Why is the proposed development plan a threat to our community?
The proposed development plan is a threat because it significantly exceeds the actual housing need, leading to overbuilding and unnecessary sprawl. This will result inirreversible environmental damage, waste of taxpayer funds, increased traffic congestion, and a strain on local infrastructure and resources.
Where are the exact locations of these sites?
The City of Monterey is proposing to build 614 units on the sites adjacent to Highway 68 near Tarpy's restaurant. The County of Monterey is proposing 1,324 affordable housing units along Olmsted Road and Via Malpaso.
How will this development impact the environment?
The proposed development will destroy critical wildlife corridors, wetlands, and oak tree preserves. It will also increase risks from soil erosion, water quality degradation, and fire hazards. The environmental damage will be irreversible and will compromise the regions ecological balance and natural beauty.
What are the specific concerns regarding water availability?
There is insufficient water to support the proposed units. A recent study concluded that additional water permits are unavailable in the county. Building without adequate water resources is unsustainable and will strain the existing water supply, impacting bothcurrent and future residents.
How will traffic be affected by the new housing units?
The additional housing units will significantly increase traffic congestion on HW 68 and surrounding roads, particularly at intersections with HIghway 218, Olmsted Road and Josselyn Canyon Road. This will severely impact ingress and egress to Monterey Regional Airport and create dangerous conditions during emergencies.
What health risks are associated with the proposed development?
Increased traffic will deteriorate air quality, exposing residents to harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Additionally, the proximity to Fort Ord poses a risk of exposure to carcinogenic and toxic chemicals in the groundwater, particularly endangering children.
What are the fire hazard concerns related to the proposed sites?
The proposed sites are located in high fire danger zones, eliminating critical greenbelt Firebreaks. These greenbelts are essential for community safety, and their removal increases the risk of wildfires spreading uncontrollably, endangering lives and property.
How will the development affect the aesthetic and ecological integrity of the region?
The removal of greenbelts will significantly damage the region’s aesthetic and ecological integrity, harming habitats for keystone species and altering the visual landscape. This loss of habitat will impact local wildlife, including mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, and various bird species.
Why doesn’t the City consider developing more units at Ft. Ord?
When Ft. Ord was dissolved, the land was allocated to several entities: City of Monterey, County of Monterey, Marina, Del Rey Oaks, Seaside, maybe others.In previous RHNA cycles, the state allowed entities to work together to reach mutual goals. That is no longer permitted in this cycle.
The County has allocated almost all of its Ft. Ord land already (East Garrison) and the remaining available land belongs to the other entities. Marina has offered the County some land to develop but the County isunable to accept it due to the State regulations.
What can residents do to oppose this development?
Residents can:
1. Donate to fund our legal and opposition efforts by sending a check to
Zelle to olmstedconservation@gmail.com
2. Stay informed by following updates from SAVE TARPY FLATS.
3. Participate in community meetings and actions.
4. Contact local representatives to voice their concerns and demand a halt to the overbuilding plan.
5. Spread the word to mobilize more community support against the development.