Though some may consider Downtown Gilroy a bit hard on the eyes,
the area soon could be music to residents’ ears.
Though some may consider Downtown Gilroy a bit hard on the eyes, the area soon could be music to residents’ ears.
Thanks to a $25,000 budget amendment passed by the Gilroy City Council March 28, a new speaker system is on its way to downtown, hopefully in time for a May 14 wine stroll, said Eric Howard, Downtown Business Association president.
“We’re really excited to be able to bring music to downtown,” Howard said.
Mayor Al Pinheiro also expressed excitement following the Council’s vote.
“Let the music begin, Mr. Howard,” Mayor Al Pinheiro said after the Council approved the consent calendar item by a 7-0 vote.
Howard said the speakers likely would play classical music for the wine stroll, but other genres would be in play for future events such as the Garlic City Fun Run car show.
In all, 56 speakers – or two per pole – are expected to be installed in downtown, creating a “seamless” listening experience, Howard said.
Pinheiro said the speaker system was another step in the city’s efforts to revive downtown.
“As we’re trying to improve downtown, it’ll be an opportunity to add a touch to our different events,” he said.
Pinheiro said the speakers would allow more visitors to hear announcements during events, causing less confusion.
The installation of a downtown speaker system is roughly five years in the making, said City Transportation Engineer Don Dey.
The city installed a conduit to allow for the placement of electrical wiring in 2006 as part of a Monterey Road streetscaping project, Dey said. He said the conduit was placed with the intent of installing a speaker system.
“All of the basic infrastructure has been installed,” he said. “They don’t have to go digging in the ground.
Dey said the remaining equipment – amplifiers, microphones and monitors, would be purchased from The Music Tree, a music store in Morgan Hill.
