Chamber of Commerce
Urban Growth Boundry
Detrimental to Gilroy
By Mark Turner, President/CEO,
Gilroy Chamber of Commerce
T
he Gilroy Chamber of Commerce and the Gilroy Economic Development
Corporation have both determined that an Urban Growth Boundary would be
detrimental to Gilroy. It’s important for residents to be informed of the facts
pertaining to the proposed UGB initiative. The information below has been provided
by Tammy Brownlow, President of the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation.
The so called, “Gilroy Growing Smarter” urban growth boundary initiative
being proposed for placement on the November ballot would have many negative
consequences for our community. After extensive research and discussion, the
board of directors of the Gilroy Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) voted
unanimously at their April 13 board meeting to oppose the initiative.
Following are some of the more critical impacts our city will face if an urban
growth boundary is put in place:
Stifle Gilroy’s Emerging Economy — Harsh urban growth boundary control
sends a very negative message to businesses and investors considering Gilroy for
opportunities. Overregulation and lack of available land and buildings will send
new and existing businesses elsewhere.
Reduced Employment Opportunities and Job Growth — Lack of available
buildings and land, coupled with housing shortages and increased housing prices,
will force businesses to go elsewhere for opportunities and employees.
Limiting Growth Limits Opportunities for Local Businesses —Businesses
rely on residents to shop local. Limiting the number of residents limits the reach
of existing businesses. The potential for increased consumer costs due to rising
transportation costs and restrictions on new shopping areas may also impact local
shopping habits and tourism dollars.
Increased Housing Costs for Working Families and Young Professionals
— Lack of housing options and increasing land and construction costs will cause
home prices and rents to soar and will displace middle-income working families. In
Gilroy, 42% of all housing units are rentals that are already priced beyond the means
of many middle-income families. It’s a simple matter of supply and demand.
Worsens Lingering Traffic Problems
— Traffic problems like those around
Christopher High School will remain and will not be fixed since necessary road
improvements in the area will be halted as the private investment mechanism for
improvements is eliminated.
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
JULY / AUGUST 2016
First Tee Off for
Youth Scheduled
T
he Gilroy Police Foundation and the
Gilroy Youth Task Force have joined
together to host the “Tee Off For Youth”
Golf Classic scheduled for Thursday,
August 11 at CordeValle Golf Resort in
San Martin which is home to the 2016
U.S. Women’s Open.
The Police Foundation and the Youth
Task Force are private, non-profit
501(c)(3)’s that work to redirect gang-
affiliated and at-risk youth through
education, prevention and intervention
efforts. Funds raised through the
generosity of sponsors and golfers
goes to support programs such as the
Gilroy Youth Center (year-round free
programming), Gilroy Unified School
District’s Positive Behavioral Intervention
and Support Program (PBIS), Late Night
Gym for “at-risk” youth, the Parent
Project, Anti-Bullying programs and
providing a safe environment for youth.
At this year’s golf classic, they
will have professional golfer and top
instructor on the Champions, PGA, LPGA
and European tours, Dave Stockton.
While on the PGA tour, Stockton was
known for being one of the games best
putters. He wrote a guide to putting
called, “Unconscious Putting,” which was
released in 2011 and quickly became a
best seller. Dave will be providing a golf
clinic prior to the start of our Tee Off
for Youth Golf Classic.
Registration is only $295 per person
or $1,100 per foursome. Check- in
begins at 10:30 the day of the event
and shot gun start at 1:00 pm. Whether
you play in the tournament, sponsor
the event, or simply make a donation,
you make a definite and immediate
impact. For more information go to
TeeOffForYouth.com.
gmhtoday.com