After a favorable streak in Pacific Grove of residents forcing the abandonment of troubling recreational projects such as pickleball courts and a skate park, Pagrovians have suffered two nearly devastating defeats: The live music from venues such as Pop & Hiss and, more recently, the opening of the new hotel, Kimpton Mirador Pacific.
The luxury hotel has 99 rooms and suites and it’s located downtown. It’s smaller than initially planned, but for many residents, it affects the city’s valued solitude and Victorian charm.
So on April 1, a group of residents formed a support group, NIMBY United, intending to breathe new life into the cherished refusal to welcome anything new to the community. The nonprofit is a peer-led mutual aid support group with two components: The first one to advocate against future projects in the city, including housing, tourism and recreation; the second to provide a safe space for those who put their feet down, no matter what.
“This is America’s last hometown,” said one organizer. “That’s what we are—the last—and we want to keep it that way.”
NIMBY United almost immediately listed a membership roll of 4,000. They are organizing a series of workshops to teach criticism tactics.