The City of Gilroy and the developer of Glen Loma Ranch this week resolved a standoff over the builder’s previous promises to pay for the construction of the Santa Teresa Fire Station.
Under a new agreement approved by the Gilroy City Council Oct. 7, Glen Loma Corporation will contribute $7.2 million to the city for the future construction of the fire station. That sum is in addition to a contribution of $2.4 million from Glen Loma and the dedication of a parcel of land near Santa Teresa Boulevard and Miller Avenue for the new fire station, says a press release from city staff.
Plans for Glen Loma Ranch, located on the western end of the city along Santa Teresa Boulevard, include 1,643 residential units as well as a commercial component, according to its plans. Construction began in 2014, with the first homes being sold in 2016.
Now, the Glen Loma Ranch project is not expected to reach the buildout it had codified in a development agreement with the city nearly 20 years ago. However, the contributions from Glen Loma to the city announced this week “reflect the genuine commitment of Glen Loma Ranch to the essential services of a community in which they, too, are residents and businesses,” says a press release from the City of Gilroy.
The establishment of the new Santa Teresa Fire Station is a “significant step” toward improving emergency response times and public safety for Gilroy residents, says the release.
“We appreciate Glen Loma Ranch’s commitment to this project,” Mayor Marie Blankley said. “Their genuine dedication to resolving this long standing issue, together with our city staff, will benefit Gilroy for future generations.”
Glen Loma Ranch in 2005 took responsibility for building a fire station through their development agreement with the city. Over the years, the progress of the development of the site has failed to reach expectations and has not attained the number of new homes that would trigger the required completion of the fire station, according to city staff.
The agreement in 2005, stated, among other things, that the developer would construct a fire station adjacent to Miller Avenue before the 1,100th residential permit was issued.
In November 2023, City Attorney Andrew Faber sent a letter to Glen Loma Corporation demanding that the developer “proceed expeditiously” with the construction and dedication of the new fire station. Glen Loma representatives said at that time that a changing market had slowed the buildout of the development and the number of permits pulled for the project was below 1,100.
The new agreement between Glen Loma and the city, approved this week by the council, requires Glen Loma Ranch to immediately contribute money and land, bringing the timeline for construction of the new fire station under the city’s authority, according to city staff.
Glen Loma Ranch representative Augie Dent said, “We are proud to partner with the City of Gilroy on this important project that will benefit the entire community. Our contribution of land and funding reflects our commitment to supporting the community’s long-term well-being and ensuring that essential services are in place as the area continues to grow.”
The architectural design of the Santa Teresa Fire Station has been completed, with construction expected to begin soon, city staff said.
Now can we just find the funding to build the bridge on 10th street?
Can we stop planning stuff 20 years ahead of time? Clearly Gilroy is already too overcrowded with a weak, insufficient infrastructure and now traffic is SO much worse on 101…i messaged the city and all they said was “all this building was approved 20 years ago 🤷”..
Ok? And this means what? The residents have lost the ability to change the plans when they see things are only getting worse quality of life wise? That’s bs- These houses being built arent even being built to help people already IN gilroy, rather, theyre there to attract MORE people from OUTSIDE of gilroy…we don’t need more people! Nothing can be done about 101 so the more you build, the more hell and misery everyone will face commuting ahd just trying to get around, cuz lets face it-these new houses are not being bought by people who work IN gilroy, LOL!!! THEYRE ALL COMING FROM SAN JOSE ETC…