Concerns rise over traffic impact from new housing project

During a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the impact of a proposed development on Schulte Road in Monterey County. Local resident and property owner, Tammy Lewis, highlighted the potential strain on county resources, particularly in relation to traffic and road maintenance. Lewis noted that despite the property being on a private road, the influx of vehicles from the development could significantly affect Monterey County's expenses, especially given the existing challenges with maintaining speed limits on nearby roads.

Lewis emphasized the historical difficulty in establishing a 25 miles per hour speed limit on the county-maintained road, which is only three-quarters of a mile long. She pointed out that the development could exacerbate traffic issues similar to those caused by other rental units in the area, including those in Carmel by the Sea and Saddle Mountain, where multiple tiny homes house numerous residents.

Another resident, Larry Bacon, expressed his concerns about the shifting nature of the project since it was last reviewed in February. He referenced a pending short-term rental ordinance that could restrict the type of use proposed for the property, urging the commission to consider delaying approval until the ordinance is finalized. Bacon suggested that if the permit were to be granted, it should be for a shorter duration than the standard three years, to allow for further evaluation of the project's implications.

The discussions reflect ongoing tensions between development interests and community concerns over infrastructure and resource management in Monterey County.