Readers share their opinions on the outdoor mall proposal,
killing feral cats and traffic troubles ahead
Don’t Build the Mall Due to Traffic and the Strain on City Services
Dear Editor,
I have been told on more than one occasion that loss of farmland is not an argument that people will stand behind in terms of responsible growth. Instead, the focus should be on increased traffic and the strain on services such as fire and police.
If the outdoor mall is built on the fertile soil behind our existing outlet mall then we will have increased traffic and our services will be stretched thin. Our anxiously awaited bridge from Arroyo Circle to Costco will be a traffic nightmare instead of a quick convenience. Responsible growth means using what we already have rather than taking more.
Dana Wolfe, Gilroy
Trap and Kill Cat Policy Isn’t a Sound County Budget Policy Either
Dear Editor,
I’d like to respond to Greg Van Wassenhove, county agriculture and environmental management director, who along with other county officials suggested that an agency facing a $227-million budget deficit has no spare cash to manage colonies of wild cats.
After being trapped, neutered and returned, feral cat colonies are maintained by caring volunteers, at no additional cost to the county. However, the cost to trap, hold, evaluate, and euthanize these feral cats, as is being proposed, will cost the county tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars.
Judy Shapiro, San Jose
Westfield’s Mega Mall Proposal Should be Shot Down Quickly
Dear Editor,
I very strongly support City Council candidate Cat Tucker’s statement regarding the Westfield Mall proposal. I shared the majority position of the General Plan Committee and was dismayed by the minority report shenanigans. I see the whole scam as a lost leader-type deal and see absolutely no reason to change the zoning of the 660 acres. What, exactly, will we do if that Cisco-type business, or, think Anritsu or a business similar to the contract assembly plant on Cochrane and U.S.101? Let’s not put all our eggs into the retail basket.
Gilroyans should be asking the City Council candidates this question: What should the city do if we let Westfield in and then Anritsu, for example, wants light industrial zoning.
Rose Barry, Gilroy
