Salinas Planning Commission ties vote on La Corona Market alcohol permit; matter goes to city council

The Salinas Planning Commission on a tied vote did not approve or deny a conditional use permit to transfer an existing Type 20 (off‑sale beer and wine) alcohol license to La Corona Market, a 2,960‑square‑foot food-and‑beverage sales use at 695 East Alisal Street; the matter will be forwarded to the Salinas City Council.

Staff presented the application and recommended approval of the CUP, saying the proposal is eligible for a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines (section 15061(b)(3)) and that the Planning Department’s findings support the permit if the proposed conditions are applied. Staff noted the site is in the Commercial Retail, Focused Growth overlay (CR FG‑5) and that the property owner is Hebron Properties, LLC.

The project prompted discussion about “undue concentration” of off‑sale alcohol outlets in the census tract and public‑safety data the police department provided. Planning staff said the state Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) formula allows four licenses in the census tract, five are currently active, and a sixth would be active if this CUP is approved. Planning staff summarized the Salinas Police Department memorandum (dated Oct. 18, 2024), saying the…