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Soledad business owners oppose planned MST stop at Ace Hardware, cite safety and access concerns
Summary
Owners of Ace Hardware told the council they were not informed about a proposed MST bus stop planned directly in front of their building, said the stop would block delivery and contractor access and create unsafe pedestrian conditions, and asked the city to halt the proposal until right-of-way and safety issues are clarified.
Maria and Johnny, proprietors of the local Ace Hardware, addressed the Soledad City Council during the public-comment period on July 17 to oppose a proposed Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) bus stop planned in front of their store.
They said they recently learned of the proposal and that the city "violated our rights" because they were not informed before investing in the building, which they said represented a $3,000,000 combined investment. The owners explained that the area directly in front of the building is used for truck unloading and contractor access and that installing a bus stop there would create safety hazards and materially impede their business operations. Maria stated, "I'm not giving permission for any MST to be placed in front of my building," and asked the council to continue the matter to a future meeting.
Mayor Velasquez and staff responded that council cannot discuss or act on detailed routing during public comment but that the city manager would provide guidance on right-of-way and related issues. Staff committed to follow up with property/right-of-way clarification and to inform the business of the process.
No formal action was taken; the comment was recorded for follow-up by staff.
