Equine Center proposal a potentially big boost for San Benito
County economy
Plans to build a world-class equine center on Frazier Lake Road
should be met with welcome arms by county officials and stand to
boost the potential for equestrian-related recreation and business
in the area.
Kevin Chambers, who owns a similar but smaller training center
in Menlo Park, is proposing to build the event center on 60 acres
between Hollister and Gilroy.
Equine Center proposal a potentially big boost for San Benito County economy
Plans to build a world-class equine center on Frazier Lake Road should be met with welcome arms by county officials and stand to boost the potential for equestrian-related recreation and business in the area.
Kevin Chambers, who owns a similar but smaller training center in Menlo Park, is proposing to build the event center on 60 acres between Hollister and Gilroy.
It would include a stadium with capacity of nearly 4,000 people with stadium-style seating, more than 10 arenas and about 700 stables. There would be six parking lots and a 6,000-square-foot restaurant on the site. The plans have been in the works for about three years.
Chambers also hopes to host other events such as dog shows and weddings – adding to the possible economic boost from the proposal. And there would be a satellite equine medical center with state-of-the-art technology.
There are a lot of potential benefits for the county from the proposal – none more glaring than what Chambers estimated would be the creation of 200 full-time jobs. That’s a big upside in a county where unemployment figures have hovered in the mid-teens as of late, and where the tax base has continually declined due to stagnant commercial and industrial growth.
The $6.5 million center, as planned, could attract equestrian participants and fans from throughout the region – which points to an upswing in tourism that would benefit other businesses in the area.
Aside from the economic impacts, the training center fits right in line with the character of San Benito County, well known for having strong cowboy and equestrian roots, and could raise the profiles for other businesses related to those communities or help sprout new ventures.
As far as potential opposition, the Frazier Lake Road site faces little of it. Geographically, the traffic on the road is sparse, while the owner has committed to adding the necessary turn lanes and other improvements.
Overall, it is an ideal project for a county with a strong rural tradition and the need for a big boost in commerce.
