David Huboi said he’s excited to take on the role of chairman for the Hollister Planning Commission.
Newly installed commissioners elected Huboi as chairman at last week’s meeting. They elected for experience, as Huboi brings 14 years of experience to the role and has been chairman previously.
“To serve the community in general, it’s a very important role,” Huboi said. “I’m very happy to be chairman. I really enjoy it.”
He said it’s a good time to continue on as a commissioner with the general plan update around the corner. The general plan is a comprehensive guide, or vision, for local development.
District 4 Councilman Marty Richman appointed Huboi to remain in the role.
Huboi, an architect, said he expects the commission will take a “very cautious approach” to new development.
“It’s a matter of also looking at growth when we go through the general plan,” he said. “That’s really where the real crux of the issue is.”
The commission now includes Roxanne Stephens appointed by Mayor Ignacio Velazquez, Kevin Henderson appointed by District Councilwoman Carol Lenoir, Carrie Johnson appointed by District 2 Councilman Rolan Resendiz, and Seth Muenzer appointed by District 3 Councilwoman Honor Spencer.
The new commission jumped right in at last week’s three and a half-hour meeting, reviewing projects such as a new LA Hearne warehouse on McCloskey Road, a 5,495-square-foot building with two tenant spaces and one drive-through at the approved Hollister Farms Subdivision along the bypass, subdividing 60 lots near the airport, and expansion at Hollister Paint Co. downtown.
With the rate of residential growth being such a concerning topic for residents, Huboi said he wanted to make sure houses weren’t in the plans for the airport project. He doesn’t believe that location is appropriate for housing subdivisions.
The commission approved subdividing the property after hearing from the applicant and staff.
“It can’t be housing,” Huboi said. “The only kind of housing that is permitted there is like caretaker housing. It’s not for single-family detached homes or anything.”
Huboi said he felt a “welcoming vibe” when he took over as chairman.
“We need some experience, and I provide that for the commission at this time,” he said.
