Plenty of questions about the Westfield outdoor mega mall
proposal comes to mind, but those running for office arent’ saying
much thus far
As the enticing retail elephant – Westfield’s outdoor mega mall proposal for east Gilroy – meanders slowly through the planning corridors and offices at City Hall, there is little in the way of substance to be heard from our elected leaders and those running for City Council. Let’s wait and see is such a safe position, isn’t it – especially before an election?
But there are fair questions to be asked. Having spent millions on downtown renovation, is the right thing to do at this point to approve yet another outside-the-core development, especially one with the outdoor feel and amenities of a downtown? Would Westfield’s proposal become the de facto city center, burying any chance of an inspired and sustainable downtown revival? If not, why not?
More than that, other than offering more shopping opportunities, how will Westfield benefit the community in grander ways? Should the international corporation be asked to help out
with money for school facilities? What about providing seed money for a downtown improvement district?
Certainly, Westfield isn’t going to solve all our problems, but if Gilroy is going to entertain another mega-retail center, the community benefits – other than more money for firefighter retirement benefits – should be evident and clear.
Hopefully, as campaign season heats up, the candidates will be asked often about the future of Gilroy in the mega-retail era the city has created.
Westfield will bring jobs, of course, but not the kind of employment opportunities that local politicians have talked about landing for the last 20 years. Retail jobs simply don’t have the same economic juice as something, say, in bio-tech.
The Westfield decision will be an important one. Voters should reject any pat “let’s wait and see” answers. There’s enough meat on the bone in this proposal to outline a position, to propose negotiations and to let residents know why or why not this will be good for Gilroy. Let’s hear it, candidates, what are your thoughts?
