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CITY OF SALINAS
HOUSING AND LAND USE COMMITTEE
DATE: JANUARY 17, 2023
DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
FROM: MEGAN HUNTER, DIRECTOR
THROUGH: LISA BRINTON, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
BY: MICHAEL GOMEZ, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ANALYST
TITLE: SALINAS INTERMODAL TRANSPORTATON CENTER UPDATE
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This item is an administrative update on the Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC) parking facilities ownership, current operations and activities, and next steps for development. No formal action is required.
BACKGROUND:
In February 2017, the City of Salinas and TAMC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the redevelopment of the area surrounding the Salinas Train Station at the ITC into a transit facility that would serve as a stop for train service to locations outside of the region, as well as regional bus service. Under the MOU, TAMC agreed to acquire property and construct improvements, including removal of the existing Station Place right-of-way, construction of a new Lincoln Avenue extension, and a new 287- stall parking area to serve commuters making use of the anticipated commuter train service. These improvements are part of Package 1 of the Monterey County Rail Extension Kick Start Project (Package 1). Upon completion of Package 1, the MOU calls for TAMC to transfer ownership of the Property and improvements to the City of Salinas.
Package 1 has been completed, and in August 2022, the City Council authorized the execution of the Transfer Agreement (Agreement) between the City of Salinas and TAMC. Following City Council and TAMC Board approval, the California Transportation Commission approved the Agreement on December 7, 2022, and on December 20, 2022, the City took ownership.
DISCUSSION:
Security and Maintenance
TAMC delivered the landscaped portions of the property in excellent condition through an extensive cleanup prior to finalizing the transfer. T o maintain the cleanliness and safety of the property, Public Works staff expanded contract landscaping services provided by Smith and Enright to include the newly acquired property. Community Development staff has also been Page | 2
working with Public Works staff to develop parking signage and provide parking enforcement.
The City currently provides live security on site 25 hours a week (Monday through Friday 3:00AM to 8:00AM); however, staff is researching shifting to a 24/7 monitored surveillance system as a more effective approach.
Current Operations and Activities
Currently The First Mayor’s House, Railroad Museum, Amtrak, Greyhound, and The Salinas California Welcome Center (CWC) each hold a lease with the City for use of facilities at the ITC.
These uses bring in various levels of foot traffic /activities to the ITC. The First Mayor’s house offers volunteer opportunities, educational opportunities, student field trips, and teacher training to provide local history within schools and frequently hosts events to attract visitors to the ITC.
In conjunction with the First Mayor’s House, the Monterey Salinas Valley Railroad Modeling and Historical Society (MSVRR) operate s a free Railroad Museum where they host an interactive to scale layout and diorama recreating the Monterey County railroads from the mid-1900s.
Amtrak has been operating rail passenger services at the ITC since they became member of the Federal Transportation Administration in 1971. Amtrack uses the Salinas Train Station (STS) and platform to provide train services, ticketing, and a waiting area for passengers. Greyhound Lines Inc. utilizes the ITC as a bus and freight terminal for passengers and utilize the STS common areas for passenger convenience
Lastly, the CWC leases a portion of the Freight Building to provide visitors with information on local activities, sites of interest, and dining and lodging options in Salinas using promotional materials, brochures, and staff to answer questions. The CWC includes various exhibits demonstrating the history of how the City of Salinas became the “Salad Bowl of the World”. The remainder of the Freight Building is currently used for storage.
Downtown Vibrancy Plan Vision for ITC
The Economic Development Element and Downtown Vibrancy Plan are both accepted documents that identify the ITC as a catalyst site for priority development, including residential and retail uses. The DVP encourages increasing residential use in and around the downtown to promote a 24/7 vibrant environment and to increase economic activity, and envisions the ITC as a mixed-use Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) that will activate and connect the central city to transit options while providing needed housing and commercial services . Potential future mixed-use, transit-oriented development at the ITC would also further the Council’s 2022-2025 Strategic Goals of Economic Development and Housing as a future redevelopment could include affordable housing close to public multimodal transportation and downtown amenities, businesses, and services.
In 2017, staff contracted with MIG, Inc to prepare a draft conceptual Master Plan for the ITC which included initial analysis, recommendations, and conceptual plans for activating the ITC as a mixed-use TOD. The draft Master Plan was not formally accepted as TAMC was proceeding with Package 1. Now that the City has taken ownership, staff recommends that a Master Plan be prepared for the ITC that outlines a phased approach to incorporating mixed TOD and activation Page | 3
of the site. The next step would be for staff to select and negotiate an Agreement for Professional Services with a consultant from the Planning On-Call list.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
No fiscal impact associated with this administrative update. The cost to prepare the ITC Master will be based on the selected consultants’ scope of work and budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. PowerPoint Presentation