Developer rebuked for including soundwall; first solar-powered
homes in Gilroy sold
n By Serdar Tumgoren Staff Writer
One of the developers behind Glen Loma Ranch, the biggest housing project in Gilroy history, got a stern rebuke from councilmen last week for failing to axe a soundwall from a separate project proposed for northwest Gilroy.
Councilmen on March 20 postponed a final vote on the 107-unit Rancho Hills project proposed by John Filice, one of the developers behind the 1,700-unit Glen Loma project headed for southwest Gilroy, after declaring the plan failed to meet council expectations set in recent years.
The chief concern centered on the proposal for another soundwall along northern Santa Teresa Boulevard, north of Sunrise Drive.
Although fencing would break up the Rancho Hills soundwall, officials are opposed to any extension of the concrete slabs already separating homes from motorists along a mile of the city’s western traffic artery. Instead, they have called for a frontage road, a man-made hill known as a berm, or some other alternative.
“Just because we made mistakes in the past, it doesn’t mean we’re going to continue with those mistakes,” Mayor Al Pinheiro said in an interview. “If it means that a developer will lose a few lots to avoid this tunnel effect, then so be it.”
Filice, who did not return a call for comment, is expected to bring the project back before council May 1. The Rancho Hills project is slated for nearly 25 acres on the northwest corner of Santa Teresa Boulevard and Sunrise Drive.
Solar homes sold
Gilroy’s first solar-powered homes have sold for nearly $730,000 each, though the fourth and final home is being marketed for slightly less than $700,000, according to real estate listings and the property’s Realtor.
The buyers include Evan Skipper Bloom, Albert Mirko and a former Gilroy councilman who requested that his name remain private.
The homes, located near Las Animas Veterans Park in a cul-de-sac at the end of Wayland Lane, operate largely off solar power during the day and draw electricity off the power grid at night, when prices are low.
In addition, they include solar-powered attic fans, timers on all major appliances to allow them to run at night, and indoor clothes lines to reduce dryer use.
Developer Chris Cote, who could not be reached for comment, has called the project a “road map for the future” that is a small but important step toward improving Gilroy’s air quality, among the worst in the region. He originally intended to sell several of the homes for $500,000 or less, but raised the prices after city leaders scaled back the project.
Realtor Susan Jacobsen said initial sales have generated interest in solar power.
“I think it’s really been a positive,” she said. “It’s educated the public and people are starting to think along those lines.”
Commision Meeting
When: April 6 at 6pm
Where: City Hall, 7351 Rosanna St.
On the agenda:
– Kern Avenue – Local developer James Suner will seek a zone change and project approval for 12 single family homes at 9025 Kern Ave.
– Permit Competition – Commissioners will vote on a revamped grading system for new housing projects that pass through the Residential Development Ordinance. The revised RDO, as it is commonly known, will grant additional points in its permit competition to homes that are eco-friendly, provide higher design standards, or offer some other desirable elements.
– Capital Projects Budget – Commissioners will vote on the city’s $28.5-million capital improvements budget, which includes $1 million for a new arts center and $250,000 for sidewalk repairs.
To view the planning Commission agenda, visit www.ci.gilroy.ca.us. Contact Planning Commission Chairman Tim Day at 842-1270 or
td**@ga****.com
Editor’s Note: This new Thursday feature spotlights
commercial and residential development in Gilroy, as well as policies affecting growth.
