Editor,
The Free Lance Editorial Board could not be more wrong in its unwarranted criticism of the Aromas/San Juan School District’s recreation project, based on the assumption that the site has historical value. There never has been any “official” declaration, or significant historical findings, to merit the city’s scrutiny to consider not moving forward with the recreation project that not only benefits our children in the county, but San Juan Bautista’s economy as well.
It is disappointing that the Free Lance would advocate the unnecessary “rigid, formal steps” on this sort of project, for this type of land use. All this does is prevents a public project from not occurring, as it escalates the costs beyond the means feasibility.
It should also be noted that the claim of historical sensitivity was brought forward by one individual that is not noted as an “expert.
It is clear that there is a critical shortage of play fields outside of Hollister. The six acres that are being improved will become two soccer fields and two baseball fields, with a parking area adjacent to the street. The property is contiguous to the current elementary school to the south and residential area and a State Park equipment yard to the north.
The school’s property has been underutilized for years and has been used as a temporary parking area for special events. The area noted is little more than a weed abatement problem and is a fire hazard for the town. It is hardly noted that this property should be the actual “El Camino Real” than anywhere else in San Juan Bautista. I would expect the Free Lance Editorial Board to applaud the efforts of the School district for working with the City of San Juan, San Benito County and the wonderful volunteers for making this valuable recreation project happen. The Free Lance has been advocating progress for the creation of alternatives for our young people and economic development in our communities. These play fields will bring opportunity to our young people through sports, bring visitors to San Juan Bautista for business, and truly enhance the gateway into historic San Juan Bautista.
Anthony Botelho,
San Benito County supervisor, District 2
