Monterey, CA Veterans Cemetery On Old Fort Ord Site Moves One Step Closer To Being Built : Many Hurdles Still In The Way

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

The Monterey Herald reported that the state Legislature approved $1.5 mil. in funding for the Monterey County's Veterans cemetery, something which many have been fighting for for years.  However, the fight isn't over.  First, the governor still has to sign the new budget bill.  Following that, those which are actually constructing the cemetery can apply for federal funds. The organization will then try and find more funding sources to complete the project.  The federal funds for the Central Coast State Veterans Cemetery are expected to be only $11.2 million, well below the $26 million which was initially sought.  At this point, the federal funds would only cover an above-ground columbarium to store cremated remains, so the fundraisers have a long way to go to build a below-ground burial cemetery.  The foundation needs spots for 5,600 burial and crypt sites for the next decade.  There is also an issue over the adjoining land, with two groups running around town trying to get enough signatures for a special election deciding whether land should be preserved or used for Monterey Downs, a project which would include a racetrack, homes, hotels and retail.  The Central Coast State Veterans Cemetery is considering selling its endowment parcel to the Monterey Downs backers for $1.5 million because funding is so tight.  26,000 people have signed a petition for Access Initiative to block this development, enough to get it on the ballot, while the opposition (supported by Monterey County's veterans and business councils) have also gathered more than 26,000 signatures.  In addition to the ballot measure, there is a hearing scheduled for June 21 in Monterey County Superior Court to look at whether Access Initiative failed to follow state election law in its petition and used false, misleading and incomplete materials when it was asking people to sign its petition.  One thing is for sure.  This hot issue will be a long drawn out battle in the courts and at the polls.

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.