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Board receives report on proposed Alisal Arch; city funding and community fundraising expected
Summary
Staff reported on a referral to support construction of an iconic gateway 'Alisal Arch' for East Salinas. The city of Salinas has budgeted roughly $348,000 for gateway placemaking work; supervisors discussed fundraising, possible county contribution and next steps for a design and community process.
Monterey County staff presented a preliminary analysis Sept. 30 on a board referral asking the county to consider official support — including a possible financial contribution — for a proposed "Alisal Arch" gateway in East Salinas.
Background: The arch idea stems from the City of Salinas' Alisal Vibrancy Plan and the Alisal District Identity Master Plan (ADIMP), which included gateway and placemaking features. City staff told county staff they have allocated roughly $348,000 for gateway/placemaking signage in the ADIMP budget, but the city’s allocation is not exclusively for an arch and the final scope, location and design remain to be determined.
Staff recommendations and options: Public Works presented options including (a) supporting the city’s process and funding in kind; (b) committing a percentage of the city’s appropriation (suggested options ranged from 10% to 50%); (c) underwriting a fixed share of an estimated arch budget using comparable projects as a starting point (the Downtown Salinas arch cost ~$525,000 in 2021; another recent arch in Castroville cost roughly $488,000), or (d) launching a joint fundraising campaign with the city and community partners. Staff said a formal county funding source had not been identified and recommended further study and cooperative development with the city.
Board discussion: Supervisor Alejo — the referral sponsor — said the idea grew from community input and local Rotary interest; he described community partners (a county community foundation contact had offered to open an account for donations). Supervisors supported city‑led design work and a community fundraising approach; several asked staff to return with more detailed cost estimates and a proposed county role once the city selects locations and a design.
Next steps: Staff will continue coordination with the City of Salinas and community partners and return to the board in coming months with more detailed cost estimates and a plan, following the city’s initial design and outreach steps.
Ending: The board received the report; no formal county funding commitment was made. Supervisors encouraged partnership, community fundraising and alignment with the city’s ADIMP process.
