The San Juan Bautista City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to move toward a final vote on changes to the city’s ordinance banning franchise businesses.
“The ordinance, per say, protects the downtown,” said Mayor Tony Boch. “We still have the historical district.”
The San Juan Bautista Planning Commission voted in January to hold off on changes to the franchise ban ordinance until its effects could be studied more by staff. In December 2002, the city implemented the franchise ban against formula businesses and since then has renewed the ordinance three times, even as chains such as Subway have expressed interest in opening a shop in the Mission City.
The new law would give more leeway to the city to allow franchise businesses on the outskirts of the city, especially along Highway 156 and other entrance points. Boch said that big-box stores are not coming to San Juan, even if officials lifted the ban.
“We’re not going to put a Wal-Mart on Mission Plaza,” the mayor said.
Councilwoman Jolene Cosio agreed.
“I don’t think San Juan is going to attract big-box stores that are going to change our mom and pop stores,” she said.
Councilman Rick Edge, who voted against moving to a final vote, said the ordinance change scares him and could open the door to franchise businesses.
“I guess I’m still opposed to it, although I see the need,” he said.
Councilman Robert Lund said mom and pop businesses downtown are not bragging about how good business is.
“It will make it a lot stronger (the city’s economy),” he said. “I don’t think it will hurt the charm of the city. In fact, it may make more people want to live here.”
The council will vote to change the ordinance or not at their next meeting on March 18 at 6 p.m., City Hall, 311 Second St.
