Agenda Item # 9.3 - Rebecca Garcia | Received 07/28/2022CAUTION: This email originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
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From:
To:City Clerk; All Council Members
Subject:EXTERNAL - Re: Public Hearing for 700 W. Sixth St Residential Subdivision
Date:Thursday, July 28, 2022 12:53:16 PM
July 28, 2022
Project Number: AS 22-01, TM 22-01, Z 22-01
Project Title: 700 W. Sixth St Residential Subdivision
Project Location: 700 W Sixth St
This is in response to the 700 W. Sixth St. Residential Subdivision Architectural and Site Review,
Tentative Map, and General Plan Zoning Amendment coming before you on August 1, 2022
Gilroy City Council,
I encourage you to look for opportunities to increase density even if its modest density and to
diversify housing product type, other than single family. Gilroy already has some great older
examples of mixed income housing that is reasonable and well situated within its surrounding
environment. Rezoning will need to occur to accommodate the housing that is needed for our
families who are living in overpriced and overcrowded housing, and for our future residents. As hard
as it may be, we need to examine each housing opportunity with a new lens and look for ways to
increase the number of homes and diversify. Even a little is helpful... Every time we approve a
project without an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance in place, we are missing an opportunity to
capture workforce housing for our live/work Gilroy residents. I am grateful that the hard work of
your staff and consultant during the Housing Element process will likely elevate this to a priority and
give it the room and space it needs to get done. This is an important ordinance. If that ordinance
were in effect today this project could have added 3 Below Market Rate (BMR) units to the city’s
portfolio. Little by little it will turn into hundreds of rental and ownership opportunities. Our
residents are struggling with housing costs. I know you are limited in your roles as to what you can
and cannot require but an IHO is one tool that you can implement. Wishing you well and thank you
for your service!
Regards,
Rebecca Garcia