Hollister · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hollister public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Archer Aviation propeller testing at Hollister Airport
Archer Aviation, which has started flying its electric aircraft into Hollister, wants to test propellers on the ground at the airport's northeast corner. It would bring five to six staff daily, pay ground-lease rates, and put currently unused airport land to work generating revenue.
Falcon Nano drone and bird detection field testing
NASA Ames and partner companies like Hidden Level want to install passive radio-frequency sensors at two airport locations to collect data that will help safely integrate drones and advanced air mobility aircraft into the national airspace. The commission recommended the City Council approve the airport use agreements.
Meridian Village continuation
The big 219-unit Meridian Village housing project south of Meridian Street didn't get heard — the applicant asked to push it to November 19. Residents following that debate will have to wait another two months.
Los Pinars apartments and Nash Road traffic
The long-planned Los Pinars apartment complex on Cushman Street needed a final lot split to secure financing. Neighbors said Nash Road area traffic has worsened over 13 years and questioned whether 2013-era environmental studies reflect today's reality; commissioners agreed the broader infrastructure question needs its own discussion.
Housing Trust Fund establishment
A state settlement requires Hollister to set up a housing trust fund with $300,000 from the general fund. Funds will go toward rehabilitating existing affordable housing for extremely low, very low, and low-income households.
Housing Element certification
To meet state certification requirements, the code must allow supportive and transitional housing by right, drop minimum lot sizes, cut open-space requirements (500 sq ft per unit down to 64 sq ft for larger projects), and remove subjective design review for housing.
340 Bridgevale affordable rental housing sewer agreement
A 53-unit, 100% affordable rental project outside city limits will get city sewer service, with annexation to follow. It's the first test of the city's stipulated agreement with state HCD on fair housing.
FAA grants for Hollister Municipal Airport
uAvionix Corporation wants to place advanced avionics sensor equipment at the airport. The commission recommended the use agreement move to the City Council, where final approval will happen.
Kramer Commons subdivision extension and housing supply
A long-planned 4.27-unit-per-acre subdivision on North Chappell Road got its final two-year extension. Some commissioners worried the market-rate, affordable-by-design project does little for the 40% of residents who are low-income, but others called it exactly the missing-middle infill Hollister needs.
Community Development Department Reorganization
The city is dissolving its Community Development Department, spreading planning, permits, inspections and cannabis oversight across four other departments and cutting three jobs. Supporters say years of permitting failures demand drastic action; employees and some residents say the process was rushed and secretive.
Community Development Department overhaul
After public complaints, the city added permit-center staff, expanded appointments, triaged emails, and enabled payments at all counters — quick fixes ahead of a March 12 joint Planning Commission/council meeting.
204 Hawkins affordable housing litigation
In closed session, the council voted unanimously to sue to enforce an affordable housing agreement at 204 Hawkins — a move aimed at holding a developer to its housing obligations.
851 Sunnyslope Road project environmental review
The council authorized releasing an RFP for the CEQA environmental document — an early step in moving the Sunnyslope project forward.