Monterey NCIP Committee Meeting – Project Review and Priority Discussion

On October 29, 2026, the Neighborhood Community Improvement Program (NCIP) Committee held its second and final review of 41 nominated projects for the current funding cycle. The meeting focused on project details, neighborhood priorities, and public input, with a vote scheduled for November 18, 2026. The total estimated project cost is approximately $13.7 million, while available funding is $2.6 million, allowing roughly 9–10 projects to be funded.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ann Timberlake (Monterey Vista resident, submitter of MV01) expressed strong support for the Via Arbolus and Munras Avenue sidewalk and ADA ramp project, calling the intersection dangerous for pedestrians and visitors. She urged the committee to fund the project to prevent injuries.
• Elaine Herman (Franklin Street resident) described dangerous traffic conditions from DLI (Defense Language Institute) vehicles and bikes on Franklin Street, especially between 3:30 and 5 p.m. She suggested a speed sign or traffic study as potential solutions.
• Rosemary (Old Town resident) questioned how ADA projects are prioritized, emphasizing safety for people with assistive devices and the need for accessible curb ramps.
• Bonnie Adams (Executive Director, Canary Row Business Association) spoke in support of New Monterey 02 (directional marker at Lighthouse/Canary Row fork) and announced a $10,000 contribution from her association to help fund the project.
• Miles Etchnik (Del Monte Grove resident, submitter of DMG01) supported improvements to the recreation trail and intersection at English Avenue and Del Monte Avenue, citing safety and accessibility concerns for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Gina (speaker) advocated for focusing NCIP funds on weather-related and safety projects given budget constraints, and specifically supported the Via Arbolus sidewalk project.

Discussion Items

• Staff Reports:
  • The project status report was updated as of October 27, 2026, and posted on the NCIP website.
  • Installation of the El Estero Large Barbecue Area Shade Structure begins Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
  • The Veterans Park Bike Path RFP was released October 26, 2026, with bids due December 8, 2026.
• Project Review (Second and Final):
  • 44 nominations were received; two in New Monterey were modified and consolidated, and three forest management projects were consolidated, bringing the total to 41.
  • Estimated total cost: $13.7 million (average ~$334,000 per project); available funding: $2.6 million.
  • Neighborhood representatives presented priorities for each neighborhood, including:
    • Aguajito Oaks (A001): Street light at Littlefield Road hairpin turn ($75,000).
    • Casanova Oak Knoll (COK01–COK05): Projects include North Fremont street light connections, roadwork (pothole filling and repaving – ordinary service/ineligible), Del Monte Research Administrative Park sign (on private property), welcome sign restoration, and Airport Road center median improvements (safety priority, $10,000).
    • Deer Flats (DF01): Sidewalk along Mark Thomas Drive and crosswalk at Jocelyn Canyon Road – not shovel-ready.
    • Del Monte Beach (DMB01–DMB05): Dune restoration (priority 1), traffic mitigation (one-way streets, needs coastal commission approval), driveway repairs, tree replacement, and cigarette receptacles (lowest priority due to conflicting messaging).
    • Del Monte Grove (DMG01): Recreation trail access improvements at English/Del Monte intersection.
    • Downtown (DTO1–DTO9): Boat display, welcome sign, Hartnett Gulch Creek rehabilitation, solar panels, El Estero Park Center ADA improvements, El Estero Park complex improvements, Lake Ellis weed removal, Wharf 2 feasibility study, and Jack’s Park turf replacement (priority 1 – $15,000 gap).
    • Monterey Vista (MV01): Curb ramps at Via Arbolus and Munras Avenue (only project, priority 1).
    • New Monterey (NM01–NM09): Tennis court repair, directional marker, David Avenue drainage (coincides with existing crosswalk project – priority 1), crosswalk at David/Divisadero, median barrier, Hilltop Park renovations phase 3, Lane Street traffic study, and public restroom renovations at Coast Guard Pier and Canary Row Garage (priority 2).
    • Old Town (OT01–OT02): Franklin Street radar speed sign (amended to a neighborhood-wide traffic study) and ADA curb ramp/loading zone at 699 Buren Street.
    • Ryan Ranch: Roller skating facility.
    • Villa del Monte (VDM01): Casa Verde Way traffic calming (city plans to re-engage existing NCIP project).
    • Multi-Neighborhood (MN01–MN07): Affordable workforce housing fund, forest management fuel reduction, urban forest/wildfire resilience plan, rec trail retaining wall, sidewalk/curb/gutter repair fund, and undergrounding on North Fremont.
• Committee Questions & Discussion:
  • Clarification on project eligibility (e.g., COK02 repaving may qualify but ordinary service; COK03 on private property requires legal agreement).
  • Discussion on the need to limit projects to shovel-ready to avoid backlog; some argued NCIP also funds planning.
  • Parks and Recreation priorities (provided via email): Hilltop Park Center phase 3, El Estero Park Center ADA, El Estero Park complex improvements (including Dennis the Menace Playground), and Jack’s Park field improvements.
  • Staff noted that forest management costs are expected to rise ~20% (to ~$1 million) and CalFire costs may double.
  • The forest management plan (MN03) at $25,000 was seen as seed money for a CalFire grant.
  • Several speakers (Ann Timberlake, Elaine Herman, Bonnie Adams, Miles Etchnik, Gina) emphasized safety, pedestrian/cyclist needs, and focusing on projects that can be completed efficiently.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken; final project ranking and allocation will occur at the next meeting on November 18, 2026.
• Voting will be conducted via Microsoft Forms, with one form per neighborhood category (including multi-neighborhood).
• Staff will provide Parks and Recreation’s priority list before the voting meeting.
• The committee agreed to revisit the definition of a capital project and the role of studies in NCIP for the next annual cycle, potentially including input from the City Attorney.
• Acknowledgment of the Canary Row Business Association’s $10,000 contribution toward New Monterey 02.
• Staff will explore whether any projects can be consolidated or pooled to reduce contract burden.
• Emphasis on prioritizing safety, shovel-ready projects, and not increasing the city’s project backlog.