Public Facilities
Year in Review
Plans for Upgrades, Expansion of Public Facilities Move Forward
Civic Center Upgrades
Proposed improvements to the Civic Center in downtown Monterey continued to be analyzed as we determine the best way to make City Hall more efficient and customer friendly. Office and storage space needs for all departments have been projected through the year 2020. And design options on the potential size and shape of the proposed addition, to be located behind City Hall between Dutra and Van Buren streets, have been
developed. This project is expected to come before the City Council this fall for selection of a design concept. Almost $6 million was allocated this past year to help finance the upgrades.
Sports Center Expansion
Construction on the 15,200-square-foot addition to the Monterey Sports Center is scheduled to begin this fall.
To address growing community demands, the Center will have a larger cardiovascular room, weight room and multi-purpose room, along with other amenities.
Total construction costs are now estimated to be $7.6 million. Community donations from individuals and businesses are still being sought. For more info or to make a tax-deductible contribution, call 646-3866 or visit
the Sports Center web site.
Looking Forward
Waterfront Projects, Traffic
Safety Rank High on List of Activities
Monterey Bay Waterfront Park
Only two private properties remain in the West Project Area of the Window-on-the-Bay park project, between Camino El Estero and Park Avenue.
Under the City’s opportunity-buying program (willing seller/ willing buyer), there will be
a focus this year on negotiating with the owners of these properties for acquisition and inclusion into the park. Expansion of the park provides more open space and recreational opportunities, such
as volleyball (pictured), along the coastline.
Traffic Safety Improvements
Design of the next phase of traffic and safety improvements for Del Monte Avenue is
underway. This program will mirror roadway upgrades already in place at the east City-limit entrance adjacent to Seaside. The new project, a portion of which runs along the Window-on-the-Bay project area, includes
the roadway from Camino El Estero to Palo Verde Avenue. The improvements – paving;
turn lanes; curb, gutter and sidewalks; traffic signal improvements; and landscaping – will be done in phases, beginning next spring with construction between Palo Verde and Sloat
avenues.
Catellus Property
After much community input, plans are now being discussed for the public use of the Catellus parcels, adjacent to Wharf II at
the Figueroa Street and Del Monte Avenue intersection. The City purchased the parcel on the west side of Figueroa last year and has an option to purchase the parcel east of Figueroa Street before
February 2002.Proposed designs illustrate different ways of developing and using the land. They propose sites where buildings would be removed or added and areas for open space
and waterfront/recreational use. Specific items include locations for the Coastal/Recreation Trail and restrooms; boat storage and access to launch facilities; and parking and vehicle access. The needs of current tenants are key concerns.
An analysis of a preferred plan will be reviewed by the City Council. The plan will then be sent to various City committees for input and review before a final
recommendation is presented.
For more info or to follow the plan through the review process, call or
email Senior Planner
Rick Marvin
at 646-3885.
Evolving Needs of Public Require Analysis of Library Space, Layout
How will the Library adapt to new tech-nologies and incorporate new material formats?
What about the need for collaborative study and group meeting spaces?
These are some of the issues the Library is working to address as it updates the
master plan for the facility. The existing Library building was designed in 1950 and was last remodeled more than
17 years ago. The current design cannot adequately accommodate modern technologies and services that have been added in response to changing customer needs. For example, the open, spacious layout of the Library was timely in 1950 when libraries were used for reading and silent study. Today’s customers use computers, browse large collections of CD’s and videos and want space for group interaction.
For more info or to participate in the process, call or email Library Director
Paula Simpson at 646.5601.
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