Dear Editor:
When you mention the Westwood section of Gilroy, most people
from this area think of a wonderful residential setting featuring
peaceful streets, friendly neighborhoods and an all around high
quality of life.
Dear Editor:
When you mention the Westwood section of Gilroy, most people from this area think of a wonderful residential setting featuring peaceful streets, friendly neighborhoods and an all around high quality of life.
As a native Gilroyan, these are some of the reasons I chose to purchase a home in this part of town. Sadly, these are some of the very attributes that are being threatened by a controversial development that has been approved by the Planning Commission and will come before the City Council at their April 19 meeting.
The development, known as Benassi Oaks, will bring 24 senior duet units and 80 general use apartment units to the west side of Gilroy, just east of Santa Teresa Boulevard between Cypress Court and First Street. On the surface, many would see this as a responsible in-fill proposal that will provide moderately priced housing to the west side of town. However, when you dig a little deeper, it’s easy to see why the residents of more than 60 area households have proposed modifications.
As it is currently drawn, the only access point for the entire complex is on Cypress Court. The senior complex is in front and four apartment buildings will be lined up behind the senior units. With this configuration, the residents of Cypress Court and the surrounding streets will need to endure the added noise, traffic, safety and parking problems that are associated with placing a 104-unit complex on a small residential street.
It should be noted that the neighbors are not fighting to keep it from being built. What we have proposed to the developer is to place an exclusive entrance for the apartment complex along First Street and a dividing fence between the senior units and the apartments. This will prevent the development from serving as a shortcut for drivers who wish to avoid the signal lights on First Street. Furthermore, it would tame parking problems for the current residents of the area.
So far, the developer and certain city staff members have vehemently opposed requested changes. We hope that the letter writing and petition gathering that this neighborhood has worked on for months will move the City Council to take action that will allow for the development of this 104-unit complex, while preserving the quality of life for the residents in the area.
Steven Sanchez, Gilroy
Submitted Tuesday, April 6 to ed****@****ic.com
