The San Benito Blueprint

A new commercial proposal has been submitted at the corner of Union Road and Sommerset Drive (near Cienaga).

Project Description

Named “The Stockyard,” the proposal includes a fuel station, convenience store, Wine Trail Welcome Center, and recreational/agricultural vehicle storage. The project includes barn inspired architecture, right turn only access from Union Road, with main access from Sommerset Drive.

The details from the application are as follows:

The Fuel Station & Convenience Store

• 6 fuel islands/ 12 fueling stations – for passenger vehicles and agriculture equipment Fuel will be contained in an above ground tank.
• 3,750 square foot convenience store operated between 6am and 11:00pm daily.
• 14 EV parking stalls

Wine Trail Welcome Center

• 1,250 square foot reception area with restrooms and an information counter
• 3,150 square foot outdoor patio for events, tastings, and picnics hosted by local wineries.
• Educational displays about San Benito Coutny agriculture and the wine industry
• Will be operated on weekends and event days.

Agricultural & Recreational Storage Facility

• 31 enclosed storage units for equipment and vehicles.
• 78 outdoor spaces for RVs, boats, or agricultural machinery
• Keypad entry for 8am-10pm daily access.

Current Property Uses and Compatibility

The property in question is roughly 20 acres with development occurring on roughly 4 of those acres. A majority of the property contains an open space easement, however, the portion in question for development is in an exception area according to the applicant. The property is currently designated as Agriculture Productive with a PUD overlay. According to the applicant:

The project site is located within the Agriculture (AP/PUD) zoning district and within the exception area of an amended Open Space Easement (OSE) approved by the San Benito County Board of Supervisors. The Board’s approval of the amended OSE expressly recognized that commercial uses located within this exception area are consistent with the County’s General Plan, provided they are designed to support and complement the County’s agricultural economy, rural character, and tourism industries, which this project does.

The project, if built, would be the closest fueling station to the Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area which sees about 200,000 visitors per year. It would also serve as an anchor point to the local wine and tourism industry.

Stay tuned for more!