Monterey County is in a constant flux of development. Developers vie to expand urban areas into surrounding agricultural land, while others feel that we should set growth boundaries and redevelop within the existing urban limits. What do Monterey County residents think about development?

David Bloomer

Occupation: Grad student

Age: Not given

Resides: Monterey

Should citizens vote on land use decisions? Yes, I think voting about land development should be put to the people, not just city council members. This way it gives more of a voice to the diverse views in our community.

What should be done to create affordable housing in the county? I would hate to see too much expansion into agricultural lands. I think a lot could be done to lands in the existing urban limits.

AmenRey

Occupation: Computer Artist

Age: 24

Resides: Monterey

Should there be restrictions or a stop to development in the county? I would like to see more development but with restrictions in terms of the natural environment.

What should be done to create affordable housing in the county? Reconstruct older buildings, develop vacant lots within the urban limits, and fix up the unused housing in Fort Ord.

Luisa Kerleguer

Occupation: Salesperson

Age: 38

Resides: Marina

What should be done to create affordable housing in the county? I think developers should focus in on reconstructing the buildings already existing within the urban limits and create places for shopping and recreation for communities like Marina, which needs them.

What should be done to improve traffic? I live in Marina but I work in Carmel. It is just a short trip down a rarely congested highway to get to my job. No, traffic is not bad here.

Jackie Lopez

Occupation: Salesperson

Age: 35

Resides: Carmel

What should be done to improve traffic? I think everybody should buy motorcycles, mopeds or ride bicycles.

What should be done to create affordable housing in the county? Restore the buildings within the urban limits. And what about Fort Ord? There are streets and streets filled with empty houses there that could be fixed up and made affordable.

Kermit Escudier

Occupation: Photographer

Age: 41

Resides: Del Rey Oaks

Should citizens vote on land use decisions? I think the community should consider having a citizen ombudsman that communicates on behalf of citizens groups to address the concerns of development.

What should be done to improve traffic? Developers should consider building new small roads that spider into different areas.