New Hollister housing development has residents concerned about traffic

As housing prices continue to skyrocket in Silicon Valley, neighboring communities are seeing some changes. In Hollister, hundreds of acres of open land are being transformed into neighborhoods.

A nearly 55 acre lot will soon be home to 200 houses and apartments. The ‘Roberts Ranch’ project recently obtained its Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approval to complete the annexation into the city.

Mayor Ignacio Velazquez said he voted “no” on the project, concerned that the town’s infrastructure will not be able to accommodate the increasing population. “I’m sad to see it all go. I’m very frustrated. We have this beautiful community. It’s rural and it’s becoming a big city,” said Velazquez.

Neighbor, Dale Stevenson, said he is sad to see the open space go. “I try not to be selfish. I know that housing in Silicon Valley is going crazy, so this housing will be more affordable,” said Stevenson.

Many neighbors are concerned with the amount of traffic the new development will bring to the already congested 2-lane highways. “Traffic coming into town is insane. If you come from Gilroy to Hollister around 5:30pm it can take as much as 2 hours to go about 15 miles home,” said neighbor, Louise Callanta.

Velazquez said preparing for the new masses could cost millions. “This road here would have to be improved. The other one down the road would have to be improved. Its another 100 million dollars of improvements we would have to do for all the congestion by building all these homes out here,” said Velazquez.

Developers with the project have yet to set a ground breaking date, but neighbors assume that it will be soon. For now, they appreciate the view and the moments they have left with it.