Signs continue to indicate that our community is falling behind
the growth curve. Hopefully, Mayor Al Pinheiro and the city’s
leaders are paying close attention and seriously thinking about the
ramifications of growth outstripping Gilroy’s ability to stay in
control of its future.
Signs continue to indicate that our community is falling behind the growth curve. Hopefully, Mayor Al Pinheiro and the city’s leaders are paying close attention and seriously thinking about the ramifications of growth outstripping Gilroy’s ability to stay in control of its future.
The latest indication is a spike in the crime rate coupled with police officers contending that their numbers aren’t keeping pace with growth.
Perhaps it’s just a naturally occurring peak as Gilroy Police Chief Gregg Giusiana contends. Perhaps not. Whatever the case, it’s better to plan for the worst – especially when it comes to public safety – than hope for the best.
This story comes on the heels of a contentious few months revolving around local funding for school facilities. Gilroy has been wandering around in the dark on this issue with a baffling lack of cooperation between the city and the school district, and no shared vision on how to make darn sure new developments come with schools without breaking the school district’s bank.
There’s been mumbo jumbo from City Hall about what’s legal and what’s not. Truth is other communities get it done in various ways. Developers agree to build schools, they sign agreements with the school district and, presto, out there on Shady Grove Lane next to the new homes a school is built.
The developer still makes good money, the new residents are happy and the school district isn’t spending an inordinate amount of time or money on facilities. That’s how it should be.
But, though there are indications that our city leaders believe a solution is a necessity, whether it becomes set in stone and ingrained in the Gilroy growth process is still anybody’s guess.
Traffic issues, too, continue to crop up. Whether it’s the regularly occurring 10th Street back-up due to the two new shopping centers or the core surface streets especially around the times that parents drop off or pick up their children at school, traffic is growing worse.
Is the city properly equipped in manpower and expertise to oversee engineering and force good planning? Or is Gilroy anemic, content to throw up its hands and simple say “We’re doing the best we can?”
Meanwhile, the City Council continues to grant exemptions to the Residential Development Ordinance and grant extensions for building permits to developers waiting for a riper economic time to maximize their profits.
While flexibility is desirable, it should not be considered a matter of course, especially if schools aren’t an integral part of the development plan.
But will the current city leaders toughen up when necessary?
The signs are anything but promising.
