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Council approves removing signal at Prescott and Taylor, replacing with all-way stop
Summary
After staff presented warrant evaluation and ADA/settlement deadlines, council voted unanimously to remove the existing signal at Prescott Avenue and Taylor Street and implement an all-way stop, citing reduced traffic volumes and pedestrian benefits.
Monterey’s City Council unanimously approved staff’s recommendation on May 19 to remove the traffic signal at Prescott Avenue and Taylor Street and replace it with an all-way stop. Staff presented traffic-warrant analysis showing substantially lower traffic volumes since the military gate closure and argued an all-way stop is a logical step down from an unwarranted signal and helps pedestrians crossing near local destinations.
Staff noted several practical considerations: converting to an all-way stop is the least intrusive option, ADA curb improvements will be designed to work with either all-way or side-street stop configurations, and the intersection must be brought into ADA compliance by an April 2029 settlement milestone. Staff estimated the additional cost of a side-street stop with radar feedback at roughly $70,000–$80,000; in contrast, installing an all-way stop requires only signs and poles.
Public comment from a long-time resident and licensed civil engineer urged caution, saying a four-way stop must not be used simply as a speed-control device and recommended further study. Council directed staff to proceed with the all-way stop design and to treat the change as potentially interim, with the option to revisit configuration after monitoring.
Why this matters: The change reflects evolving traffic patterns since the base closure and prioritizes pedestrian access at a location used by gate and neighborhood traffic. The decision also advances ADA compliance work scheduled for 2029.
What to watch: Staff will design and install the all-way stop and ADA curb improvements and monitor the intersection following implementation; council asked staff to return if volumes or safety concerns merit a different treatment later.
