Economic
Year in Review
Development Decisions Affect Local Economy
Revitalization of Downtown Safeway
The City continues to work with Safeway representatives to bring
an expanded, modern grocery store, which includes additional public parking, to the Munras Avenue site that sits on City-owned property.
As we negotiate a proposed lease renewal, we have also asked that Safeway consider creating affordable housing as part of this project.
However at present, there does not appear to be sufficient property to accomplish all three uses – grocery store, private/public parking and housing – without impacting the adjacent Cooper-Molera historic building.
Monterey Peninsula Hotel Still in the Works
We continue to work with the developer and landowner to complete construction of the Monterey Peninsula Hotel, approved for the undeveloped
Monterey Bay Aquarium. Revised plans for the project include preservation of open space at McAbee Beach. Construction was delayed for years due to financing issues. At present, the project is delayed due to litigation over the environmental review process.
Area Plan for North Fremont Gets Go-ahead
The 10-year area plan for North Fremont Street was approved last year. Plans are underway to establish a Business Improvement District and add street beautification/improvements in the main
commercial district. The overall goal is to support the economic revitalization of the business area in harmony with the surrounding
residential areas.
Looking Ahead
New Laws that Permit Contracts with Military Neighbors Sought
We continue to cooperate on a variety of different levels with local military neighbors
and work to ensure that our collaborative efforts can continue. Since 1998, the City has been contracted by the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center & Presidio of Monterey to provide a variety
of City services. We are paid to provide street sweeping, building maintenance, storm drain and sewer maintenance. At present, we are also
discussing future contracted partnerships with the Naval Postgraduate School, which
could include street sweeping and sewer and storm drain maintenance.
Such contracts for providing City services on military installations are only allowed through temporary demonstration legislation which will expire in January 2002. The City is working with our military neighbors to secure permanent legislation allowing such partnerships to continue into the future. The main goal for the City remains the same:
to provide military neighborhoods with the same level of service enjoyed by surrounding City neighborhoods in
a cost-effective manner.
Priority Briefs...
City Evaluates Cost of Doing Business
How much does it cost to run the City, provide activities, maintain our
parks?
New technologies and cost-of-living increases continually affect the cost of City services and
collaborations. One focus for the year will be to evaluate if and when fees for certain services should be adjusted.
This analysis will help us balance our income and expenses efficiently and reduce our reliance on taxes.
Shuttle Program Continues to be Successful
The City, in partnership with Monterey-Salinas Transit and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, provides free shuttle service to and from popular destinations from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
The Waterfront Area Visitors Express (WAVE) serves as a point-to-point shuttle, and we continue
to work with our partners to provide funding for this very successful program. For more info
visit the WAVE web
site.
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