Historic Resource Board adopts ITC naming resolution; item sent to library naming committee

The Salinas Historic Resource Board voted unanimously to approve a revised resolution concerning the ITC naming proposal and directed staff to forward the formal application to the Library and Community Services Commission for a naming decision.

Board discussion focused on tightening the language of the resolution so it would be a firm board statement rather than a set of recommendations. One board member said the subcommittee removed language that would have advocated for expansion of the welcome center footprint, treating that proposal as a recommendation rather than part of the resolution itself. "With the resolution, though, the whereas covered many of the subject area that we had talked about," a board member said during debate, arguing the final resolution should be a ‘‘solid statement of sorts.’"

Board member Larry Hirahar moved to approve the revised resolution; another member seconded. The board then completed a roll-call vote and recorded unanimous approval. Staff noted the board-approved resolution will proceed to the Library and Community Services Commission, which is scheduled to consider the naming application to rename the ITC to "Heritage Park" at a public meeting on Wednesday, April 8 at 6 p.m.

Grant Leonard, planning manager, told the board the naming application will also appear before the library commission as part of the formal application process. Members mentioned that city council action provided funding tied to the broader project, a factor discussed at the council meeting earlier in the review process.

The board did not adopt any direction on expanding the welcome center as part of the resolution; members said that potential expansion would be better treated as a separate recommendation or later agenda item. The naming commission review and the April 8 public meeting are the next procedural steps; staff will notify the public of that hearing.