Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monterey public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in roads
Olmsted Road right-of-way vacation
The city wants to give up a roughly 17,200-square-foot stretch of Olmsted Road near Garden Road that basically serves as the airport's driveway. Maintenance would shift to the airport district, saving the city money. The City Council makes the final call.
San Bernabe Drive road widening and Don Dahvee Park trail crossing
A neighborhood project first proposed around 2002 finally got its $1.1 million construction contract, thanks to NCIP funding and years of neighbor advocacy.
Area-wide parking solutions on North Fremont
The council approved $274,000 for smart parking meters to replace manual ones, despite one resident's objection that microwave radiation from the meters poses health risks.
North Fremont sidewalk gap closure project added to CIP
A new grant-funded project will close a dangerous sidewalk gap on North Fremont Street with a 130-foot pedestrian and bike bridge, connecting the long-mocked 'bike lane to nowhere' to the trail network. The council takes the amended CIP list up October 20.
Figueroa Street alleyway flooding
A business owner says a city curb-cut rebuild flattened the alley drainage, causing repeated floods costing $7,000-$8,000. He wants the original V-cut restored.
Madison/Herrmann/Larkin Intersection Safety Project Halted
A quick-build safety project near Monterey High hit a wall of neighborhood complaints about lack of outreach. The council kept the grant money but added outreach, a grant extension, a later build date, and a required return for final approval.
Cass and El Dorado Street rehabilitation
A long-awaited repaving of Cass Street with new ADA curb ramps is funded and contracted, timed after Cal Am's water main replacement. Bus routes will be detoured during roughly ten weeks of construction.
New stop controls on Pinehill Way and Ragsdale
New stop signs are coming to Pinehill Way at Skyline Drive and at the Ragsdale/Wilson Road intersections, plus yield control changes on Ragsdale — aimed at safety and better traffic flow.
Neighborhood Improvement Program projects delivered
The Council asked the NCIP Committee to find $3-4 million in projects to defund; the committee instead unanimously recommended taking up to $3.5 million from FY 2027, sparing already-approved neighborhood projects. A dozen speakers backed that approach, warning of broken trust like the post-COVID defunding — but no vote was possible at this meeting.
Citywide Road Surface Repair Project FY26
A $3.83 million contract with McKim Corporation will repair streets across Monterey — a big win for drivers tired of rough roads.
Patriotic crosswalk and decorative crosswalk policy
A community group wants a red, white and blue crosswalk downtown for the July 4th celebration of America's 250th anniversary, paid for by private donations. The council split 2-2 but sent it to June 16, with a review of the ambiguous crosswalk policy to come later.
Skyline Forest Drive and Highway 68 Intersection Safety
Skyline Forest residents again pressed the Council on the dangerous Highway 68 intersection, saying a safety study funded a year ago has stalled after Caltrans changed requirements. The City Manager committed to a full staff update and possible future agenda item.
Traffic Signal Removal at Prescott and Taylor
The old Presidio-gate signal at Prescott and Taylor will come down, replaced by an all-way stop. A 60-year resident and civil engineer objected that forcing everyone to stop is counterproductive, but the council agreed the step-down approach protects pedestrians near Campagnos and meets the April 2029 ADA deadline.
Residential Parking Permit Program Refinements
Old Town and New Monterey residents packed neighborhood meetings over the new residential parking program's April 20 registration deadline and 51% threshold, with many confused about the rules. Councilmember Smith asked staff to consider pausing the program to fine-tune its launch.
North Fremont gridlock and traffic signal sync
Longtime neighborhood advocate Richard Ruccello says peak-hour gridlock on North Fremont from uncoordinated Monterey, Caltrans and Seaside signal systems is hurting businesses, residents and evacuation routes, and wants the three jurisdictions brought together.
ADA Parking Fees in Public Lots
Rasch withdrew her request to eliminate ADA parking fees after finding signage was clear and free lot parking would cost the city money; street parking is already free for disabled drivers.
Monterey–Carmel Bicycle and Pedestrian Connection
A former resident urged the council to make a Monterey–Carmel bike/ped path a 2026 priority, describing dangerous walking and biking along Highway 1 and offering a letter with route ideas.