Our Inaugural Issue: A Message from Jeff Welch

Congratulations downtown members on sharing a successful 2004, and welcome to the beginning of what we feel will be an even more successful 2005.  It has been a pleasure serving as president of the Hollister Downtown Association for a second term.  I would like to share with you some of the successes of 2004 and encourage you to participate actively in 2005 in order to continue sharpening up our downtown.

First, beginning in the spring of 2004, Hollister began a “makeover” of the downtown.  The streets now sport savvy new sidewalks that enhance the symmetry and class of our special center-city area.  As you drive or walk down San Benito Street, you will also notice beautiful new lights and trees that complement the sidewalks perfectly.  As a result of these improvements, it is certainly no coincidence that some of the vacancies are being filled by confident entrepreneurs.  Moreover, Hollisterians are starting to notice, thus beginning the process of buying here rather than “there.”

Another glowing blue ribbon in 2004 was the Farmer’s Market.  The location was moved to the grassy lot on Fourth Street, and rightfully so!  Across the board, the farmers nodded their respective heads in praising the outcome of their weekly treks to our beloved downtown.  And a big thank you goes out to Diana Thorson of the HDA staff for her efforts in putting the whole thing together.  We eagerly await this year’s Farmer’s Market, which will begin in late spring.

Finally, keep your eyes and ears posted on the Highway 25 Bypass Project, which is scheduled to begin in June and be completed in late 2006.  This is a HUGE benefit to downtown Hollister.  Not only will it ease traffic flow around the entire city, but it will also give the City of Hollister ownership of San Benito Street.  This is important, because all decisions with regard to downtown will now be in the hands of the City.  Previously, the City had no control whatsoever over anything having to do with the proper construction of San Benito Street.  I think you will see a San Benito Street that is a sponge for the local shopper.  Whether by foot or by car, downtown should become and remain an inviting destination for many to come.

The current board consists of the following:  Sheila Stevens, Marilyn Fereira, Tom Breen, Dorothy McNett, Rose Ortiz, Megan Guerra, Barbara Cosio, Doug Halley, Yvonne Caporgno and me, Jeff Welch.  There are four committees:  Organization, Economic Development, Design, and Promotion.  If you are interested in serving your downtown membership, please call the office to inquire about any of these positions and committees.  Our office is staffed by our most effective group ever, Director Liz Sparling and Administrative Assistant Diana Thorson.  Your participation is very much welcome.  Call 636-8406.  We would love to hear from you.

~ Jeff Welch, HDA President

Sidewalk Project Status - Important Notice

The Sidewalk Project is nearing completion with the contactors completing the final bits of work (high/low pavers, cracks in the concrete, cleaning of building frontages, finishing repairing property damage, etc.) which is anticipated to be completed in about 2 weeks.  The contractor feels that all property damage has been repaired.  If there are any outstanding property damage requests, please contact Matt Atterberry at matt.atterberry@hollister.ca.gov immediately.  Please do not submit new requests - just previous requests that have not been satisfied.  All other questions or concerns?  Please contact the HDA office at info@downtownhollister.org or call (831) 636-8406.