Representatives of the Carmel Art Association addressed the City Council on Nov. 4 to describe foundation damage they say resulted from nearby construction activity and to request public help.

The associations vice president Joaquin Turner and president Jeff Beckham reported that engineering and geotechnical consultants determined foundation settlement in their north gallery consistent with adjacent pile driving and construction. Beckham told council the historical gallery, built in 1931 with poured-in-place concrete, had not previously exhibited movement and that settlement of up to roughly two inches was documented next to a construction pit. The association says it has pursued remediation options with the responsible parties without success and now faces a contractor bid approaching $400,000 to lift and stabilize the gallery foundations.

Beckham and Turner said legal remedies and litigation were explored but proved financially infeasible for the nonprofit; the board has engaged structural and soils engineers and received a permit-ready scope of work but needs outside funding to proceed.

Several speakers during public comment urged the city to investigate and consider declaring a public nuisance or otherwise exercising municipal authorities to require corrective action by responsible parties. Resident Vince Koller recounted a prior case where the city declared a nuisance and required shoreline stabilization; others, including Cynthia Wagner Wike, emphasized the cultural and regional importance of the Art Association and urged council support and publicity for the fundraising drive (a Community Foundation/MC Gives campaign was cited with a start date of Nov. 13).

Council and staff did not make a formal commitment to cover the cost, but several council members and community members expressed support and asked staff to explore possible remedies and next steps. The city attorney was present and noted options for municipal enforcement would be considered in light of the facts and applicable law.

What happens next: The Art Association will begin a fundraising campaign; residents asked the city to investigate regulatory enforcement or other actions that could hold responsible parties to account. The association will notify community partners and the Community Foundation of Monterey County about the November fundraising effort.

Provenance: Public comments and association presentations begin at 00:27:52 in the meeting transcript and continue through the public comment period.