www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 1-7, 2026 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 15 Trophy Shelf Pacific Grove has a chance to claim a unique coastal building as a community-serving hub. By Sam Farr FORUM One of Pacific Grove’s greatest coastal assets is slipping away. The former U.S. Navy/ NOAA property at 1352 Lighthouse Ave. is for sale again, advertised as a “trophy property.” But the real trophy could be acquiring this extraordinary site for public benefit. Pacific Grove has long recognized the property’s importance. Four City Council resolutions dating back to 1965 acknowledge its value. In 2012, the City sought public ownership. Resolutions in 2021 and 2022 supported U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s effort to stop the federal sale and a proposal by a local group called COAST to instead create a public interpretive center. Despite that opposition, administrators in Washington, D.C. moved forward with a sale. The buyers, an East Coast family, let the building sit empty for four years. Now, Pacific Grove has another chance to lead. This is not an ordinary development parcel. In August, the California Coastal Commission wrote to the owner, emphasizing that residential and commercial development are prohibited. Permitted uses are limited to coastal-dependent marine research, education, aquaculture, recreation and compatible public access. Moreover, Pacific Grove requires voter approval to rezone property designated “O” for open space. These protections are not simply obstacles to development. They point toward something better. This property could protect an irreplaceable coastal landscape while promoting education, recreation and high-value tourism. The site’s story stretches back thousands of years through Indigenous history. With consultation from tribes, it offers an opportunity to interpret that history. The building tells another remarkable story. Its bunker-like architecture reflects the Monterey Peninsula’s Cold War military history. It also demonstrates its later role in weather forecasting, oceanography and NOAA research. Its extraordinary exterior mural celebrates marine life in Monterey Bay. Imagine a visitor and education center interpreting Indigenous history, coastal ecology, national defense and ocean science, connecting visitors to the lighthouse, Asilomar and the coastal trail. California State Parks already operates Asilomar. Expanding its presence to 1352 Lighthouse could strengthen the city as a destination for visitors drawn by history, science and culture—people who stay overnight, explore, eat, shop and return. That is high-value tourism built around Pacific Grove’s distinctive character, with the potential to generate additional revenue for local businesses and the City. Time is of the essence. Pacific Grove’s leaders have a rare opportunity to shape this property’s future. The City should explore acquisition with State Parks, COAST and community partners. The real estate listing, for $5.65 million, calls 1352 Lighthouse Ave. a “trophy property.” The greatest trophy would be turning it into a lasting public asset. Sam Farr is a retired U.S. representative, who served from 1993-2017. Before that, he held state and local office. He lives in Carmel and Big Sur. OPINION Now, Pacific Grove has another chance to lead. Complete it. Check it. Return it. When it’s time to renew your Medi-Cal: Medi-Cal changes are coming Complétela. Revísela. Devuélvala. Se acercan cambios a Medi-Cal Cuando sea el momento de renovar su Medi-Cal: Need help? ¿Necesita ayuda? Get free information and personalized support. thealliance.health/GetHelp Obtenga información y apoyo personalizado sin costo. thealliance.health/es/GetHelp
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