Salinas staff present ITC draft reports; public and board criticize small survey sample and press for safety, signage and naming clarity
Loading...
Summary
City staff released draft existing-conditions and opportunities memorandums for the Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC). Board members and stakeholders criticized the consultant survey size and design, urged stronger security and signage, and sought clarity on naming and property transfers.
City planning staff presented draft existing-conditions and opportunities memorandums for the Salinas Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC), prompting criticism from board members and local stakeholders about the scope of community outreach and several operational concerns.
Grant Leonard, the city's planning manager, told the Historic Resources Board that the memos summarize recent planning work dating to the 2015 downtown vibrancy plan and a 2017 memorandum of understanding, and incorporate a Harrison Associates survey and outreach. Leonard said the draft memos — released with the agenda for public review — identify transit connections (Greyhound, Amtrak, Monterey Salinas Transit), underused parking, and potential near-term improvements such as kiosks, signage and amenities.
The presentations flagged several findings, including an underused parking supply (about 17 percent occupancy during peak periods) and ongoing safety concerns related to the Southern Pacific building’s recent fire damage and the presence of unhoused encampments. Leonard noted that operational or pedestrian improvements on West Market Street (Highway 183) would require Caltrans review because that roadway is under state jurisdiction.
Board members pressed for more complete survey methods and data. Board Member Collender questioned Harrison Associates’ work and the limited sample size; he noted the consultant collected 161 surveys and called that a “very small number” for a citywide planning issue. Peter Casavan, president of Casavan Architects, told the board the draft report felt “fairly shallow” and urged “authentic community engagement” that includes Heritage Park stakeholders, the Chamber, the Salinas City Center Improvement Associates and other local groups.
Heritage Park stakeholder Denise Estrana said stakeholders received insufficient notice and criticized the survey’s representativeness; she called the survey “a joke” and urged round-the-clock security, noting recent violent incidents around the site. Colleen Bailey, president and CEO of the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce, urged improved signage and said the city could leverage upcoming rail investments to attract visitors.
Board members discussed tradeoffs among proposed amenities. Several supported digital or physical kiosks to display schedules and ticketing information, and recommended clearer Greyhound and Amtrak signage so travelers can find the correct boarding locations. Others warned that adding restrooms, covered seating or playground equipment could create unintended congregating points that would need security and maintenance strategies.
Leonard said the memos are drafts, the public comment period will close within a month, and staff expect to continue revising the documents and finalize recommendations in the spring. He also noted that a stakeholder request about naming the space would follow the city’s formal naming process: any naming request requires a written application, review by the Library & Community Services Commission, and a hearing before the city council.
What happens next: staff will collect further public input, provide additional clarifying information requested by the board (including cost and responsibility questions for signage and freight depot expansion), and return with revised memos and cost estimates.
