Del Webb’s proposal for 4,400 homes has hurdles to clear; first
one on November ballot
Hollister – In an effort to gauge local support for a proposed resort-style retirement community that would bring more than 4,000 homes to Hollister, developer Del Webb announced Thursday that it intends to place a measure on the November ballot seeking to amend the city’s general plan to accommodate the project.
The ballot measure that Del Webb is planning would, if approved by voters, create a new “mixed-use senior community” designation to the city’s general plan, according to Wendy Elliott of Pulte Homes, which owns Del Webb. A second component of the measure would seek an exemption for the project from Measure U – the city’s growth ordinance that limits allocation for residential units to 244 per year, she said.
Last month, Del Webb unveiled its plan to build a community – including up to 4,400 homes, a golf course and hiking trails – for people ages 55 and older on about 1,300 acres just north of Highway 156 and the Hollister Municipal Airport.
Aside from laying the groundwork for the Del Webb project, Elliott said the ballot measure will be aimed at determining whether locals will support the plan before Del Webb takes up the costly and arduous tasks of state-mandated environmental studies and going through the process of having the property, which is part of the county, annexed into Hollister.
“What we’re looking to do is ask voters, ‘Is the concept of the project something you agree with or not?'” Elliott said. “If we get a positive response, we’ll move forward.”
City Councilman Doug Emerson, who said he is as of yet undecided on whether to support the project, said he understands Del Webb’s reasons for pushing forward with a ballot measure before taking other steps in the development process. However, he did say that it may be tough for voters to make a decision because Del Webb hasn’t submitted an actual land plan for the proposed development.
“From (Del Webb’s) standpoint, I understand the logic,” he said. “From a voter’s standpoint it makes it difficult.”
Like Emerson, Hollister Development Services Director Bill Avera said he can see why Del Webb wants to go through the voters first.
“I’d probably do something similar if I were in their position. I’d say it’s a good approach.” he said. “It’s a huge investment. There’s no reason to do a lot of work … with Measure U hanging over your head.”
Since announcing it’s plans for an active adult development in Hollister, Del Webb has held two public forums to gather community input. So far, the public response has been generally positive.
“This is a great opportunity for the historic downtown district, local businesses and the people of Hollister,” said Sheila Stevens, president of the Hollister Downtown Association and a downtown business owner. “This Del Webb project will have a positive impact on our community and will help rejuvenate our city.”
Emerson said that he is concerned about the size of the project, but said there is a need for senior housing in the city. With 4,400 houses, the project would increase the number of residential units in the city – currently 10,000 – by nearly half.
“I haven’t taken a position on it,” Emerson said. “I can see the upside and the downside of it.”
Elliott has touted the benefits of a Del Webb community in Hollister, saying that it will increase tax revenue to the city and create a larger customer base for downtown shops. The development would have its own sewage treatment plant, she said.
Elliott said that it was too early to say what Del Webb would do if its ballot measure wasn’t successful in November.
“At the point that may happen, we’d have to sit back and evaluate our options,” she said.
