Commission backs neighborhood grants, gull-awareness signage and urges wildlife-focused management
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Summary
The commission recommended NIC funding for gardening equipment ($5,000), gull-awareness signage on Lower Broadway ($4,000), and a $5,000 "greenhouse of the month" prize; commissioners also pressed the city to prioritize habitat management for the Heermann's gull colony and raised concerns about planned artificial turf at Laguna Grande Park.
The Seaside Environmental Commission voted to forward multiple recommendations to the Neighborhood Improvement Commission (NIC) and used the reports portion of the meeting to highlight wildlife and park concerns.
On NIC recommendations, the commission approved three separate motions: to request $5,000 for gardening equipment (raised beds and compost supplies) to be given away to community members; to request $4,000 for signage on Lower Broadway (near Calaveras and Bridal) to alert drivers to Heermann's gull fledglings and reduce vehicle strikes; and to request $5,000 to establish a "greenhouse of the month" award focused on drought-tolerant, environmentally friendly yards. All three motions were seconded and carried unanimously.
Associate Planner Eric Azriel reminded commissioners that NIC receives roughly $195,000 annually, that individual residents may submit project ideas, and that the deadline to submit recommendations is Nov. 7; NIC will consider proposals at a public meeting on Nov. 15.
In commissioner reports, a commissioner who met with the local Monterey Audubon director emphasized that Seaside hosts the only Heermann's gull nesting colony outside Baja California and urged the city to reframe its response language from "abatement" to "management," prioritize habitat restoration, and rely on Audubon guidance. The commissioner warned that the colony’s concentration makes it vulnerable to disturbance or habitat loss.
Commissioners also discussed a budgeted but not-yet-specified artificial-turf replacement project at Laguna Grande Park and voiced environmental concerns, including potential microplastic impacts. Staff said the turf design has not been selected and indicated there would likely be opportunities for the commission and the public to comment during the design and contracting phases.
Next steps: staff will forward the commission’s NIC recommendations to the NIC and the commission will monitor design and procurement steps related to Laguna Grande Park.
