Barring disaster, the city’s $4.4 million investment into the
civic future of Hollister
– the Veterans Memorial Building – will re-open later this
month.
Barring disaster, the city’s $4.4 million investment into the civic future of Hollister – the Veterans Memorial Building – will re-open later this month.
On top of this expenditure, the City Council this week tentatively agreed to charge affordable rental rates for the facility – which, ultimately, will add to the hefty financial burden absorbed by the city for its ownership. For the first year, the operation will carry a projected deficit of $173,000.
As Council members and other local leaders continuously vow to tighten Hollister’s wallet during poor economic times, officials have justly opened their eyes to fiscal priority. Giving back the Veterans Memorial Building, a sparkling downtown gem, to the entire community is a noble effort.
In a city sharply divided by rich and poor, the architectural pride of San Benito County can be enjoyed by everyone. The wealthiest of business leaders wouldn’t dare look down on the Vets Building when considering the facility for a conference or convention. It’s first class, no doubt. Also, a young couple seeking a hall for a wedding reception or a family celebrating a quinceanera can afford to consider the memorial building as a venue.
The Council also made wise changes to the proposed fees from the Recreation Division and Management Services. Foremost, Council requested a 20-percent surcharge for out-of-county customers. And it lowered already reasonable rental fees for private-social parties, which would include receptions and quinceaneras.
With that surcharge, the city’s generosity ends with local residents, who will ultimately fit the bill. Councilman Tony Bruscia referred to the city’s effort as a form of “subsidizing” the true cost to the public. He’s right on, and there is no reason for that openhandedness to stretch any further than the people of San Benito County.
Even with the 20-percent hike, a company from Monterey, Gilroy or Morgan Hill would still receive a fair price.
When it’s all said and done, there hasn’t been so much as a hush of negativity regarding the renovation cost. And, there shouldn’t be any surrounding the affordable rental rates, either. The building can now be enjoyed by the entire community – and not just because of its aesthetic beauty from the outside.
Construction crews are putting final touches on the facility, and outside of the annul motorcycle rally, the re-dedication ceremony on Memorial Day should be the grandest and most-anticipated event of the year. Every person who is able to attend should, as every resident can take pride in owning a piece of Hollister history.
