Although we don't oppose a housing growth cap - because it sustains an orderly, fair allocation process - leaders should examine the 1 percent number and its broad list of exemptions because that annual figure should be based on a more scientific analysis that officials never conducted before its approval in 2001.
We acknowledge that pinning down an appropriate growth cap based on allowable economic and infrastructural sustainability is an imposing task. But it's necessary to justify such a precise, rigid standard, because the reasoning, if based with a sense of planning in mind, should stretch beyond the contention that the law is needed to prevent sprawl.
After all: a 1 percent shift, either up or down, either doubles the number of allocations or shuts down the housing development industry here altogether.
Where did 1 percent originate?
Neither scenario is all that realistic. Why, though, does 1 percent make more sense than 1.4 percent, 1.9 percent or 0.7 percent? We don't know that it does or doesn't, but it sure would be nice to have a firm grasp on how such an impactful, apparently subjective law aligns with a broader outlook and vision - and with goals of strengthening the area's economic viability.
This precise number has broad implications
Supervisors had approved the cap in 2001 while observing Hollister's housing boom that ultimately caused the 15-million gallon sewer spill and subsequent building moratorium. It's important to remember, however, that San Benito County's law has no consequence on projects within city limits.
It is, on the other hand, largely consequential outside Hollister's boundaries, and potential changes, if potentially leading to progress, are at least worth an examination by county officials.
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