What is it about Morgan Hill that so many things need to go on a
fast track to completion? Are we in such a hurry? Well, yes. First
it was the Aquatics Center, which the City Council insisted be
finished in record time to take advantage of the entire hot weather
season.
What is it about Morgan Hill that so many things need to go on a fast track to completion? Are we in such a hurry? Well, yes.
First it was the Aquatics Center, which the City Council insisted be finished in record time to take advantage of the entire hot weather season.
This Tuesday, The Times insisted that the new library move ahead as fast as humanly possible, putting the intellectual need of the many ahead of physical activity for the few.
Today we turn our attention to the downtown. Because the idea of what makes a vibrant downtown work has changed radically in the past few years, the council is working on revising the general plan and zoning regulations to allow those new ideas, adopting a downtown plan and tweaking Measure C, the growth-control ordinance that determines where and when housing can be built.
This needs to happen fast – real fast or a significant “window of opportunity” will be missed. Who benefits? Well, we all will. New residents will benefit because they will find housing close to the downtown core, close to shops, restaurants and public transportation. Business owners will benefit because market-rate housing will provide a critical mass of people with money to spend and an interest in spending it.
Interestingly enough, many of the people interested in living downtown are 20- and-30-somethings, young people who grew up watching Seinfeld, Mad About You and Friends – and who understand what living near a city core, no matter how small, can mean to their quality of life.
The city will benefit because, where money is spent, sales taxes end up in the city treasury to be used for police and fire protection, parks and recreation and some city staff – all good things. More restaurants, more shops, more professional offices go hand in hand with a growing, vibrant community.
But, most of all, everyone who lives in Morgan Hill will benefit because the goal is a revived downtown that, added to an area already quaint, charming and unique will allow us to say proudly, “I live in Morgan Hill.”
The Planning Commission will discuss the downtown plan, including parking, traffic, density of housing units, land use and zoning for 27 parcels, at 7pm Tuesday, City Hall.
Anyone who is interested in the future of our downtown should try to attend or watch the meeting on cable Channel 17. The City Council will likely adopt the downtown plan in January, after more discussion and after hearing from you, the public.
One more thing: a successful downtown almost certainly needs a focal point. Think Granada, the closed movie theater that once was a real draw. As the council decides which projects to give a little financial help to with its remaining Redevelopment money, we want them to seriously consider helping Mike Wilkinson out with his plan for bringing the old Granada back to life. Save the Granada! Help our downtown!
Contact the City Council: www.morganhill.ca.gov/ 779-7271.
