Council upholds liquor‑store denial, approves Safe Routes project and launches down‑payment program

Salinas City Council took three formal actions on Jan. 27 that will affect land use, transportation and housing policy in the city.

Off‑sale alcohol CUP denied: The council upheld the Planning Commission’s Nov. 19 denial of a conditional use permit (CUP 2025‑023) for a proposed Type‑21 off‑sale alcohol use at 1018 North Davis Road (Laurel West Shopping Center). Planning staff said the relevant census tract’s off‑sale license limit is five; the tract now has six active licenses and approval would make seven, which the staff and planning commission determined constitutes an undue concentration. The planning staff report also cited proximity to a school and potential DUI concerns. After public testimony from supporters and opponents, Councilmember Barrera moved to uphold the denial; the motion passed unanimously (Barajas, Barrera, Dirigo, Dela Rosa, Salazar, Sandoval, Mayor Donahue voted yes), officially denying the applicant’s appeal and keeping the planning commission’s decision in place.

Hardin Parkway Safe Routes to School approved: Council approved a resolution adopting a CEQA categorical exemption (class 1/cited by staff) and granting project approval for the Hardin Parkway corridor improvements. The project—funded in part by an Active Transportation Program grant of just over $8 million—creates a center multiuse trail, reduces travel lanes, installs stormwater treatment and adds a single‑lane roundabout at Hardin and McKinnon to improve crossings in front of Hardin Middle School. Council discussion addressed bus access, emergency vehicle overtracking and community outreach; the motion passed by unanimous roll‑call vote.

First‑time homebuyer down‑payment assistance program established: Council approved a staff proposal to establish a first‑time homebuyer mortgage down‑payment program and to submit draft guidelines to the state Department of Housing and Community Development for authorization. The program would use approximately $1,034,137 in PLHA (2021–2022) funds, provide a deferred 3% simple‑interest junior loan up to $125,000 or 17% of purchase price (whichever is less), require an 8‑hour HUD‑approved homebuyer education course, and is expected to assist roughly 8–10 households under current funding assumptions. The program is queue‑based (first‑come, first‑served once the senior lender and city deem applicants eligible). Council authorized the city manager to implement the program; the motion passed unanimously.

Other items: Council approved consent items including a reallocation of CIP funds to replace outdated fire station alerting systems (stations 2–6) after staff said equipment exceeds its useful life. Staff also announced encampment cleanups and the upcoming Hebron Family Center grand opening.

What happens next: The council asked staff to return with monitoring and performance metrics where appropriate—staff said it will return on the Hardin Parkway and AI initiatives in July and will submit the homebuyer guidelines to HCD by the end of January to meet grant deadlines.