Dear Editor,
Our character-defining cedar trees along Hecker Pass highway are
definitely at risk from both the CalTrans bridge project and the
Hecker Pass Specific Plan intersection needs. Last night the City
Council and Planning Commission held a very critical study
session.
Dear Editor,
Our character-defining cedar trees along Hecker Pass highway are definitely at risk from both the CalTrans bridge project and the Hecker Pass Specific Plan intersection needs. Last night the City Council and Planning Commission held a very critical study session. They received a lot of important information and held a “straw vote” on their preferred alternatives for both projects.
CalTrans explained their position on the bridge, but NOT on the intersections. They will be holding an “open house” on the bridge project at South Valley Middle School on Thursday, Jan. 12 from 4 to 7pm.
The critical point to me was that impacts of these projects are NOT being considered cumulatively. They should be! Under a worst case scenario for both projects, more than 40 of our remaining 115 cedar trees could be removed. CalTrans did an excellent initial study which explains the historic and cultural significance of the trees, but comes to the erroneous conclusion that losing 15 at the bridge won’t make a difference. This despite the fact that they verified that the trees are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and are a state-owned historic resource.
To commemorate Arbor Day, 140 trees were planted in 1930/31 by Gilroy school children – though 25 have already been removed. How many more do we have to lose before the tree row becomes insignificant?
An independent arborist report obtained by Save Open Space Gilroy confirms that all the trees are healthy, even the ones with scars from cars hitting them.
I urge everyone who cares about the trees and Highway 152 between Santa Teresa and Bonfante Gardens to go to the CalTrans Open House on Thursday. They should also register their opinion by commenting on the Initial Study by Jan. 23. Ask CalTrans to consider both projects together so we know how our community will really be affected.
Connie Rogers, former Council Member and
member of Save Open Space, Gilroy
