After months of relative quiet, the renewal of a proposed development on the long, grassy airfield in Carmel Valley has reminded residents that it’s not going anywhere. Proposed by developer Patrick Orosco, the project would include 90 housing units.
The refiling on Sept. 29 came before the County of Monterey approves and submits its plan to zone for housing, known as a housing element, to the state. Final state approval of the housing element would eliminate “Builder’s Remedy,” a tool that allows developers to bypass local caps on units. (The County Planning Commission approved the housing element on Oct. 14, and it will go to the Board of Supervisors in November.)
Builder’s Remedy is what allows for Orosco’s project, initially filed in early 2026. While the old and new proposals are the same, the developer has until March 28, 2027 to submit changes, says Fionna Jensen, a planner in the County Department of Housing and Community Development.
Orosco could increase or reduce units by 20 percent before then, Jensen says, without having to refile for a new project.
Orosco declined to comment.
The development has faced backlash from residents who believe it would change neighborhood character, clog fire evacuation routes, and strain water and sewer systems, says Charlie Wahle, vice president for policy of the Carmel Valley Association.
He acknowledges that a lack of housing needs to be addressed. “It’s a chronic problem and it’s getting worse for everyone,” Wahle says. “We believe the way to approach that is a thoughtful process with public input… and Builder’s Remedy throws that whole idea out the window.”