This Week on the Central Coast
A couple local projects are trying to get upgrades, but not without pushback from locals. Salinas asks the community for ideas of how to beautify the city.
Santa Cruz Wharf wants to upgrade.
After years of proposals and trying to raise money, Santa Cruz finally has the funds needed to start planning a remodel of its wharf, thanks in part to a U.S. grant given to the city in May. The original plans were created in 2011 and was unveiled to the public in 2014. The main purpose of the remodel is to make “the aging wharf more resistant to the impact of climate change”. In addition to this, the plan also detailed expanding the wharf by 2.5 acres and add “a new eastern promenade, an amphitheatre and a western walkaway designed to provide a 360-degree view of the bay.”
An opposing group, called Don’t Morph the Wharf, has filed a lawsuit against the city. They argue that the proposed plans do not do enough to keep the historical value of the wharf. The group fears that the added entertainment venues would make the wharf overly touristy, similar to San Francisco’s Pier 39. They argue that the wharf could still be shielded from the effects of climate change without compromising its historical value. In response, the city noted that the wharf has changed many times in its history and that the proposed plans would keep key historical aspects intact, including the beloved sea lion viewing platforms.
The city says it will still be a few years before construction can start.
Amor Salinas calls on community to help make positive changes to the city
The city of Salinas launched a new initiative called Amor Salinas, which calls on the community to come up with ideas to help enhance Salinas in a variety of ways. Mayor Kimbley Craig says she wants this to be a lasting idea, not just a “one-year deal”. The idea is for residents to come up with ideas “that go beyond cleanups and plantings”, including public art. Any with ideas can submit them here. Public reactions for Amor Salinas has been positive, with many attending the kickoff event last Thursday.
Dan Albert Stadium update faces pushback
On July 27, MPUSD unanimously approved plans to upgrade Dan Albert Stadium at Monterey High School. The upgrade would include a lower softball field, a weight room, added visitor bleachers, a new press box, accessible seating and safety features, and permanent lighting. However, two groups filed an opposing lawsuit at the end of August in hopes of overturning the decision. The groups do not believe that the upgrade proposal adequately complies with the California Environmental Quality Act.
The groups’ lawsuit states “The (environmental impact report) admits that the Stadium and Field Project would have significant and unavoidable noise and lighting impacts on the surrounding resident neighborhoods”. In addition to their issue with lights and the PA system, the groups also argue that parking would be negatively impacted. In particular the lawsuit pointed out the use of Logan Lane being used for construction of the lower field.
For now, the lawsuit will not affect the current construction timeline. “Ideally, the project would be completed by the end of summer 2022, said Monterey High School Principal Tom Newton.”
What do you think about the proposed plan for the upgraded MHS field?
Will the upgraded field bring enough benefit to students to offset any negative effects it may have on the surrounding neighborhoods?
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