Monterey Planning Commission Meeting - April 8, 2025: CDBG, Fair Housing, and Climate Action Plan Update

The Monterey Planning Commission met on the evening of April 8, 2025, to conduct public hearings on the draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, and to receive a presentation on the development of the 2025 Climate Action Plan. The meeting included public comments, commissioner discussion, and votes on resolutions recommending city council approval. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:00 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The commission considered approval of minutes from two previous meetings.
• February 25, 2025 minutes: Motion carried with a roll call vote of 3-0-2 (Chair Blue yes, Vice Chair Silva abstained, Commissioner Brasfield abstained, Commissioner Dawson yes, Commissioner Freeman yes).
• March 11, 2025 minutes: Motion carried with a roll call vote of 4-1 (Chair Blue yes, Vice Chair Silva yes, Commissioner Brasfield yes, Commissioner Dawson abstained, Commissioner Freeman yes).

Public Comments & Testimony (Non-Agenda Items)

• Brian Rosen urged the commission to support bringing back passenger rail service to Monterey (e.g., a train to San Francisco) as a way to reduce traffic and emissions. He noted that a proposed surf busway project is now estimated at over $103 million and argued that a train would be more popular and effective.
• Lorna Moffitt opposed the removal of eucalyptus trees, stating that science shows they act as fire breaks and windbreaks. She cited the example of Angel Island where a remaining eucalyptus grove stopped a fire, and argued that thinning makes forests more vulnerable to fires.

Public Hearing: Draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan, FY 2025 Annual Action Plan, and 2025 Citizen Participation Plan (CDBG)

• Staff Presentation: Jacob Barania (HCD Coordinator) and Veronica Tam (consultant) presented the federal CDBG requirements. The draft plan allocates approximately $1.3 million for housing preservation (safety/health grants/loans for low-income homeowners), public services (grants to nonprofits like Alliance on Aging, Gathering for Women, etc.), and public facility improvements. The city expects about $240,000 in annual entitlement and program income, with final HUD allocation unknown until May. The citizen participation plan was also reviewed.
• Commissioner Discussion: Commissioner Silva asked about qualifications for housing preservation program applicants; staff explained it targets low-income single-family homeowners and includes purchase/resale of units. Commissioner Brasfield requested that future presentations include data on accomplishments from the previous year’s funding to allow comparison and measure success. Chair Blue noted the small funding relative to need but acknowledged the positive impact.
• Public Comment: One speaker (self-identified as a long-time taxpayer) expressed concern about federal spending and questioned the use of funds for bike trails on Fremont Street, calling it a waste.
• Motion and Vote: Commissioner Brasfield moved to approve the resolution recommending city council adoption, with the added recommendation that the council be provided with information on the previous year’s accomplishments and results. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (5-0).

Public Hearing: Draft FY 2025 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI)

• Staff Presentation: Mahno Abbasi (HCD Coordinator) and Karen Chavez (consultant) presented the AI report, which identifies four key impediments to fair housing: (1) housing supply and affordability, (2) displacement risk and supportive services, (3) discrimination, and (4) regional collaboration. The report includes an action plan with specific actions such as collaborating with the housing authority to expand Section 8 vouchers, expanding rental assistance, conducting fair housing workshops, and partnering with real estate professionals. A new baseline 2023 greenhouse gas inventory shows on-road transportation remains the largest source, with building energy also significant. Initial community survey results (83 respondents) indicate high engagement in waste reduction and interest in solar/battery storage.
• Commissioner Discussion: Commissioner Brasfield again requested that staff include results from previous fair housing actions to inform council decision-making. Staff agreed to include a link to the annual CAPER report. Commissioner Silva supported the need for data.
• Public Comment: Thomas Lampier (Veterans Transition Center) noted that the federal “Pit Count” found 144 homeless veterans in Monterey County, and that Veteran Transition Center has already served over 40 veterans in Monterey city this year. He stressed the need for housing and supportive services. Another speaker described difficulty contacting shelters and urged opening an armory-style facility (as in Santa Cruz) for homeless with tents and pets, or using trailers.
• Motion and Vote: Commissioner Brasfield moved to adopt the resolution recommending council approval, with the addition that the staff report include a summary of previous year’s accomplishments. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously (5-0).

Presentation: 2025 Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update

• Staff and Consultant Presentation: Ted Terrasis (Sustainability Manager) and Erica Lenard (RinCon Consultants) provided an informational overview. The CAP focuses on mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) to meet state targets: 40% reduction below 1990 levels by 2030 (SB 32) and carbon neutrality by 2045. A 2023 baseline inventory has been drafted using updated methods, including big data for vehicle miles traveled.
• Key Discussion Points: Commissioner Brasfield asked about the target audience (individual residents vs. city ordinances). Staff explained the CAP includes both city-led structural changes (e.g., building codes) and community education/rebate programs. Commissioner Dawson inquired about energy retrofits already completed; staff noted about 2 million kWh saved since 2007 but that an update is due. Commissioner Freeman questioned the scale of local action compared to global emissions; staff emphasized leading by example.
• Public Comment: Brian Rosen spoke again, advocating for train, bicycles, clothesline ordinances, and tree planting. Laura Davis (Landwatch) supported the CAP goals and recommended using an origin-destination VMT model and evaluating how housing to address the jobs-housing imbalance could reduce VMT. A third caller urged planting eucalyptus and cypress trees along the coast to cool the bay.
• No Action Taken: The presentation was for informational purposes only; no vote was required.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Minutes for February 25 and March 11, 2025, approved with split abstentions.
• Resolution on CDBG Consolidated Plan: Unanimously approved (5-0) with recommendation to council to include prior year accomplishments.
• Resolution on Fair Housing AI: Unanimously approved (5-0) with recommendation to council to include prior year results.
• Climate Action Plan: Informational only; next steps include continued engagement, measure development, and a city council meeting in the coming months.
• Commissioner Comment: Commissioner Brasfield suggested agendizing a presentation from city parking staff on new parking technologies and policies, especially as they relate to high-density housing. Staff will explore options.