When Connie Rogers, president of the Gilroy Historical Society, first learned that City Council voted Nov. 18 to proceed with the demolition of the “Red Barn” in Christmas Hill Park within a year unless purchased or relocated by a private investor, to say she was disappointed would be an understatement.
But at the Dec. 2 City Council meeting, Rogers’ comments swayed opinion on the other side of the dais. City Clerk Shawna Freels confirmed Tuesday that members of the public will have a chance to share their comments regarding the slated demolition of the Red Barn at the Feb. 3 City Council meeting.
Rogers pointed to a report by a firm in 2004, while reading from a prepared statement, that recommended “modest repairs” that could have saved the barn, which she estimates was built by cattle baron Henry Miller. She claims the firm’s report was ignored – and was never presented to the Historic Heritage Committee before they recommended demolition in 2006.
“There are questions about what the HHC considered,” said Mayor Pro Tempore Perry Woodward, who requested a full public hearing take place at a future meeting.
“The community is attached to the barn emotionally and sentimentally as a symbol of our agricultural roots,” Rogers said. “There are times when those decisions should be questioned if not overruled. Keeping the barn may not be the most practical decision, but it would be popular.”
The Feb. 3 City Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. in council chambers within Gilroy City Hall, located at 7351 Rosanna St.
