400 River Road
Salinas, CA
93908
1/16/2024 Page 1of 1 Thomas Wiles
City of Salinas, Community Development Dept.
65 West Alisal Street
Salinas, CA 93901
re: Concerns regarding proposed "use" change for 1228 S. Main Street, Salinas Dear Mr. Wiles,
Please accept this second letter of concern regarding a proposed CUP change for the property at 1228 S. Main Street, from a furniture and appliance store to the retail sale of cannabis. Please let this letter be made matter or record and included in any and all studies and/or reports pertaining to this matter.
As a reminder, I am the owner of 1250 S. Main St., (the property adjacent to 1228 S. Main St.), currently home to Elli's Restaurant (my tenant). I first and foremost thank-you for your time today on our phone meeting. Per that discussion, I must still question the city's over-all plan for South Main Street when approving such a business at the main entrance to the city from the Monterey Cooridor within walking distance of family neighborhoods, a church, a highschool and more. Many businesses in Salinas, especially restaurants, struggle to solicit the patronage of the many tourists visiting the Monterey Peninsula. Salinas has battled an unfortunate image for many years that I feel tourists avoid when visiting however we all try to address that issue and better the image that so misrepresents our city. I fear a canabis dispensary at the immediate entrance to Salinas from Monterey could be detrimental to the image of our city that so many are attempting to change.
Per our conversation, should this project move forward regardless, I understand that fence is currently part of the use condition on the north side of the property, separating it from the properties on that side. I would ask that an additional fence on the south side, restricting access between the two parking areas of my property and 1228 S. Main Street, also be a condition to the approval of such a use. This will help aleviate the already difficult parking problems we currently deal with. A business like the dispensary is certain to amplify that problem greatly.
Finally, I would urge the city to make sure neighbors are being properly notified of this proposal and future meetings pertaining to it as those I've spoken to have heard nothing of it. Per your reccomendation, I will share your information with those individuals, in the event they wish to seek or provide further comment.
Respectfully,
Charlie Sammut
[email protected]
(831)455-3180 office
(831)809-2919 cell
(831) 455-1902 FAX