Planning Commission to Consider Zoning Changes to 29 Parcels

The Gilroy Planning Commission will consider rezoning six areas around the city from uses like General Services Commercial and Low Density Residential to High Density residential in order to fulfill the goals of the recently updated housing element.

The housing element doesn’t require that the housing be built, only that the land be available so it can be built.  According to a staff report, the city needs an additional 54 acres of land designated as High Density Residential.  The six areas being considered for the zoning changes total 43 acres.

In addition to the 43 acres already identified in the staff report, the planning commission will consider a zoning amendment that would establish a minimum density for mixed-use projects in the part of town covered by the Downtown Gilroy Specific Plan.

The proposed zoning changes would create a minimum zoning density of 20 units per acre.

According to David Bischoff, Director of Planning and Environmental Services, the minimum density in the downtown will provide clarity and certainty for developers.

The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in the city council chambers at City Hall.

How do you think the proposed changes will affect Gilroy?  Are you in favor of or against the proposed zoning changes?  Tell us in comments.

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