The Monterey County Board of Supervisors voted to reject a proposed mental health facility in the Creekbridge area of Salinas after hours of public comment and concerns over the project’s rising costs.Supervisors considered several options, including scaled-back versions of the facility, before ultimately deciding to eliminate the project entirely. The proposed facility was intended to be a 96-bed campus near homes in the Creekbridge neighborhood. Many residents expressed their opposition, citing safety concerns and the inappropriateness of the location. Yolanda Hayes, a local resident, shared the sentiment of many neighbors, saying, “Most of the people that I spoke with are seniors, and they were just heartbroken that they were going to have to live by this facility.” Another resident, Nina Perez, expressed relief at the decision, stating, “As a Creek Bridge resident, I feel relaxed that we can, you know, begin to move on in wonder with the community is going to put in our backyard.”Despite the opposition, some community members argued that such services are essential for the county. “Having a facility like this in our county of Monterey would be a tremendous asset,” one supporter said.The supervisors’ decision was heavily influenced by the project’s escalating costs, which had increased from an initial $45 million to an estimated $172 million. Glenn Church, a member of the board, highlighted the financial concerns, saying, “This project as I recall, has gone from $50 million initially to $70 million to $172 million.”Ultimately, the supervisors concluded that the plan, given its cost and location, was not viable. Church added, “I hope I don’t ever see a project come forth like this that is presented to us over a period of a few years and the numbers are so unstable.”The board emphasized the ongoing need for mental health services but stressed the importance of finding a financially sensible plan that aligns with community interests.
SALINAS, Calif. —
The Monterey County Board of Supervisors voted to reject a proposed mental health facility in the Creekbridge area of Salinas after hours of public comment and concerns over the project’s rising costs.
Supervisors considered several options, including scaled-back versions of the facility, before ultimately deciding to eliminate the project entirely. The proposed facility was intended to be a 96-bed campus near homes in the Creekbridge neighborhood.
Many residents expressed their opposition, citing safety concerns and the inappropriateness of the location.
Yolanda Hayes, a local resident, shared the sentiment of many neighbors, saying, “Most of the people that I spoke with are seniors, and they were just heartbroken that they were going to have to live by this facility.”
Another resident, Nina Perez, expressed relief at the decision, stating, “As a Creek Bridge resident, I feel relaxed that we can, you know, begin to move on in wonder with the community is going to put in our backyard.”
Despite the opposition, some community members argued that such services are essential for the county.
“Having a facility like this in our county of Monterey would be a tremendous asset,” one supporter said.
The supervisors’ decision was heavily influenced by the project’s escalating costs, which had increased from an initial $45 million to an estimated $172 million.
Glenn Church, a member of the board, highlighted the financial concerns, saying, “This project as I recall, has gone from $50 million initially to $70 million to $172 million.”
Ultimately, the supervisors concluded that the plan, given its cost and location, was not viable. Church added, “I hope I don’t ever see a project come forth like this that is presented to us over a period of a few years and the numbers are so unstable.”
The board emphasized the ongoing need for mental health services but stressed the importance of finding a financially sensible plan that aligns with community interests.