Dear Editor,
As Board Members of the Gilroy Parkside Home Owners Association
we strongly felt it our responsibility to comment on the Dispatch
article
”
Oak Trees Center of Development Complaint
”
published Aug. 19.
Dear Editor,
As Board Members of the Gilroy Parkside Home Owners Association we strongly felt it our responsibility to comment on the Dispatch article “Oak Trees Center of Development Complaint” published Aug. 19.
Dispatch reporter Serdar Tumgoren interviewed City Planning Manager Bill Faus and one neighbor, the Lottens; however it would have been beneficial to balance the story by contacting the board of directors of the Home Owners Association that the Lotten’s townhouse is part of. Chris Cote, the developer of the project adjacent to our townhouses, has made every effort to address our concerns.
Prior to breaking ground, Mr. Cote came to one of our HOA Meetings with a presentation and heard concerns regarding the oak trees and the construction work schedule. He informed us of the status of the health of the trees and methods being used to preserve them under the guidance of his arborist. He also went over the construction timeline.
While it is unfortunate that a root was cut, the developer, Mr. Cote, the City of Gilroy and the HOA are all working together toward resolving the problem. Mr. Cote has taken appropriate measures recommended by his arborist and meeting the regulations set by the city. In addition the HOA is following up with Mr. Cote regarding any future problems that may arise from the cut. There were additional issues the Lottens had listed in the five-page letter referred to in the article, but some of them had nothing to do with the Cote project.
As Board Members we make decisions based on what is best for the complex as a whole, which doesn’t always please all the residents. We have one disgruntled neighbor out of 28 units. If our math is correct that speaks volumes for the developer.
Tracy Kester, Irene Duran and Cynthia Taylor,
Gilroy Parkside HOA Board
