In calling for a substantial increase in impact fees for school facility funding, State Assemblywoman Anna Cabellero is on the right track. Her recent visit to the Gilroy City Council chambers to discuss the issue represents a breath of courageous air from a legislator willing to tackle a tough issue.

There's no question that impact fees need to be raised. The Gilroy Unified School District simply cannot build schools based on the amount currently allowed under state law, which is less than $3 per square foot.

Melding school and community planning is plain common sense

The solution, however, is to go back to the future and re-insert school facilities under the wing of state law AB 1600. That would require school districts to publicly justify the amount charged per square foot, but at the same time it would allow district's to charge reasonable fees that could actually cover the cost of needed facilities from start to finish. Moreover, taking this direction should remove the constant need to pass additional bonds for school facilities.

This approach would also meld the planning interests of the city with that of the school district. Imagine how much common sense that would make. The city has to justify impact fees under AB 1600 as would the district, and being under the same law would essentially force a joint - or at least a semi-united - planning effort.

Many heated political squabbles in Gilroy have resulted from the school district being constantly under the gun trying to play catch-up with facilities while also being the odd man out in the community planning process.

Multi-use facilities should be rewarded in the city's RDO process

Bringing schools under the AB 1600 wing should be combined with a re-tooled city residential development ordinance that reinforces a joint planning spirit between the city and school district. Gyms, fields, parks and community use buildings can all be multi-use shared facilities and the city RDO, which governs the competition between builders for housing permits, should handsomely reward shared facility efforts.

School facilities are an obvious asset to our community. The sooner new state laws are put in place which make common sense and allow for good planning, the better.

Act now:

Contact Assemblywoman Anna Caballero Capitol Office: State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento, CA 94249-0028

Tel: (916) 319-2028

Fax: (916) 319-2128