Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Benito County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in development
Homelessness down 57% in county count
The January 2026 count found 267 people experiencing homelessness versus 621 in 2024, but officials cautioned the riverbed cleanup scattered encampments and made counting harder, and all remaining chronically homeless individuals were unsheltered.
Hippo Harvest facility landscaping
A major new leafy greens facility brings jobs and road improvements to a busy commuter corridor, but commissioners faulted a $50,000 road fee as far too low and rewrote conditions to require $180,000 for turn lanes plus right-of-way dedications.
Allium Solar and Storage project permitting delay
Longroad Energy says its Allium project application, deemed complete in August 2025, has gone 14 months without progress due in part to the BESS moratorium. The developer asked the county to allow the CEQA process to continue while approvals stay frozen — but the commission couldn't act because the topic wasn't on the agenda.
Annexation tax-sharing agreement with Hollister under scrutiny
An attorney asked the Board to agendize the long-delayed city-county tax-sharing agreement for the Rigetti Chapel Road annexation, which the city approved months ago.
Unpermitted dwellings in flood-prone Lovers Lane area
Planning Director Prado said the county is working on a compassionate approach to unpermitted structures and RVs in flood zones — encouraging owners to legalize units rather than forcing displacement before the storms.
Lands of Lee affordable housing
The plan for 30 deed-restricted junior ADUs in a 141-lot subdivision stalled over whether owners actually must rent them to low-income households. Supervisors tabled it to check the litigation settlement before deciding.
Two-hearing requirement for CFD annexations
An engineering consultant argued the county's requirement that annexations come before the board twice, 60 days apart, needlessly delays small lot splits and costs applicants over $5,000 and six months. Supervisors asked staff to investigate why the 2017 change exists.
HOA vs. CSA/CFD model for new development
Several supervisors said the county should get out of the business of managing subdivision services, favoring HOAs for large new developments — though Curro cautioned some buyers refuse to live in HOAs. The board wants options brought back for future policy.