Council members stall efforts to redevelop cannery site
Gilroy – A handful of council members this week stalled efforts to redevelop the defunct cannery site, insisting that a private road in the downtown project falls short of city standards. Just minutes later on the same night, they approved a smaller project that also failed to meet standards – at least as council understood them.
“Frankly, I didn’t catch it,” Councilman Craig Gartman said of the inconsistency. “Unfortunately, I don’t get to look at every detail. This one, because it is such a big development, caught my eye.”
Gartman led the push to delay approval on the first phase of the 210-unit cannery redevelopment, a project two years in the planning that is seen as a linchpin of downtown renewal.
Councilmen Dion Bracco and Russ Valiquette echoed Gartman’s worry that fire trucks and other emergency vehicles would not be able to maneuver properly along the 21-foot road planned for the cannery, despite the seal of approval from Gilroy’s fire marshal.
Council postponed the project to allow time for widening of roads, but a few minutes later approved a 12-unit development off Kern Avenue that also fell short of the council’s yardstick.
As it turns out, the council’s yardstick was off by a few feet.
The city’s recently approved Right of Way standards prescribe a minimum road width of 22 feet for private roads in new developments. Council demanded a 24-foot width Monday night, a standard also above the 22 foot roads in the Kern Avenue project.
Gartman has not decided if he will support the cannery project if nonprofit developer South County Housing only widens the road to minimum standards.
“I’m reserving judgment because I want to see what staff comes up with for a solution,” he said.
Earlier this year, the same group of city leaders joined Councilmen Roland Velasco in delaying – and nearly derailing – another affordable housing project put forth by South County Housing. At the time, Gartman and Velasco claimed that Rancho del Sol, a 260-unit which ultimately received approval for north Gilroy, failed to meet city standards that call for neighborhoods with mixed incomes and housing types.
Noise standards approved
A new ordinance that would allow the city to fine businesses and resident who persist in making excessive noise received initial council approval Monday night. The ordinance includes a detailed breakdown of the types of acceptable noise levels and duration, depending on the time of day. The ordinance must receive final council approval before it can take effect in coming months.
development datebook
May 22
City leaders will hold a public study session on soundwall policies for Santa Teresa Boulevard and other parts of Gilroy.
*6pm at City Council Chambers in City Hall, 7351 Rosanna St.
June 1
Planning Commission regular meeting
*6pm at Council Chambers in City Hall, 7351 Rosanna St.
July 11
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.
*6pm at the Senior Center, 7371 Hanna St.
June 12
City council will hold a public study session on unreinforced masonry buildings that are not up to modern earthquake safety standards.
*6pm at Council Chambers in City Hall, 7351 Rosanna St.
