Ray Becker, El Rancho San Benito project manager, defended the timing of DMB's mixed use project by noting an expectation that the current economic climate should change as units get built over several years and by pointing out its "extraordinary diversity" of building types.
DMB survived last week's attempt by county supervisor Pat Loe - which Becker also said could have potentially killed El Rancho San Benito altogether - to postpone all major projects until after the new general plan is done two to three years from now. Supervisors on July 1 voted it down 4-1.
Becker said he was "disappointed" in the proposal. Loe had argued it's necessary so the project's processing better coincides with the new planning guide. Becker, however, had contended to supervisors that a general plan should be a flexible document open to piecemeal change.
Some critics at last Tuesday's meeting pointed to the high number of foreclosures in the area as a reason to oppose El Rancho San Benito.
Becker confirmed that DMB had no plans to adjust the proposed number of units.
"As difficult as things are now," Becker told the Free Lance this week, "we recognize it's a cyclical industry."
He said DMB expects the current economic problems "will run their course" and DMB will be "well positioned" for the next market cycle.
He also pointed to the development's "extraordinary diversity" and 23 product types - such as condos, apartments, retail units, and single-family houses ranging in size and including mansions - as something many critics don't understand.
Janet Brians. a longtime San Benito County resident and farmer, was at last Tuesday's meeting and this week told the Free Lance she views the DMB project as a major threat to local agriculture.
"Agriculture is the main industry and the main money-bringer in this county," she said. "I don't think (DMB) is seeing agriculture in the long term because they are not looking to preserve the best land.
"Also, they left the public to vote on the decision until after the supervisors made their statements and opinions known - that's not really a fair way of doing it. I just feel there are a lot of unanswered questions left."
Staff writer Curtis Cartier contributed to this report.
Kollin Kosmicki Kollin Kosmicki is editor of the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 337 or editor@freelancenews.com.
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