HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 04 2026 - Public Comment - Victor Gomez1
Stefan Mercer
From:Victor Gomez <victorg@pinnaclestrategy.org>
Sent:Sunday, May 3, 2026 1:36 PM
To:Mayor Greg Bozzo
Cc:Public Comments
Subject:EXTERNAL - Support for Staff Recommendation 7.2 – 95 Howson Street Townhome
Project
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
Honorable Mayor Bozzo and City Council,
I am writing on behalf of the project applicant, as their land use consultant, to respectfully express our
strong support for staff’s recommendation to approve the proposed 42-unit townhome development
located at 95 Howson Street on your May 4th, 2026 City Council agenda.
City staff has conducted a thorough and objective review of this application and concluded that the
project fully satisfies the City’s General Plan, Downtown Specific Plan, and Zoning Ordinance
requirements. Importantly, the project represents precisely the type of infill housing development the
city has long prioritized—transforming an underutilized and currently vacant commercial site into a well-
designed residential community in the Downtown Gateway District.
General Plan Consistency: The project advances key policies promoting infill development, housing
production, pedestrian connectivity, and downtown revitalization.
Appropriate Density & Design: At approximately 21 units per acre, the project is well within the allowable
range and consistent with the Gateway District’s vision for medium- to high-density residential uses.
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Strong Urban Design: Buildings are oriented toward public streets, incorporate high-quality architectural
elements, and enhance the pedestrian environment with sidewalks, landscaping, and street trees.
Infrastructure & Circulation: The project provides adequate access, exceeds parking requirements, and
has been reviewed by Engineering, Fire, and Police with no outstanding concerns.
Environmental Clearance: The project qualifies for a Class 32 CEQA exemption, with no significant
environmental impacts identified.
Additionally, the previously approved variance is both reasonable and necessary. The reduced setbacks
are directly tied to required public right-of-way dedications that improve sidewalks, landscaping, and the
overall pedestrian experience—advancing, not undermining, the intent of the City’s development
standards.
From a policy perspective, this project delivers meaningful public benefits:
Converts a vacant and underutilized site into productive housing.
Contributes to the City’s housing supply with family-oriented units.
Enhances the Downtown Gateway as an inviting and activated entry to the City.
Reinforces predictable, standards-based land use decision-making.
The Planning Commission has already carefully vetted this project and recommended approval, and
staff has made all required findings to support that recommendation. At this stage, the question before
the Council is not whether the project is perfect, but whether it meets the City’s adopted standards and
policy framework. The record clearly demonstrates that it does.
For these reasons, we respectfully urge the City Council to adopt the staff recommendation and approve
Tentative Map TM 24-01 and Architectural and Site Review AS 24-07.
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Thank you for your consideration and for your continued leadership in advancing thoughtful, well-
planned growth in Gilroy. I am available at any time should you have questions.
Sincerely,
VICTOR GOMEZ
President - Pinnacle Strategy, LLC
Government Affairs + Land-Use Consulting + Public Relations
831.245.6446
www.PinnacleStrategy.org