Affordable Housing Coming Somewhere in Monterey, But Not In Pebble Beach

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After more than a decade of on again, off again negotiations, a massive development project is about to start in the Del Monte Forest.  The Pebble Beach Company (PBC) got another concession, this time from the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.  They ruled on Tuesday that the PBC does not have to build affordable housing units on some of the most expensive property in the world as part of the approval process for a $200 million upgrade including new homes, a hotel, spa and an equestrian center.  PBC will, however, be required to help find an alternate location somewhere on the Monterey Peninsula.  Two Supervisors (Calcagno and Parker) argued that the affordable housing should be in Pebble Beach to take advantage of the water credits, noting there is a dearth of water elsewhere on the peninsula.  At a prior meeting, Commissioner Keith Vandevere said that the $4.5 million in-lieu of fee that PBC is paying wouldn't even be enough money to buy land on the Monterey Peninsula for an affordable housing site. Supervisor Dave Potter noted that he had been involved with the project throughout his career in public service, with the city, the county and the Coastal Commission.  Most of those speaking at the meeting argued against building in Pebble Beach, arguing it was the wrong place for low-income units because it's too far away from everything.  PBC agreed to pay a $4.5 million in-lieu fee which will be used for the affordable housing.  If no usable site is found, there will be a $2 mil. penalty in addition to the in-lieu fee.  If one is found, the company will dedicate the 135-acre Old Capitol site east of Highway 1 to the county.  The development which is coming includes 90 new homes, a 100-room hotel across from Spyglass Hill Golf Course, a 301-car parking garage and a 17,000 square-foot spa with 40 underground parking spaces. It also includes expansion of existing resorts. The Planning Commission recommended rentals be built for moderate, low and very low income levels. I hope a new location is found soon.  We are constantly getting calls from seniors looking for help and housing is extremely expensive on the Monterey Commission.