City staff lists pipeline projects: Almond Acres, Holiday Inn site plan, truck stop, Container Village and rising ADU interest

City of Soledad planning staff gave commissioners an overview of ongoing and upcoming development projects and department activity at the Sept. 11 special meeting, highlighting several commercial and housing proposals the department expects to bring forward this fall and winter.

A staff member identified as Jared (staff) told the commission the Holiday Inn had submitted a site plan and staff was awaiting a revised resubmission expected in September. Jared said the Oasis truck‑stop project (referred to in the presentation as a truck stop application resumed this year) is proposed near the metal building by Panda off H. Dela Rosa Street, and that the applicant is preparing a revised plan for resubmittal. Jared also highlighted that Tractor Supply is planning a soft opening on Saturday, Sept. 13, with a grand opening planned for Sept. 20.

On housing, staff discussed Almond Acres, a 9.5‑acre project across the street from Parcel B that the department said would propose about 55 single‑family homes and 12 multifamily units. Staff said Almond Acres is a partnership between a for‑profit developer (Nino Homes) and a nonprofit (referred to in the presentation as Chisba) and that an environmental impact report (EIR) has been completed; staff aimed to present Almond Acres to the Planning Commission in November.

Staff also updated commissioners on a school‑housing project near the fire station that is advancing rapidly; the presentation noted the project is using prefabricated wall systems to speed construction. On the Container Village project, staff said a feasibility study is complete and the city is preparing an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant application. Staff said the City Council directed retaining city ownership of the container village to control rents and avoid commercial‑rent displacement of small businesses; due to that approach staff said the project will likely be phased, with a truck park as an initial activation and later phases added as funding permits. “We are gonna try to start activating the area with first having a truck pot, which hopefully that can happen next year,” staff said.

On housing policy and permits, staff reported steady interest in accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and JADUs, with many applicants choosing garage conversions or junior ADUs because construction costs for detached ADUs remain a barrier. The department noted turnaround targets set by state law — first plan review within 30 days — and estimated subsequent reviews typically take two to three weeks. Staff provided a ballpark permit fee range: approximately $2,000–$3,000 for garage conversions and about $3,000 for detached ADU permits, though exact fees vary by valuation and the department recently updated its fee schedule.

Staff invited commissioners to ask questions and offered to bring items back for more detailed review; no formal commission action was requested or taken on these information items. The activity report, staff said, is produced monthly for City Council and attached to the Planning Commission packet to keep commissioners informed of projects in the pipeline.

Why it matters: the projects outlined include commercial development that could increase local retail and lodging options, and housing projects that contribute to Soledad’s housing pipeline. The Container Village and hotel projects could affect downtown activation and commercial rents; Almond Acres and the school housing project add to expected housing capacity.

Next steps: staff said the Holiday Inn revised site plan, Almond Acres entitlement package and the truck‑stop resubmittal will be tracked and brought to the Planning Commission or City Council as they reach readiness; the Container Village will proceed through grant applications and required ordinance work for phased implementation.