In the latest issue of “Going Green,” Hollister Mayor Ignacio Velazquez chats with David Huboi and Shawn Novack about a micro-home project and its potential applications in San Benito County. “Going Green” is a production of CMAP (Community Media Access Television).

Co-Host Shawn Novack was nice enough to respond to a few email questions from Leslie David with BenitoLink about the show topic and the Mayor’s stance on micro-homes. 

“Well, I’m not trained in dealing with social issues. However, I do know what we as a community have been doing to deal with homelessness isn’t working. As I stated on the show, micro homes deal with one component of the homelessness problem. I commend the Mayor for trying a new approach. Will it work? Who knows? But it’s worth a try. Cities like San Jose recently spent $450,000 to clean up a homeless encampment. I think that money could be put to a better and higher purpose,” Novack responded. 

Novack went on to explain some of the benefits he sees in micro-homes. He wrote, “From a natural resources manager point of view, I like it! I love the fact that they’re small. The carbon footprint is small. They’re easy to heat and cool.” Novack added that it’s not just about efficiency, “I would love these units to be available to everyone. I live by myself and don’t have a lot of stuff. These homes would be perfect for me. Plus it might allow people to generate a little income from their property by installing one in their yard. I might help offset the high cost of housing?!?!”

The entire Going Green Micro Home Show can be seen on CMAP-TV. Community Media Access Partnership (CMAP) is a nonprofit community media center serving Gilroy, Hollister, and San Juan Bautista. The non-profit helps community members and organizations navigate in a digital world by providing access to media tools and training. CMAP distributes shows and government meetings via television distribution on local cable channels. CMAP-TV’s website states that it is “committed to promoting civic engagement, creative self­-expression, and life and career skills for youth and adults.”

BenitoLink appreciates the extra effort made by “Going Green” and CMAP-TV to help users see portions of their full shows, which are available on the CMAP website or can be viewed at the end of this short video clip posted with this story.