DEAR EDITOR:
I am writing in response to the article in The Dispatch Dec. 4
concerning the proposed cultural center location.
DEAR EDITOR:
I am writing in response to the article in The Dispatch Dec. 4 concerning the proposed cultural center location. I applaud the 12-member task force that took the time and effort that was needed to reduce the potential site from 21 to one.
I would also like to thank all City Council members that voted for a plan that would actually move Gilroy forward and not let other political agendas get in the way of progress. I believe your pick as the proposed site of Eigleberry/7th St./Monterey is the best because of the location and the feasibility of the site, as echoed by the city consultant John Sergio Fischer.
Public Transportation – VTA, Greyhound and Amtrak – are a short block away. The walking distance from the city offices is three short blocks. When completed, officials can walk guest and dignitaries to the cultural “gem” of the city.
Where else would a “cultural” center be but in the heart of downtown Gilroy. Although the mayor feels Eigleberry may not be the most desirable location to build in Gilroy, this cultural center can change all of that. It can serve to uplift the community and bring essentially needed city resources to this neglected area. It would bring visitors for events which would benefit property owners and businesses.
I have spoken with members of the business community and several Eigelberry residents who support the idea. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Susan Valenta was quoted in The Dispatch as saying, “The project would coincide with already planned streetscape improvements on Monterey.”
I am a concerned voter and taxpayer and am proud to live and work in Gilroy. Today, I applied for a $5,000 grant on behalf of the newly formed Gilroy Eigleberry Neighborhood Association. The grant would include a community clean-up day where residents can get involved and improve the area cosmetically by discarding all litter and unwanted articles.
There will also be a Neighborhood Crime Watch presented by Gilroy Police to urge residents to be pro-active and aware of crime in the neighborhood.
This cultural center will be something ALL Gilroy residents could be proud of. As for the comment by the mayor that, “All Council members keep their distance from the task force in the interest of fairness,” as elected officials they already have an understanding of proper procedures and protocol, what is inappropriate is allowing outside developers influence the growth of Gilroy.
Arthur C. Barron Sr., Gilroy
Submitted Wednesday, Dec. 4 to [email protected]
