Overwhelmed by public criticism and two lawsuits, the developers of the biggest housing project in Gilroy’s history have pulled their application to take more time to sell it to the public.
Landowners proposed 4,000 homes, two schools and parks for the 721-acre tract of farmland bordered by Monterey, Santa Teresa, Fitzgerald and Day roads. The land would have to be annexed by the city and would need approval from the county’s Local Agency Formation Commission. The city voted Dec. 7 to move forward.
However, the developers on Wednesday temporarily shelved the project, saying they were advised to do so by Mayor Perry Woodward.
“I asked the applicant to please rescind their application to allow for time for the city and greater community to better understand the proposal, the benefits to our community, how it gains local control and fits within the collective long-term vision of Gilroy’s future,” said Woodward, a supporter of the project, in a press release.
Added developer Skip Spiering: “By heeding the mayor’s request to pull our application for consideration at this time, we have chosen to temporarily take a step back. We will continue to work with the city of Gilroy and the local community to help them understand the long-term vision of Rancho Los Olivos and will engage community leaders, stakeholders and neighbors as we complete the 2040 General Plan.”
