GILROY
– The application deadline is fast approaching for a city task
force that will help determine how different types of housing play
out in new development, and so far there aren’t enough hats in the
ring to round out the group.
GILROY – The application deadline is fast approaching for a city task force that will help determine how different types of housing play out in new development, and so far there aren’t enough hats in the ring to round out the group.
The application deadline is Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. for the Neighborhood District Task Force, an advisory body that will help iron out specifics on a new mixed-use residential zoning concept called a “neighborhood district” that was laid out in the city’s recently updated General Plan, it’s land-use “Bible.”
“It’s an opportunity to involve oneself in the complexities of housing problems within our community,” said Bill Faus, the city’s planning manager. “It’s not an end-all, but it’s definitely a major cog in the wheel of housing production in our community, and will have an impact on what we see in the next 10 years.”
The new type of zoning will apply mainly to new growth such as the city’s massive Glen Loma Ranch development and areas in the south and north-central areas of town. It’s meant to incorporate a variety of housing elements – from single-family homes to higher-density rental housing that city officials said is often problematic to plan for.
Under the city’s old General Plan, officials tried to outline specific areas for higher-density housing. With the new neighborhood districts, developers will be expected to provide a certain mix of low, medium and high-density housing in their projects – but will have more flexibility and creativity in how they do that.
“It allows developers a much greater latitude in submitting proposals to the city,” Faus said. “It’s not predetermined where those high densities are located.”
The task force includes seats for two citizens at large and one affordable housing advocate, as well as two representatives from the development community and two developers or applicants that received housing allocations in the city’s 2001 residential development competition.
The group will review and confirm targets for different housing types and how the policy interacts with the growth-control law and affordable housing goals.
Seats have already been reserved for Mayor Tom Springer, Councilman Craig Gartman and Planning Commissioners Thomas Boe and Russ Valiquette. Councilman Bob Dillon will serve as an alternate for the Council seats.
Applications are available from the City Clerk’s Office at Gilroy City Hall, 7351 Rosanna St. They are due in the City Clerk’s office by 5 p.m. For application information call 846-0204.
