12 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY july 13-19, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com On Dec. 13, the County Board of Supervisors heard an appeal about the county Planning Commission’s denial of a proposed farmworker housing project in Pajaro. They voted 3-1 to overturn that decision. On Dec. 15, the county’s Housing and Community Development Department issued a notice of the approval, which started a 30-day clock for any who might want to bring a lawsuit over the decision. A handful of residents on Pajaro’s Susan Street—which will abut the project when or if it’s completed—did sue regarding the county’s approval of the project, but it is an open question whether the lawsuit was filed in a timely manner. Per the county’s records, the lawsuit was filed Jan. 18, one day after the deadline (Jan. 14-15 was a weekend, and Jan. 16 was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday). Attorneys representing developers Rio Vista LLC are seeking to dismiss the lawsuit on the grounds that it wasn’t filed in a timely manner. Susan Street resident Christine Shaw is among the plaintiffs in the group Pajaro Community Matters, and says that the group’s attorney, Babak Naficy out of San Luis Obispo, filed the lawsuit in Monterey County Superior Court around 4:45pm on Jan. 17, but the next morning was notified that one of the documents submitted—a case cover sheet—was rejected by the county’s electronic filing system. The lawsuit alleges the county supervisors violated the California Environmental Quality Act and that they abused their discretion. A hearing scheduled for July 14 will not determine those substantive issues, but whether the case will continue to be litigated or dismissed. Despite the pending lawsuit, the site has been graded and construction is proceeding. Shaw, who was forced to evacuate her house in January because of flooding along the Pajaro River, thinks this past winter should make it more clear that the project is ill-conceived. “We can’t have development in that area, no matter how much the county wants it,” Shaw says. “We can be sacrificed, it feels like, because we’re poor and mostly brown. This wouldn’t happen in Carmel.” Mike Avila of builder Avila Construction says the project has been and will continue to be done by the book, but concedes there will always be concerns in neighborhoods about growth. “We think we’ve done a great job preparing documentation,” he says. “We did everything we could do to get it right.” On any weekend day, especially during the summer, Highway 156 backs up with traffic at the intersection with Castroville Boulevard. The Transportation Agency for Monterey County has planned an interchange there, aiming to move traffic faster and more safely. The agency was at risk of losing $28 million in project funding due to delays, but received a second extension from the California Transportation Commission in a vote on Wednesday, June 28. If the CTC hadn’t allowed for a delay, the project would have been shelved. “I’m disappointed that it’s going to be a year later, but a year later is better than not being able to do it at all,” says Todd Muck, executive director of TAMC. The $47.5 million project includes roundabouts, bicycle paths and sidewalks. It is designed to improve traffic flow by removing the light at the intersection, and also connecting pedestrians and cyclists to North Monterey County High School and residential areas of Castroville. The interchange has been in the works for over a decade, and it’s the first and lowest-cost section of a bigger Highway 156 corridor overhaul. It has faced various delays, including concerns about protecting the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander. The latest delay comes from waiting for PG&E officials to complete an assessment of a gas transmission facility and two electric facilities to determine whether the utility company needs to relocate any infrastructure. The original estimate for the project was $29.5 million—it’s now 61-percent higher, at $47.5 million. To cover rising costs, the TAMC board voted in May to allocate an additional $10.4 million from Measure X funds. With a second extension granted, PG&E now must complete its utility relocation plans by December so Caltrans can finalize the project design and accommodate any changes. “There’s really no room for delay in the schedule at this point,” Muck says. The project must go out to bid before June 2024. Stop Watch A lawsuit over farmworker housing project is on the ropes for being a day late. By David Schmalz news Auction Options The community is invited to a silent auction and happy hour in Salinas. Attendees can sip on cocktails and listen to singer Mike Noonan while bidding on baskets of locally curated goodies as well as original artwork created by Madonna Gardens’ own resident artists. All proceeds benefit the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. 2pm Friday, July 14. Madonna Gardens, 1335 Byron Drive, Salinas. RSVP in advance to 741-4638 or madonnagardens@carefieldliving.com. madonnagardens.com. Block Party The King City Police Department is hosting a block party for the city’s District 1 residents, inviting the public to mingle, meet City Councilmember Oscar Avalos and local law enforcement officers. Bring your family or stop by on your own to engage with the community. There will be music, food, bounce houses, entertainment and, of course, your neighbors. 5:30pm Friday, July 14. Arboleta Lane, near Van Nort Street and Campbell Avenue. Free. 385-4848, kingcity.com. thank you for serving Retired servicemembers and their families are invited to military retiree appreciation day, an opportunity to connect with active-duty communities. Hosted by the Presidio of Monterey and Fort Ord Retiree Council, you can expect free lunch (burgers, hot dogs) and cake; information from local service agencies and giveaways from various vendors; and remarks by Director of Army Retirement Services Mark Overberg. 8am-1:30pm Saturday, July 15. Gen. Stilwell Community Center, 4260 Gigling Road, Seaside. Free. 242-5555, home.army.mil/monterey. Beach Day Ocean recreation is for everyone. Black Girls Surf is partnering with UBUNTU Wellness to present Black People Surf Day 2023. Whether you’re a beginner or want to improve your skills, experienced instructors will be on hand to guide you every step of the way. Also expect beach games, giveaways and a chance to connect with other enthusiasts. 9am Saturday, July 15. Manresa State Beach, 1445 San Andreas Road, Watsonville. Free. linktr.ee/blackgirlssurf. Lead by Example Monterey City Council meets and, as always, accepts public comment. Tell your councilmembers what you think they are doing well and what they can do better. 4pm and 7pm Tuesday, July 18. City Hall, 580 Pacific St., Monterey. Free. monterey.org. Round and Round State transportation officials grant reprieve on timing for interchange project on Highway 156. By Celia Jiménez Christine Shaw (left) is a neighbor and plaintiff opposing the project, and now a planning commissioner. She was appointed after the commission denied the project. e-mail: publiccitizen@mcweekly.com TOOLBOX “This wouldn’t happen in Carmel.” Daniel Dreifuss
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==