The Salinas Valley is geographically striking, and is as impressive in its own was as Carmel Valley and Big Sur. It's one of the wonders of Monterey County. It also contains the most economically productive agricultural land in the world. The tiny Salinas Valley produces almost 10% of all of the agricultural production of the entire State of California. The planning issues affecting the Salinas Valley are many. Above all, the Salinas Valley is threatened by growth pressures from both North and South. LandWatch is working hard to make sure that this priceless environmental and economic treasure is not damaged or degraded.
The County Moves Forward on Controversial Winery Applications Despite Litigation on the Policies Needed for Approval
The Smith and Hook Winery Expansion: LandWatch objected to the proposed approval of the Smith & Hook Winery expansion by the Zoning Administrator at their hearing on August 25th. (The hearing was continued because of pubic noticing issues.) In the LandWatch letter we argued that consideration of this application should be continued until questions about the legality of the policies which support it have been resolved. Every policy referenced in support of approval is currently being challenged by LandWatch’s litigation against the 2010 Monterey County General Plan. We challenged the adequacy of the Agriculture Winery Corridor Plan; we challenged policies PS-3.1 and PS-3.2; we challenged the notion that, in the severely over-drafted Salinas Basin, the industry which consumes almost 90% of the water -- agriculture -- should be exempted from the requirement of a long-term, sustainable water supply; we also challenged the General Plan's definition of agricultural land uses. The Planning Commission will review this project on September 28th. The email sent to the County on this project for the ZA hearing is attached. (09.7.11)
LandWatch Supports In-fill Development Project in King City (08.04.11)
On June 27, LandWatch sent a letter to Robert Cullen, the King City mayor, supporting the San Antonio Apartment Project. The 51-unit apartment building project is an in-fill, low income senior housing apartment complex located within the city limits of King City. LandWatch staff had the opportunity to visit the project site and review the mitigated negative declaration for the project. Based on our support for in-fill development and provision of affordable housing for low-income residents, the LandWatch Board voted on June 22, 2011 to support the project. LandWatch commends the City of King for addressing the needs of the community while supporting in-fill urban development that limits impacts on the environment and public services while helping to preserve agricultural land.
Harper Canyon / Encina Hills Project (06.24.10)
Quarry Would Cause Significant Impacts
The quarry proposed by Granite Construction would convert 333 acres of Salinas Valley grazing land into an open pit mine, and put 2,122 new truck trips each day onto Highway 101. Now is the time to speak up. The Board of Supervisors will consider this project on March 9th, at 1:30 p.m. (03.04.04)
