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Proposal for Monaceto community center with Boys & Girls Club paused after council, neighbors raise concerns
Summary
Council received staff’s concept to use 205 Monaceto Ave as a Boys & Girls Club‑partnered community center but voted to continue the item amid concerns about process, unclear feasibility and possible effects on the existing Casanova/Kona center; council asked for more neighborhood engagement and clearer cost/feasibility details.
City staff presented a concept on Dec. 2 to create a community center at 205 Monaceto Ave in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County. The proposal outlined potential programming and estimated costs for renovating the site and asked council for direction on next steps.
Council members representing District 4 and others said the idea has merit but that timing, community outreach and the relationship to the Casanova (Kona) Park Center needed clarification. Council Member Garcia said he had sought postponement to allow additional district‑level outreach; Council Member Rash and others said neighborhoods asked for a town‑hall conversation before advancing a lease or major renovation. Staff described the item as an early‑stage concept with near‑term steps that could include further outreach and feasibility work if council provided preliminary support.
Public commenters were split: some supported a new local facility tied to Boys & Girls Club programming for Monaceto and the northern neighborhoods, while others urged the council to keep focus on improving and staffing the existing Casanova Park Center. Several speakers pressed for a larger, district‑wide recreation plan rather than a single‑site focus.
After discussion the council voted to continue the item without a new date, directing staff to return with clearer information and to coordinate more neighborhood engagement — including a potential town hall — before any lease or capital commitment.
Council emphasized there was no final decision to close or move the Casanova center; staff and council members said the Monaceto concept should not be treated as a substitute for district‑wide planning.
Next steps: staff will refine feasibility estimates, clarify funding sources and draft a community engagement plan; council asked staff to coordinate more closely with the district council member before returning with revised recommendations.
