Monterey, CA Veterans Cemetery Debated At Council Meeting : Low Income Housing At Monterey Downs Discussed

View From A Non-Profit Serving Carmel, Carmel Valley, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Seaside And Soledad California

I've written a number of times on my blog about the controversy surrounding the veterans cemetery which is supposed to be built on the old Fort Ord site.  One hot topic which was brought up at the Seaside City Council meeting last Thursday was the fact that in order to fund it, the backers are going to have to sell a parcel of land to those who want to build Monterey Downs.  This project will have a racetrack, retail and housing.  "There will be no cemetery if the endowment fund is not developed," Deputy City Manager Diana Ingersoll told those attending the public meeting.  This drew howls from some in the audience.  Bill Weigle, a resident of Seaside, said "I think it's totally out of place for her to be saying that," according to the Monterey Herald.  "It's creating the impression she is really in the lap of Monterey Downs," he said.   Regardless of your view on the racetrack, one positive is that the developer has committed to making 600 of the 1,500 planned residential units which are to be built available to low-income residents.  There's a dearth of these units on the Monterey Peninsula, and seniors living on a fixed income would welcome them with open arms.  They may even be able to save enough money to be able to go over and enjoy the races.  The racing will only take place 36 days per year, and on other days there will be many other fun events if the venue is built, one of which may be a Cirque du Soleil production.  They have produced many of my favorite shows. 

Please note that this blog reflects my personal opinion and may or may not reflect the opinion of Hands to Help Seniors and the individual members comprising the Board of Governors.