Acrimony arises as the last two state-mandated housing plans approach completion.

In December 2023, the County of Monterey and all 12 cities faced a deadline to turn in their updated housing plans to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for certification. Only Salinas made it. Since then, all but two – the County and Pacific Grove – have successfully been certified. As the stragglers head toward the finish line, instead of cheers, leaders are facing angry residents bristling against change.

It’s a frustrating situation for all concerned. The eight-year plans, called housing elements, run from 2023-2031. This latest round comes with requirements to plan for more housing units, plus reforms to make it easier to gain approvals. The County is required to add at least 3,326 to its element, Pacific Grove 1,125.

The County faced a well-organized campaign by Save Tarpy Flats, a residents group opposed to development of parcels along Olmsted Road off of Highway 68 in Monterey. At a Board of Supervisors meeting on Oct. 28, residents demanded those parcels be taken out of the element.

Supervisor Kate Daniels, who represents District 5 where Tarpy Flats is located, told residents that their efforts were misplaced. The area was already approved for housing in the county’s 2010 general plan and because the county missed the state’s deadline they are subject to Builder’s Remedy, which streamlines approval for projects with affordable housing – a project for 100 market-rate units under the remedy is already in play. At this point the residents’ only option is to purchase the land for conservation, she said.

At a Pacific Grove Planning Commission meeting on Nov. 13, some residents from a neighborhood near Sinex and Grove Acre avenues that is proposed for higher density, yelled at commissioners, demanding the City reject the state’s requirements. A few spoke in favor, recognizing the need for housing.

Commissioners acknowledged residents’ anger, but said to balk now delays state certification, putting them at further risk of Builder’s Remedy projects, as well as state penalties.

The P.G. commissioners voted 5-0 to recommend the updated housing element to the City Council, which will discuss it on Wednesday, Dec. 3.

The County has more work ahead. A draft housing element update and environmental impact report are to be released soon for public review. County planners estimate bringing the update to the Planning Commission in mid- to late February.