Gonzales has plans to double in size with proposed development

The city of Gonzales has slowly grown over the years, but a new proposed development would be the biggest housing growth the city has ever seen, according to the city manager.

The Vista Lucia Specific Plan will be sent to Monterey County LAFCO for approval, and if all goes right, it could break ground as early as the end of 2020.

“We’re certainly strapped for housing like most of the Central Valley and Monterey County so the opportunity for us to have more houses for our residents is very exciting,” Gonzales city manager Rene Mendez said.

The development would be focused on affordable housing with homes, apartments and duplexes.

The plan, which would be added on to the North East side of Gonzales, will expand city limits and grow Gonzales’ 8,500 population exponentially, which local businesses can get behind.

“We depend heavily on the surrounding cities, drawing from them for business, so having more local business would be really nice too,” Luigi’s Pizzeria owner Ben Velez said.

And some residents think it could lead to positive results for the city.

“I hope it will develop more educational purposes like after school programs for the kids around here,” Armando Garcia said.

The plan would include about 1,700 units, and with those homes the city says it would need parks and a school.

“For every 100 acres of development we’re probably looking at 3,000 people. That’s a lot, so we have to grow very smart and grow within our means,” Mendez said.

In the fall there will be the opportunity for public comment, according to the city manager.