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City update: Broadway properties, Auto Mall investment and Campus Town groundbreaking set for April
Summary
Seaside's economic development director said Broadway property owners are beginning façade and safety improvements, dealerships are renovating showrooms, new businesses are opening and a Campus Town groundbreaking is scheduled April 11; councilmembers pressed for business supports and water allocation clarity.
Jose Pazoa, Seaside’s economic development director, told council on March 20 that recent work on Broadway and in commercial corridors has encouraged property owners and that several private investment and marketing initiatives are underway.
Pazoa highlighted dealership and retail investments at the Auto Mall and Auto Center Parkway, recent or pending restaurant openings, and the near-completion of Seagrove apartments with a planned grand opening in late April. He said staff has offered a “concierge” service to help businesses through permitting and building processes and has coordinated landscaping and maintenance with Public Works. "Dealerships have started to invest on their showrooms. We've worked closely with the GM owners," Pazoa said, showing before-and-after photos of recent storefront improvements.
He reported a Campus Town commercial partnership is active and that a groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for April 11; staff is coordinating with potential commercial tenants and the developer team. Pazoa also described plans for a restaurant guide and pilot business-recognition/spotlight marketing program using QR codes and video content and said the city will partner with local organizations and Monterey Peninsula College on workforce and small-business workshops.
Councilmembers pressed staff on downtown cohesion and assistance. Councilmember Miller asked whether the city was pursuing a downtown business association or business improvement district; Pazoa said staff will explore a BID and additional association options with the city manager. Councilmember Pritchard praised recent cleanliness and landscaping improvements and asked about long-term strategies to move owners of long-vacant buildings to sell, lease or renovate; Pazoa said the city is engaging property owners and exploring creative financing and permitting support, though financing for restaurants and other tenants remains a barrier.
Councilmember Garcia Rizzo asked whether marketing videos would be produced in-house or contracted; Pazoa said staff intends to hire a vendor for high-resolution videos and to distribute content through social media and partner channels. Councilmembers also asked about water availability for future development; Pazoa said the city has water for current users and that larger projects may require additional council approvals and water allocations as projects proceed.
Council members generally applauded the recent improvements and emphasized continued outreach to small businesses, marketing support and coordinated permitting to keep momentum on Broadway and other commercial corridors.
