Hollister, January 30, 2014: The Hollister Downtown Association and the Council of San Benito County Governments today announced that the City of Hollister is one step closer to getting its main street back from the State.
State law, effective January 1, 2014, allows the California Transportation Commission to take the next step in changing ownership of Highway 25 in downtown, now owned by the State. A positive vote by the California Transportation Commission today gets us one step closer to upgrading downtown into a destination point for residents, workers, and tourists.
“This is a positive step forward for all of the downtown business owners who would like to make improvements, expand their business, and for special events using San Benito Street” said Brenda Weatherly, Hollister Downtown Association’s Executive Director. “Our plan is to move community events, like the Farmers Market, to San Benito Street to allow events to expand and grow.”
“The Council of Governments is pleased that this change will happen,” said Victor Gomez, Council of Governments Chairman and City Councilman. “Speaking for the City, we are working with the Downtown Association on making improvements to the area to attract residents and visitors to enjoy all of the wonderful offerings and promote economic development.”
The ownership change will occur when the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) records the action at the County Recorder’s office. The Hollister Downtown Association is planning a celebration in late March to mark the occasion.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Gordon Machado a member of the Measure A Committee. “When we went to the voters in 1988, we wanted to get our main street back from the State. Part of that was accomplished when the Route 156 Bypass went in. Now, we can get San Benito Street back. I am happy that this is finally going to happen.”