Hollister
– The San Benito County Planning Commission will be looking at
plans for a proposed Lowe’s home improvement center tonight.
Hollister – The San Benito County Planning Commission will be looking at plans for a proposed Lowe’s home improvement center tonight.
The commission will consider approving the site’s commercial district review – a document that reviews its compatibility with the general plan and the surrounding community. County Planning Director Art Henriques said that although the developers still need to obtain the necessary building permits, this is probably the final approval the project requires from the Planning Commission.
The current plans call for a commercial building of around 140,000 square feet and a garden center of 31,000 square feet on Hillcrest Road north of McCray Street.
The project’s supporters – including several county supervisors – have said the project could bring tax dollars and employment opportunities to the local economy, but others are worried a big-box store could hurt local businesses.
Planning Commissioner Gordon Machado said the project needs to fit in with its environment.
“Obviously, you want it done right,” Machado said. “A lot of times, they do their cookie-cutting, so we have to make sure it blends with the community.”
The Planning Commission meeting will begin at 6pm in the County Administration Building.
Anthony Ha covers local government for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or [email protected].
