How much would you pay to chart Gilroy’s future?
The process to create a blueprint for how Gilroy will grow in the next 20 years was halted last year when the citizen-led initiative to place an Urban Growth Boundary around the city started gathering momentum. Now that Measure H is the law of the land, city leaders aim to get General Plan 2040 back on track, while calling for greater community participation.“A lot of things in the pipeline will follow the adoption of the General Plan,” said Mayor Roland Velasco. “The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can get back to other items.” At a joint study session with the planning commission last week, the city council chose the most comprehensive--and expensive--of three options submitted by city staff on how to resume the lengthy process, which determines not just land use policy but everything from transportation to public safety. City administrator, Gabe Gonzalez told the council, it was not so much impacts over the next five to 10 years that need to be reexamined, but what will happen to the city 10-plus years from now when land for new development becomes harder to find and fees collected from developers the city relies on to create new transportation infrastructure dries up. The Urban Growth Boundary reduced the area of land for future residential development by 450 acres/4,344 dwelling units and for non-residential development, by 327 acres, which equates to approximately 5,900 jobs, according to an independent report the city commissioned last year, at a cost of $150,000.When GP 2040 was paused in April 2016, pending the results of Measure H, the city had already spent nearly three years and $854,398 (of a $1,063,112 total budget). Staff estimates the additional analysis and community input will take 24 to 36 months to complete and cost $677,000. In 2015, the city council approved the establishment of a fee surcharge to help pay for future updates to the general plan and combined with what is remaining of the original budget, city staff estimates the city council may need to approve $268,000 in General Fund monies to pay for the shortfall. Follow the process at www.gilroy2040.com.
Grand Jury Members Wanted
Feeling like getting involved in your local government? The Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury is taking applications from community members to help investigate and monitor public institutions.The Grand Jury examines all aspects of county and city government and can inspect all books, records and finances to make sure public funds are legally spent and properly accounted for. It monitors misconduct by public officials and employees and inspects the jails.It’s a great way to start getting involved and make sure Gilroy is heard from countywide.To apply and learn more, search scs court and grand jury.
Sponsors sought for hanging flower baskets downtown
Like raising kids or providing universal health care, it takes a lot of community involvement to keep downtown Gilroy looking so pretty. The 50 hanging baskets filled with red geraniums and purple and white pansies, and 20 flower barrels that adorn Monterey Street this winter are part of an ongoing initiative by volunteers, city hall and local sponsors to beautify the blossoming downtown district.
High Speed Rail May Go East of Outlets
Gilroy may not want to put its high speed rail station downtown, but rather, east of the Outlets, members of the new City Council said Tuesday, in their first study session on the topic, a joint meeting with the planning commission.
Help available for flood-stricken farmers
The US Department of Agriculture is offering cost sharing assistance for farmers who suffered damage from the recent floods.
Gilroy to discuss General Plan, High Speed Rail on Tuesday
High speed rail downtown station and resumption of the General Plan 2040 process will be discussed at a special joint session of the Gilroy City Council and Planning Commission starting at 6 p.m. at Council Chambers on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Is the city spending too much on downtown group?
The Gilroy Downtown Business Association found itself in the crosshairs at the City Council meeting on Monday, after its annual funding from the city was pulled from the consent agenda and brought forward for discussion.
New Directions for Downtown
Calling his new direction, “GDBA 2.0,” fledgling Downtown Business Association President Gary Walton promised greater coordination with community partners, and sharing of expertise to other downtown merchants.
