Carmel By The Sea Forms Address Group To Tackle Community Discussion

The City Council of Carmel-by-the-Sea convened a special meeting on August 27, 2025, to discuss the pressing issue of street addresses within the community. The meeting was prompted by ongoing concerns regarding the current address system and the need for a more standardized approach.

Council member Nancy Toomey was the first to raise the issue, advocating for increased community engagement and discussion outside the traditional city council setting. She emphasized the importance of addressing the topic comprehensively, as previous meetings had revealed a divide among council members regarding the implementation of a new address scheme. Some members were ready to move forward, while others were firmly against it, highlighting the need for more information and clarity.

The council member leading the discussion acknowledged the complexity of changing the existing address system, which has been in place for over a century. He noted that various service providers, such as PG&E and Comcast, have developed their own workarounds to accommodate the current system, making any transition to a standardized approach challenging. He expressed the necessity of understanding the implications of such a change, including what constitutes an address in the new system.

In response to the need for further exploration of the topic, Kevin Roos, another community member, offered his assistance in gathering information and addressing questions. The council member recognized the differing perspectives represented by Toomey and Roos—Toomey being more traditional and cautious, while Roos was eager for progress.

To facilitate further discussion, the council member proposed forming a dedicated group, referred to as the "address group," to delve deeper into the complexities of the address issue. This group would include staff members and community volunteers, aiming to gather insights and develop a clearer understanding of the potential changes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue exploring the topic and engaging the community in the conversation about the future of street addresses in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The council plans to reconvene with updates and findings from the address group in the coming months, ensuring that all voices are heard in this important discussion.