Planning for City Beat Gilroy ' s Future
By Rachelle Bedell Communications and Engagement Manager
Imagine your home — a small but secure space in which you raise your family . What if you put your children to bed each night , safe and secure , but awakened in the morning to black smoke rising outside the bedroom window ? Black smoke , not from a house fire , burn pile , or woodburning stove , but from a crematorium on the lot right next door to your home . Your small , secure home has been built right next to a crematorium and mortuary . This situation seems almost unimaginable , and in most places , it is , thanks to zoning and land-use policies . But in Houston , Texas , zoning laws do not exist , which can create some uncomfortable scenarios such as the one described above . Simply search online for “ images of Houston zoning issues ” to see high-rise buildings , rollercoasters , and five-story parking garages right next to residential homes .
Most cities enact zoning ordinances to regulate where certain types of buildings can be built , balancing a variety of considerations including the need for safety , cohesive neighborhoods , access to services , environmental protections , and the rights of property owners . It ’ s these types of zoning ordinances that protect residential areas from highrise buildings , rollercoasters , parking garages , and crematoriums . In California , each city is required to have a general plan that provides the framework for future growth and development . The general plan informs the zoning ordinances , and together , the general plan and zoning ordinances create the blueprint for the future of the city .
In November 2020 , the City of Gilroy adopted the 2040 General Plan which will guide the growth of our community for the next 20 years . This plan includes extensive input from the community including a shared vision of equity , diversity , inclusivity , economic development , and preservation of Gilroy ’ s small-town feel .
As illustrated on the 2040 Citywide Preferred Alternative Map , land use designations in the highlighted areas were updated as follows : Areas to the north and south of town , in orange , are designated as neighborhood districts encouraging compact , complete , neighborhood-style development . The areas in gray in the northern area of town and the downtown area are designated as an employment center , encouraging office , light industrial , research , and high-tech development . The areas in red on the east side of town are designated as general services commercial , encouraging retail , low-intensity commercial , and automobile sales and services . First Street is designated as a mixed-use corridor encouraging retail , office , and high-density residential uses . Gilroy ’ s historic downtown is guided by the Downtown Specific Plan and will be preserved as the heart of Gilroy showcasing the history and character of our town .
The 2040 General Plan is designed to meet Gilroy ’ s goals of providing residential and mixeduse neighborhoods that maintain Gilroy ’ s smalltown feel , commercial centers that remain successful and competitive , opportunities for employment and industrial uses , and the protection of our agricultural land .
Thanks to proper planning , zoning and land-use policies , you won ’ t have to worry about waking up next to a crematorium . For more information on the 2040 Gilroy General Plan visit www . cityofgilroy . org .
2040 Citywide Preferred Alternative Map :
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