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Council hears Resilient Coast Monterey vulnerability update; staff flags Del Monte corridor, pipelines and wharf foundations
Summary
City planning and consultants presented the 2025 background report and 2026 vulnerability assessment; staff said updated science shifts some timelines but still shows meaningful near‑term flooding risks along Del Monte Avenue, threats to Monterey One Water pipelines, and foundation deterioration on Cannery Row; outreach and draft adaptation strategies are scheduled for late 2026.
City principal planner Christie Sabdo and GHD coastal scientist Laura Engman presented results from the Resilient Coast Monterey background report and the updated 2026 vulnerability assessment required under SB 272 and related California guidance.
Sabdo said the city has secured an $818,000 Coastal Commission grant for phase 1 and applied for another $684,000 (Ocean Protection Council/SB‑1) for phase 2. The combined work effort through the next stages is estimated at about $1.5 million; phase 1 (assessment/background work) is roughly 60–70% complete and the vulnerability assessment was finished in May 2026.
Laura Engman summarized findings the team used to prioritize adaptation strategies. She said updated statewide guidance shifts some timelines but that near‑term vulnerabilities remain, particularly low-lying areas around the Del Monte Avenue/Figueroa corridor where King Tides and wave overtopping already cause trail and street inundation. Engman also highlighted at‑risk infrastructure: stormwater outfalls on beaches, Monterey One Water pipelines behind Municipal Beach and Navy Beach that could become exposed as beaches erode, and aging foundations/pilings supporting structures on Cannery Row and wharves.
Staff stressed the importance of examining groundwater and combined storm‑event impacts — particularly in El Niño years — and told council the vulnerability assessment breaks scenarios into near term (to 2050), midterm (2070–2090) and long term. Council members pressed on inclusion of climate models and groundwater, equity and ADA access, business and tenant outreach for Cannery Row and Wharf 2, and potential funding tracks: Engman noted Ocean Protection Council Track 1 supports planning and Track 2 supports construction, and the Coastal Conservancy is another potential funder.
Staff outlined engagement plans: focus groups with affected property owners and tenants (Cannery Row, business associations), regional coordination with neighboring cities and utilities, pop‑up outreach, online survey and translated materials. Staff said draft adaptation strategies targeted to hazard zones are expected after fall outreach, with a draft by the end of the year or January.
During public comment, speakers urged regional coordination (Caltrans, neighboring cities, Monterey One Water) and asked for groundwater monitoring around Roberts Lake and Laguna Grande; staff confirmed a groundwater screening flagged some areas and recommended specific groundwater table inspections for higher confidence. No formal action was taken; council accepted the reports for review and directed staff to continue outreach and draft strategies.
