Hollister
– The 150 people attending an open house held Tuesday by El
Rancho San Benito developer DMB Associates were more curious than
concerned about the company’s vision for a mini-city in northern
San Benito County.
Hollister – The 150 people attending an open house held Tuesday by El Rancho San Benito developer DMB Associates were more curious than concerned about the company’s vision for a mini-city in northern San Benito County.
A preliminary plan for El Rancho San Benito released last month includes: 6,800 houses of various styles and prices; commercial and light industrial space; a new road through El Rancho San Benito connecting highways 25 and 101; new public safety facilities for the development; and open space for trails and agriculture. DMB has also said that impact fees from the development will cover all of its expenses and generate about $16 million for the county’s general fund over the 10 to 12 year build out of the project.
Tuesday’s open house was an opportunity for locals to give their opinions about the proposal, according to Ray Becker, DMB’s local representative. The developer has spent more than a year on a public relations campaign that has included several forums and meetings and even a taking several county residents to see a DMB development in Arizona.
While some have said that El Rancho San Benito will mar the county’s rural landscape just to provide housing for workers from the Silicon Valley, many have had a positive reaction to DMB’s proposal and its tact. Many at Tuesday’s open house counted themselves among the latter.
“I think it does something great for the local community,” said Carols Vargas, who has lived in Hollister for 30 years.
Vargas said that he thinks the county needs more housing. One concern that he did voice, however, was that locals won’t get a chance to buy homes at El Rancho San Benito.
“Everything is great, but there is some concern” Vargas said. “Essentially, I’d like to hear if (providing homes for) local people will be a priority.”
Dennis Lalor, executive director of South County Housing, said that he likes what DMB is offering so far.
“I think they’ve done a really good job this last year getting people’s input and listening,” he said.
South County Housing is a nonprofit organization that builds homes for people with low incomes. Lalor said that he liked the package, which includes 20 percent affordable housing, that DMB has presented. He did say, however, that he is keeping an open mind about El Rancho San Benito.
“There’s still more to discuss,” he said. “The plan still needs to be fleshed out.”
Luke Roney covers local government and the environment for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at [email protected]
