Planning commissioners will review developer’s proposal to build
six houses
n By Serdar Tumgoren Staff Writer
Gilroy – Local developer James Suner is looking to break ground on the first batch of hundreds of new homes planned for Gilroy’s scenic western gateway.
Tonight, planning commissioners will review the developer’s proposal to construct six single family homes on the south side of Hecker Pass Highway. The 2.5-acre development at 2730 Lone Oak Court is the first in a line of projects commissioners and council members will review in coming years, as more than a dozen landowners seek to build 400-plus homes along the rural corridor.
The project put forth by Suner, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday, borders the south side of Hecker Pass and faces the eastern corner of the Gilroy public golf course. Farmland surrounds the other two sides of the property.
“It’s certainly a small project, but it’s a significant project,” City Planning Manager Bill Faus said. “It’s kind of a guiding light for others to follow.”
All development on the hillsides and behind farmland in the 400-acre area is guided by the Hecker Pass Specific Plan. City staff, residents and landowners including Suner spent five years crafting the guidelines calling for preservation of swaths of farmland and open space. The bulk of housing permitted under the guidelines will rise behind farmland along Uvas Creek.
Faus predicted the area would not “build out” for up to 15 years. At the moment, landowners are ironing out decisions on traffic plans, the extension of Third Street to serve the new community, and the pace of construction.
“You have multiple interests and a range of different land use types,” he added. “These are custom developments, not projects where you have one developer owning all the property. Because of that, it will occur over a much longer period of time.”
Development datebook
Growth item
– Planning Commission regular meeting
– City council will hold a public study session on unreinforced masonry buildings that are not up to modern earthquake safety standards.
Meeting
– The Housing Advisory Committee will review options for lengthening resale restriction agreements, which govern how much time must pass before homeowners can sell an affordable unit at market rates.
June 1, 6pm at Council Chambers in City Hall, 7351 Rosanna St.
June 12, 6pm at Council Chambers in City Hall, 7351 Rosanna St.
July 11, 6pm at the Senior Center,
7371 Hanna St.
