Monterey · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monterey public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
North Fremont sidewalk gap closure project added to CIP
After 40+ years of advocacy, the city accepted $2.86M from TAMC to build a pedestrian and bike bridge closing the sidewalk gap between Casanova and the city limit, connecting to the Fort Ord Regional Trail. Maintenance with Seaside and design details come back later.
Madison/Herrmann/Larkin Intersection Safety Project Halted
A quick-build safety project near Monterey High hit a wall of neighborhood complaints about lack of outreach. The council kept the grant money but added outreach, a grant extension, a later build date, and a required return for final approval.
Citywide Road Surface Repair Project FY26
A $3.83 million contract with McKim Corporation will repair streets across Monterey — a big win for drivers tired of rough roads.
Skyline Forest Drive and Highway 68 Intersection Safety
Skyline Forest residents again pressed the Council on the dangerous Highway 68 intersection, saying a safety study funded a year ago has stalled after Caltrans changed requirements. The City Manager committed to a full staff update and possible future agenda item.
Residential Parking Permit Program Refinements
Months after the new RPP rollout confused residents, the council approved five fixes: existing zones keep their programs without re-qualifying, opt-out threshold drops to 70%, guest passes are $25 flat, landlord permits are separate, and Cannery Row eligibility got simpler. Residents pushed for a 'keep it as-is' option and raised surveillance and data-privacy questions.
North Fremont gridlock and traffic signal sync
Longtime neighborhood advocate Richard Ruccello says peak-hour gridlock on North Fremont from uncoordinated Monterey, Caltrans and Seaside signal systems is hurting businesses, residents and evacuation routes, and wants the three jurisdictions brought together.