Public urges Pacific Grove to reconsider Esplanade Park for Coral Street pump station

Residents urged the Pacific Grove City Council to reopen consideration of the Esplanade Park option for the Coral Street pump station electrical relocation, arguing revised designs and updated cost comparisons make Esplanade a fiscally responsible alternative.

Jessica Denicore, a public commenter, told the council the Esplanade Park option “is estimated at approximately 5,700,000 compared to over 10,000,000 for the golf course location,” and asked the city to reassess the Esplanade plan with current designs and clearer cost realities. Denicore lost her connection during remarks; the mayor noted the council had received multiple, more detailed letters from her and said staff had reviewed them.

Council members echoed concerns raised in public comment about whether Esplanade received the same level of design adjustments during prior review, worries about visual impacts and view corridors, and legal limits on uses of designated open space. One council member pointed out subsurface uncertainty — "you can hit bedrock at 8 feet" — noting that construction constraints could alter cost or feasibility.

Mayor Nick Smith and other council members emphasized that the session was a study session to gather input from Monterey One Water and the public and that no formal decision would be made that night. Staff and council said they would continue coordinating with Monterey One Water and bring additional technical and legal information back to the council at appropriate times.

The council did not take action; the public comments and letters will be part of the project record as staff and Monterey One Water proceed with next steps.