Growth

Planning for growth is not an easy thing to do. Wanton growth, as has been Hollister's forte for the past ten years, can lead to many problems; so many that people have even begun putting together web sites to discuss them! Slow growth is fine for those that already live here and own homes, but it leads to high housing costs and a stagnant tax base when the surrounding economy becomes hot. Once again, though, not a problem if you already have a home here, but if you are a lifelong resident who's tried to make a home here and can't, it's no fun.

But the governing body of Hollister throughout the 90's has done a wonderful job in alleviating the current government of having to worry about growth. The rampant growth they allowed has taxed our city to the point where the state of California has come in and shut growth down for the forseeable future. What long term impact this will have remains to be seen. I, personally, am not crying the blues because no more homes are being built, but on the other hand I am crying the blues because I see some prime commercial real estate in the north part of town sitting vacant.

I'd love to work in Hollister, but quite frankly there is nowhere in Hollister to work that will allow me to afford to live here, so I have to look elsewhere for employment. With growth shut down, it looks like I'll be commuting northward for a great many years to come.

The comments of your fellow citizens:

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