A majority of the Pacific Grove City Council in April all but killed the idea of a permanent skatepark in the town with a 5-2 vote, bowing to pressure by residents who feared such a facility would bring noise and crime to their neighborhoods.
The families that had been lobbying for a skatepark for a couple of years walked away empty-handed, save for one little sliver of hope. After the vote nixing the search for a permanent spot, Mayor Bill Peake successfully made a motion asking city staff to search for a smaller location on a paved area away from homes.
On Wednesday, Nov. 15, the council heard from staff that they couldn't find such a location anywhere in the city. The city's Recreation Board in July voted to recommend two locations: an employee parking lot next to City Hall and a city incorporation yard. Staff rejected both locations.
In the council's discussion on Wednesday, the idea of trying out temporary ramps in a city parking lot next to the P.G. Youth Center, located between 16th and 17th streets in downtown, for a 90-day trial period was broached. After some discussion the council voted 4-2 on a motion by Councilmember Joe Amelio directing staff to investigate the costs and logistics, including notifying neighbors on 17th Street.
Peake and Councilmember Luke Coletti both voted no on the idea. Councilmember Nick Smith was absent.