"We have noticed that there is an empty lot that's going to be built between Third Street and Fifth Street and we are curious about something. Two houses down from that lot is some enormous house that doesn't look like it belongs on the block. We are just curious if the empty lot is going to wind up with a house that's equally obnoxious."

Dear Curious,

Red Phone contacted Bill Faus, planning division manager, who said there are currently no restrictions, if the required setbacks are followed. Those required setbacks are as follows: Single family homes constructed within the city of Gilroy, on the most part, are restricted to two stories or 35 feet in height. Setbacks, generally speaking, are six feet on a side yard, 15 feet for the rear yard and 26 feet from the face of curb. Most infill (not part of a subdivision) single family homes can be constructed without formal planning review, however, if they are located within an historic district - they will require historic heritage committee review.

So good caller, sounds to Red Phone like you very well may end up with another enormous house that doesn't fit with the neighborhood. But don't worry. With the housing slump showing no signs of letting up, just wait and soon the rest of the block will rebuild so eventually the entire neighborhood will look the same.

Sensor needs adjustment

"Maybe you can help, please. I am having a problem with the traffic loop on northbound Santa Teresa Boulevard at First Street. I ride a large cruiser motorcycle and almost always the light will not loop for me, and I either have to wait for a car to come up or I have to go right, make a U-turn and go right again so that I do not violate any laws. It is quite frustrating at times. City engineers should always take into account the many motorcycles, many lighter than mine, when adjusting traffic loops. All motorcyclists appreciate when the loops are working correctly. Thank You."

Dear Looped,

Red Phone contacted Traffic Engineer Don Dey, who said it sounds like the sensors in the ground need to be adjusted, but that intersection is the responsibility of Caltrans because it also is part of Highway 152. All traffic signals and crosswalks along Highway 152 through Gilroy are the responsibility of Caltrans.

"I have contacted Caltrans to let them know of the problem," Dey said. Though he couldn't say how long it would take, Red Phone suggests checking it again in early August.

If it still isn't working let Red Phone know.

Happy motoring.

Murray Avenue traffic woes

"Hi - I work at an office building on the side of the Chevy's Restaurant. Upon entering and exiting the shared driveway with Chevron gas station, I have noticed cars parked along the side of Chevron on Murray Avenue. I believe these cars belong to workers that meet up and carpool, leaving their cars parked all day. The problem is it's very hard to view oncoming cars that fly around the corner from Leavesley onto Murray. In order to see around the parked cars you pretty much have to be out in the middle of the road, which in turn leaves people wanting to enter Chevy's a little disturbed. Would it be possible for the city to paint that small strip red? Is this considered Chevron property?"

Dear Stuck on Murray,

Red Phone again contacted Traffic Engineer Don Dey who had some good news.

"That parking issue on our work program and we'll be looking at it in the near future," Dey said. Neighbors and city staff developed a program to deal with issues in the Murray Avenue area.

One solution could be painting the curb red, though Dey said no specific solution or timetable has been developed.

So keep your eyes open good caller, and let Red Phone know if things don't get better in the near future.