Community Development
Redevelopment Agency
Project Area - Central City
Oldtown Salinas Association: Businesses located in the downtown have a big stake in its success. The Oldtown Salinas Association (OSA) is a business advocacy and promotional group supported by assessments paid by businesses within the downtown. By organizing its members within a structured organization, the OSA provides a focus for the downtown’s significant political and economic forces that can then effectively address downtown issues and help guide the revitalization process. In recent years, OSA has assisted with the Downtown Rebound Planning Program, which has been implemented with the adoption of the new Zoning Code. In 2006, OSA established a Saturday morning “Farmer’s Market” as well as other special events focusing a collaborative marketing strategy to bring additional visitors to the downtown. Also, OSA has actively and successfully influenced local government on issues affecting the downtown, such as the County Courthouse development, downtown parking, homelessness, and security.
Future Plans for the 100 Block of Main Street
After the Agency’s donation of land for the National Steinbeck Center, sale of Agency property and construction of the 14-screen Maya Cinemas, and construction by the Agency of a 435 space public parking garage, there is still considerable Agency property to fill in the remainder of the block. For these parcels, currently a surface parking lot, the Agency is working with developers for a downtown hotel and commercial development.
Chinatown Revitalization
For the downtown’s old Chinatown neighborhood, which is the location of several homeless services in the City, the Foundation of California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) Service Learning Institute has carried out activities of the federal HUD Hispanic Service Institutions Assisting Communities (HSIAC) grant received last year. A Salinas Downtown Community Board (SDCB) was organized to begin working on a vision for the “New Chinatown” and a Design Charrette has been held and prospective plans for that particular area will be presented to the City Council/Agency at a future date.
Salinas Train Station
The Agency’s acquisition in 1998 of the AMTRAK Train Station and surrounding property has had a tremendous positive impact in that area, leading to: improved access, landscaping, lighting and parking facilities; the relocation and continuing renovation of the First Mayor’s House; the renovation of the historic REA building; and the adjoining display of a historic steam locomotive and caboose, all on property owned by the Agency, but with significant funding from outside grants and also private, non-profit investments in capital improvements.
The City and Agency have worked with the Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC) in its planning process to bring a Caltrain commuter rail extension to Salinas, at an expanded “Intermodal Transportation Center” (ITC) that would also include transit and regional bus service centered at the Train Station.
National Steinbeck Center
The National Steinbeck Center has established itself as a major destination for tourists visiting Monterey County. More importantly, its gallery and conference space has filled a major need for cultural activities and community events in the downtown. The Center features two museums - one dedicated to the life and works of John Steinbeck while the other, the Rabobank Agriculture Museum, features the rich history and innovations of agriculture in the "Valley of the World.” Plans are underway for future additions to the Center that will provide space for traveling exhibits and other attractions for the Center.