DATE: SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS
FROM: ADRIANA ROBLES, PE, CFM, CITY ENGINEER
OSCAR ESPINOZA, PE, SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER
TITLE: NEW STREET PUBLIC UTILITY EASEMENT
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the reservation of a Public Utility Easement (PUE) over and across the northerly 124 feet of New Street right-of-way, retroactive to October 14, 2025; and authorizing the Public Works Director, or designee, to execute all the necessary documents to effectuate the easement.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On October 14, 2025, the City Council approved Resolution No. 23343 to vacate the northerly 124 feet of New Street right-of-way, in the best interest of complying with the Memorandum of Understanding to redevelop the Salinas Train Station into a transit facility to accommodate new commuter passenger rail services. Now, a Public Utility Easement (PUE) will be reserved over the vacated portion to ensure continued access, maintenance, and installation rights for existing and future utility infrastructure. This reservation is applied retroactively to October 14, 2025.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Salinas Intermodal Transportation Center (ITC) (formerly the Salinas Train Station) is located northwest of the intersection of North Main Street and West Market Street (State Route 183 on both streets). In 1998, the City of Salinas acquired the Salinas Amtrak Train Station and surrounding property through the former Redevelopment Agency. In February 2017 through Resolution No. 21119 the City of Salinas and the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) entered a Memorandum of Understanding to redevelop the Salinas Train Station into a transit facility (the “Project”) to accommodate new commuter passenger rail services.
In March 2021, TAMC completed Package 1 improvements of the Project which included construction of two new parking lots to accommodate new commuter passenger rail services (totaling 287 stalls), extension of Lincoln Avenue to Station Place, signal improvements at the intersection of Lincoln Ave and West Market St, and construction of a bus turnaround facility with 5 bus bays.
Package 2 includes construction of a new layover facility with six yard tracks, a storage building, a crew base building, onsite parking, and related site and street improvements along New Street. The northerly 124 feet of New Street right-of-way was vacated to support this work on October 14, 2025, through Resolution No. 23343. Because utilities are located within that area and additional utility needs are expected in the future, the City will reserve a Public Utility Easement (PUE) over the vacated portion. This easement preserves full access for utility providers to operate, maintain, repair, and install infrastructure. This reservation is retroactively effective as of October 14, 2025.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378). In addition, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, or because it falls within a category of activities excluded as projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, this matter is not a project. Because the matter does not cause a direct or foreseeable indirect physical change on or in the environment, this matter is not a project. Any subsequent discretionary projects resulting from this action will be assessed for CEQA applicability.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
No
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Facilitating the development of the Monterey County Rail Extension Project supports the City Council’s 2025 Strategic Plan of Economic Development and Infrastructure. Expanded rail service to the Bay Area will enhance residents’ ability to commute and will expand tourism in the Salinas.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Public Works Department and Community Development Department work closely on the review of the proposed improvements at the ITC. Both departments regularly meet TAMC to facilitate and coordinate the development of the Project.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Fund
General Ledger Number (Operating/CIP)
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ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
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CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT