We have a unique opportunity
… to shape the development of Coyote Valley to South County’s
benefit.
Now that the Coyote Valley Specific Plan’s $2-million Environmental Impact Report is available to the public, it’s imperative that those mostly impacted by its future development take time to review it and properly comment before the Coyote Valley Task Force and the ultimate decision makers, new San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed and his colleagues on the San Jose City Council, make their decision. Everyone in South County is impacted. Even though we’re not represented on the task force or by the Coyote Valley decision makers, we have an opportunity to influence the project’s direction.
The EIR, prepared in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act, was drafted to analyze the plan or project area, which comprises about 7,000 acres of primarily undeveloped flat land north of Morgan Hill and west of U.S. 101, just 12 miles south of downtown San Jose.
At full build-out, Coyote Valley could become a community of 80,000 people, 25,000 homes and 50,000 jobs – or a city the size of Gilroy and Morgan Hill combined – right at our doorstep.
If it’s poorly planned, development of Coyote Valley would clog our roads, reduce farmland, pollute our air, drain our water supply and overload our schools.
If it’s well planned, those impacts will be minimal or nonexistent and, instead, our economy and schools could thrive.
Given the lack of representation for South County on the task force, we urge Santa Clara County Supervisor Don Gage to look out for South County’s interests. The task force needs to pay close attention to the EIR’s recommended mitigation measures.
To make sure that happens, South County leaders must begin now to maximize the benefits and minimize the problems associated with the development of Coyote Valley, whether it happens in 10 years or 25 years. The first step is reading and commenting on the EIR.
We have a unique opportunity – starting with careful study and response to the EIR by those with specialized knowledge of traffic, air and water quality, public education, economic development, and more – to shape the development in Coyote Valley to South County’s benefit.
Read the EIR. Let the decision makers know what you think.
Let’s not miss the chance. To read the EIR, visit http://www.sanjoseca.gov/coyotevalley/, scroll down to “what’s new?” and you’ll see the link.
