URM hard line stance endorsed

The city’s new hardscrabble stance on the vacant unreinforced masonry buildings downtown is, understandably, born of frustration. Years of trying to cajole, incentivize, plead, push and assist have resulted in hardly any change. Vacant buildings dominate the central block. It’s an embarrassment to the community, and it’s no wonder that Mayor Don Gage, a born-and-raised Gilroyan, has had enough.
Fix it, or face the fines. That’s the bottom line now.
Property owners can howl at the moon, the fact is that the community’s “rights” in some instances are more important. Our downtown can’t advance toward vibrancy without positive change and the current property owners who have steadfastly refused to do a darn thing about their buildings have a final invitation: come to the city and get a plan of action going or face a property that’s going to be financially encumbered and entangled for years.
If the owners choose to tear down, so be it. There are always ways to only accept new building plans that preserve the eclectic and historical aspects of downtown. And plenty of successful downtowns mix new and old.
In the best scenario, however, the city’s new policy – backed by councilmembers Perry Woodward, Peter Leroe-Munoz and Teri Aulman along with Mayor Gage – will serve as a wake-up call for property owners.
The smart choice is clear: contact city hall, get the ball rolling on plans needed for making the building safe and simultaneously seek a tenant. It’s the way to go, and time to set stubborness aside.
One of the most frustrating aspects of the URM saga, is the lack of communication from property owners. This policy essentially guarantees that will change. And, if it does not, well at least the city tried.
Downtown is not going to blossom overnight – it’s been a thorny, two steps back, one forward mess for more than a quarter century. But the sheer number of vacant buildings is an albatross around downtown’s neck. Displays in vacant building windows are nice, but it’s just literally window dressing. Gilroy needs people downtown, spending cash, enjoying themselves and making return visits.
If vacant building owners won’t come to the table now, the only option will be to re-build down the road.