Dear Editor,
The city of Morgan Hill had its centennial barbecue and party which puts that all behind them. Now we hear about the plaza at Dunne Avenue and Monterey Road. Although it reflects the judgments of many planning commissions and many city councils, a bit of business difficulty moves it into the new century. Take it from its owners and give it to someone who can build something wonderful and in keeping with … Hmm. Can’t fill that space. The plaza looks a lot like Morgan Hill.
I am reminded of the opportunity that was passed up a few years ago. The old Morgan Hill School, at Dunne and Monterey, was for sale. The price was $4 million. In the dream of the possible purchaser a department store would fit there very nicely. Oops, there was a problem. The city wanted that property. And it took it. No department store. School district took a hit, because the city paid only $2 million.
Now there is something else the city wants. The project is moving along, but there is no sewer or water service at the new mall near Cochrane Road. That’s OK, the city will put $11 million into that place. After all it will generate $700,000 every year in taxes. (That is about 15 years to break even.) How about a million into the plaza? Probably not – at least until it has a more pliable new owner. Then the city will probably find a couple of million to put there.
Eminent domain is the way to go. After all this is a new century. Gotta get what we want, and who can say NO?
Bob Blaine, Morgan Hill
