Published in the February 17 – March 1, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life

Hotel Coalition sues city

The Hotel Coalition of Morgan Hill is suing the city over an ordinance passed last year that changed a parcel of land at Lightpost Way and Madrone Parkway from industrial to commercial to allow developers to build a new hotel.

The coalition is seeking a court order from the Superior Court of Santa Clara County that directs the city to suspend the ordinance until the city council can repeal it and allow the voters to decide.

Last April, members of the coalition questioned why the city council would change the zoning for industrial land intended to bring jobs just to bring in another hotel. Ashis Roy, from the Holiday Inn Express, told the council that the hotel owners were not against development, but that growth must be sustainable. The Hotel Coalition did not oppose the building of the 104-room hotel, La Quinta Inn, on Condit Road, which increased the supply by about 20 percent. It also supports the development of a downtown boutique hotel. However, members of the coalition told the council that by increasing the supply of mid-level hotel rooms in Morgan Hill by 58 percent in two years, could financially devastate the industry. The Hotel Coalition advocates bringing mid to-large size employers to the region to lessen the need of Morgan Hill residents to commute north.

MMS adds track and field

Mount Madonna School is offering a track and field program this spring in addition to supporting three middle and high school boys volleyball teams.

“I am very excited to announce that Mount Madonna School will have a varsity boys and girls track and field team competing in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League,” said Sidd McDonald, longtime athletic director of the Hawks’ program.

Fifteen athletes — or almost 25 percent of MMS high school students — turned out for the team, which is being led by teachers Jenne Wood-Taylor, as track coach, and Sara Sobkoviak, as field events coach. MMS does not yet have a track or field on its campus, so practices are divided between their own campus and Aptos High School.

Islamic group resubmits proposal for center

Three years after the South Valley Islamic Community proposed building a mosque in San Martin that raised the ire of some residents, the group has resubmitted plans.

Known as the Cordoba Center, the plans call for the mosque, a community center and cemetery on the 16-acre property located at the corner of Monterey Road and California Avenue.

The Santa Clara County Department of Planning and Development will host a public meeting on the project from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road.

The group submitted almost identical plans in 2012. Numerous public hearings and meetings drew many residents opposed to the Cordoba Center, some of whom said they were concerned about the potential impact on water quality, traffic and other environmental concerns. Some opponents openly voiced their hostility and fear of Islam.

After the supervisors unanimously approved the project in 2012, a group of residents calling themselves the “People’s Coalition for Government Accountability” filed a lawsuit demanding the county rescind the use permit, claiming the county did not take a full account of the proposal’s potential impact on the environment in accordance with state and federal laws.

And while the SVIC and county officials insisted the approval followed the law, SVIC withdrew plans in 2013.

MHCF accepting applications for grants, scholarships

The Morgan Hill Community Foundation is accepting applications for its annual spring grant cycle, which disburses awards to local, qualifying nonprofits. Additionally, the MHCF offers scholarships through the Morgan Hill Unified School District. Since its 2002 inception, the MHCF and its community partners have granted more than $550,000 to a range of local programs.

The 2016 grant application submission deadline is March 25. Submission requirements and application information are available at www.morganhillcf.org. Completed applications should be sent to MHCF, Attn: Grants, P.O. Box 1974, Morgan Hill, CA 95038. Use the current application posted on the website; applicants using outdated forms will be disqualified.

MHCF scholarships are offered through the local school district’s existing scholarship program. The general application and guidelines are available through each high school’s career and guidance counseling centers.

In addition to its grant and scholarship programs, the MHCF has a number of events supporting the community. Those include the South Valley Athletic Foundation’s annual Wine Auction, scheduled for 6 to 10 p.m., April 1. Information and tickets available at southvalleywineauction.org. Also, Art a la Carte is a free children’s art fair scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 23.

“There are a surprisingly high number of nonprofits in Morgan Hill, and each has a critical need, program or service area that needs an immediate boost,” said Rene Spring, board president. “We are pleased to provide that boost.”

– By Staff Reports

Published in the February 17 – March 1, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life