect after completion of the city’s long-term wastewater management plan, scheduled for Oct. 15, 2005, and will remain in place for five years.
The only major difference between Measure U and the existing program is the voting aspect, rather than City Council making changes to the General Plan on the issue.
“It reflects what has been on the books since April of 2001,” City Attorney Elaine Cass said.
If the Regional Water Quality Control Board’s cease-and-desist order that states the city may not issue any new building permits or new sewer connections until the new treatment plant is completed is delayed, the ordinance’s latest termination date will be June 30, 2012. The citywide moratorium stems from a 15-million-gallon sewage spill at the wastewater treatment plant May 4.
J.J. Vogel, founder of WATCHDOG, created the measure and collected signatures from 10 percent of the population in 2000 to put it on the ballot. Vogel’s original proposal in late 2000 contained language problems revised by Cass to make the document legal.
The City Council approved the measure in April for Tuesday’s ballot.
“I’m glad Measure U passed,” said Hollister City Councilwoman Pauline Valdivia. “It’s important to keep services in line.”
