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Soledad opposes forced sewer consolidation for Hosienda Apartments, urges multi-agency funding and potential redevelopment
Summary
The council approved a formal comment letter (Resolution 6376) opposing a forced sewer consolidation imposed by the regional water board for the Hosienda Apartments, arguing the site lies outside city jurisdiction and urging coordinated state funding and redevelopment (including exploring Eden Housing acquisition) to address both infrastructure and longstanding habitability problems.
The Soledad City Council on June 10 adopted Resolution 6376, authorizing a formal comment letter to the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board regarding a proposed forced sewer consolidation for the Hosienda Apartments.
Staff explained that the Hosienda Apartments are located in unincorporated Monterey County, not in Soledad’s jurisdiction, and that any forced consolidation imposed on the city would be an unusual implementation of the board’s statutory authority. The draft letter — revised to incorporate mayoral edits — emphasizes support for the families living at the property while opposing funding public infrastructure expenditure that benefits a privately owned property without accountability for longstanding habitability deficiencies.
Megan and other staff urged a multi-agency approach that pairs sewer/well improvements with comprehensive housing upgrades and identified Eden Housing’s potential acquisition and redevelopment of the property as a preferred long-term solution. Councilors and staff said the city is pursuing reimbursement for staff time spent responding to the consolidation process and is coordinating with Monterey County, state legislative offices, and nonprofit housing partners.
Council members stressed both compassion for affected families and concern about the city being compelled to assume an unfunded responsibility. The council approved the letter and resolution by voice vote and directed staff to submit comments by the June 15 deadline.
What’s next: Staff will file the comment letter with the water board, continue negotiations with Eden Housing and county partners, and pursue state funding sources that could support acquisition and comprehensive redevelopment if acquisition moves forward.
