| All candidates are in alphabetical order |
Land Use Policy - Affordable Housing |
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| Alan Haffa | Dan Albert | |
| What is your position on affordable housing? Please be specific with regards to policies you support or oppose. | I support affordable housing and have been a leader in promoting it. From a land use perspective, building affordable housing where people work has the potential to reduce commuting. This has benefits for reducing Carbon Gas output as well as traffic. | With open lots at a minimum in the City of Monterey and areas already dedicated to open space, rezoning of light industrial and business districts, multiple-family housing zones to allow for housing, either as mix-use, market-rate/affordable housing, along with higher density, relaxed height restriction is a critical start in increasing the City of Monterey's housing inventory. Affordable housing is a major roadblock to inclusion, equity, and a decent standard of living. As in the past (2000), I believe the city should divert as many funds from the general fund, along with other appropriate funds, to make affordable housing again a top priority. Using these funds to partner with many of the affordable housing non-profits organizations, like MidPenn Housing, along with educational institutions, Monterey Peninsula School District, Monterey Peninsula College, and Middlebury College to develop workforce housing will not only create a lasting partnership but will add to the City's list of affordable housing. Remembering, the city must meet its housing goals under its adopted State's Housing Element Plan. |
| Do you support modifying city policies or regulations to make it easier and cheaper to build housing? If so, what specific policy changes do you support? | I support policy changes to make it easier and cheaper to build housing in our commercial corridors and along transit corridors. We rezoned Garden Road to permit conversion of excess commercial space there to housing. We also changed density and height requirements in East Downtown to facilitate housing there. Thank you Landwatch for supporting those changes. | We have already started this process through the rezoning of Garden Road light industrial use to residential. There are now plans and water to develop 90+ affordable units along with market-rate units on Garden Road. We have amended our Downtown Specific Plan to allow for more density, along with increasing the height restrictions to allow more units on a single piece of property. The city is currently looking at four city-owned properties for affordable housing projects. If the goal is to have as much affordable housing as possible for our residents, we will need to be created on the publicly-owned property. |
| Do you support requiring developers to actually build inclusionary units instead of paying an "in lieu" fee? | I absolutely oppose "in lieu" fees because the fee is never sufficient to build adequate inclusionary housing elsewhere. Instead I support our 20% inclusionary requirement in the city of Monterey. | The immediate need for inclusionary housing within a development is necessary and a priority; therefore, the policy of an "in lieu" fee to entice development should be a non-negotiable. |
| Do you support requiring that "inclusionary housing" units be made permanently affordable, even upon resale? If not, please explain. | Yes, if that is legally permissible. When the city contributes anything extraordinary like land, zoning exemptions, or water, requiring affordability in perpetuity is already being done. If we can make all inclusionary units permanently affordable I would support that. | In perpetuity and as a permanent deed restriction, in the majority of the cases, yes, but only on a case by case basis. I would be inclined to not support a permanent policy, which binds future councils; however, absolutely, when dealing with city-owned property. |
| Do you support requiring developers of hospitality, commercial and industrial projects that significantly increase demand for already scarce housing resources to also build workforce housing? | In Monterey we have a workforce-housing imbalance, with over 87% of those who work in Monterey living outside of the city. We do need greater support from the business community for our efforts to build workforce housing. I would not want to make it difficult for new jobs to be created because we need them, but it is reasonable to ask large employers with access to capital to help fund workforce housing. In recent years CHOMP/Montage has begun to do this but I think our hospitality businesses can do more. | This action would require a well thought out, vetted city policy to ensure it doesn't impede economic growth. Workforce housing can be accomplished through the continuing mix-use projects already instilled in the city's ever-growing business districts. As for larger commercial and industrial projects, land acquisition or availability might be a barrier in creating their own workforce housing. If the company has the land, appropriate location, and enough of water allocation, then I would be interested in a policy requiring a project to develop workforce housing. |
| What other housing policies do you support or oppose? | I oppose permitting short term vacation rentals because they remove units from the housing stock, reduce supply, and drive up costs, while undermining the quality of residential neighborhoods. I support identifying under-used city property and partnering with non-profit developers to build 100% affordable housing as we did at the Van Buren Street affordable Senior project. Currently we are seeking proposals for four other city properties. |
As I mention above, I support designated open space preservation in our city, in exchange for rezoning for affordable housing. Preservation of our R1 single-family zoning has always been a top priority for me, so the growth in multi-family, business districts, and industrially zones will need to be reviewed; for example, setbacks, parking requirements, height restrictions, density, and rezoning to accommodate more density. |
Water Supplies |
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| Alan Haffa | Dan Albert | |
| What specific proposals do you support to ensure your community can meet its water demands without increasing the overdraft of the County's groundwater aquifers or violating the SWRCB's Cease and Desist Order regarding taking water from the Carmel River? | First, we must expand the Monterey One water reclamation project. Second, we need to make it easier for people to install grey water reuse systems and other water saving devices. |
There have been multiple agencies, cities, and politicians trying to solve this 100-year issue on the Peninsula. I believe the lack of water should be solved collectively with the use of multiple new water sources. Desalination can be an effective source of new water, as long as it can be produced cheaply, without environmental impacts, and doesn't violate the water rights of other jurisdictions. The resolution of these critical issues has yet to be resolved with the current desalination project. Even with a positive Coastal Commission decision regarding the current desalinization project, I'm sure the decision will be challenged in court further delaying the project. As for the other water source, Monterey Water One's Pure Water Monterey, my thoughts are shared in the next question. The two notable projects that have been successful are the Aquifer Storage and Recovery project, which injects Carmel Valley River overflow into the Seaside water basin during the high rain season, and Monterey Water One's Pure Water recycling project. Both have been proven to restore the Seaside Water Basin to minimum safe levels. Either way, the City of Monterey must meet its housing goals under its adopted Housing Element Plan and cannot accomplish this task [response ended here because it exceeded the 200 word count limit] |
| Do you support expansion of Pure Water Monterey as an alternative to building a desalination plant? | Yes. | Yes, I support the alternative or back-up project, the expansion of the Monterey Water One's Pure Water recycling project. However, like the desalination project, the same criteria apply, cheap water, free of environmental impacts, and doesn't violate the water rights of other jurisdictions. If the Monterey Water Management District staff's numbers are accurate, we could see a 40-year water supply for future water hook-ups, housing projects, and economic development in our business districts. However, my fear is if the growth happens based on this projected future source water and water allocated, housing built, and become further dependent on this source water, what if this source water is not available due to an under-performing rain total or an unsuccessful water agreement with another jurisdiction? The possible results could lead to those new developments without water. Source water agreements will need to be hammered out before the project can be a reality. As I mentioned before, I support a project(s) that can produce cheap water, low environmental impact, doesn't violate water rights of other jurisdictions, has a successful source water agreement, and is producing an efficient and sustainable water supply. |
Sprawl Reduction |
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| Alan Haffa | Dan Albert | |
| Do you support the creation of "urban growth boundaries" or expansion of the existing boundary as a way to prevent urban sprawl, and to insure that future growth is compact, efficient, and protective of the environment? If not, what measures would you support to prevent urban sprawl? If yes, will you sponsor an urban growth boundary in the upcoming year, and make it one of your top three priorities? | I support the urban growth boundary ballot measure in Marina. I actively worked to support an Urban Growth Boundary decades ago in Phoenix and after we lost it was heart breaking to see leapfrog development miles outside of the city in the wilderness. In city of Monterey I don't think it would have much of an affect if any, and we really don't have anywhere that urban sprawl might happen. |
Unlike other cities, the City of Monterey has been built-out for years. The city can only expand within its central urban areas; such as business districts, light industrial zones, and multi-family housing zones. It was the forward vision of former councils that understood preservation of this natural beauty would be enjoyed by their generation and generations to come. However, with the immediate call for affordable housing, this issue is in complete conflict with the city's open space policy For this reason, the city must continue to review policies that will enhance the economic and housing development within the city's already developed areas. |
Transportation |
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| Alan Haffa | Dan Albert | |
| Poorly planned, non-infill commercial developments and hotels create more trips and additional vehicle miles traveled on already overcrowded roads and highways. Both residents and visitors pay the price of delay and increased pollution. What specific traffic congestion relief solutions do you support? | First, workforce housing in commercial districts will help with congestion by putting housing closer to where people work. Second, public transit is cost effective and environmentally friendly and we should support it more. Third, we should improve our biking transportation network and I have been an advocate for FORTAG as a regional solution and in the city of Monterey I support improving our system of bike lanes. Fourth, a decade ago a proposed light rail along Highway 1 was stopped but I would support it if we can get regional buy-in. On Highway 68 I support the proposed roundabouts which will lead to steader and safer traffic. I have opposed the Eastside Parkway through the Fort Ord wilderness but I support alternatives such as improving Imjin/Blanco and improving Intergarrison/8th Avenue. |
The City of Monterey's residential population is over 28,000; however, during the weekday, this figure could swell to well over 50,000. If we can't solve the water issue connected to more housing and get these people closer to the places they work, we will continue to endure traffic congestion on our main road corridors. Within the City of Monterey, there are times of the day and week that seem to be much more of a problem than others; for example, weekdays at 4-6pm on Lighthouse/Del Monte and Sunday's 3-7pm from the Cannery Row arterials onto Lighthouse. The solution to these congested traffic times will be hard to solve unless we can accommodate more cars by widening the tunnel, a natural bottleneck. Over the last several years the city has installed an adaptive signal system along North Fremont Street and Lighthouse to help regulate the flow of traffic. The traffic is controlled by a system that calculates the number of cars flowing through the intersections and programs each intersection to adapt to the particular traffic pattern. Though the system will not eliminate traffic congestion, it helps with the flow of traffic. |
| Do you support roundabouts on Highway 68 and other roads? What other transportation policies or practices have you seen that local governments should incorporate? | Yes. And I was a strong supporter of the Pebble Beach/Highway 68 roundabout which has been a huge success. Bus rapid transit can make transit faster and therefore more appealing. Provide free MST passes to college students at MPC; CSUMB already does this. I have supported funding for city of Monterey's free trolley that takes people from Cannery Row to the Wharf. I would be open to expanding this in partnership with other cities and businesses so we could have a free trolley from Monterey to PG to Carmel and back to Monterey. |
With the success of the Holman Highway 68/Highway 1 Carmel intersection roundabout conversion, it seems logical that this system of controlling the multitude of intersections along the Hwy 68 corridor would improve the movement of each intersection along the highway, thus "keep the traffic flowing". However, it doesn't alleviate traffic congestion due to the number of cars that travel along the highway daily. Logically, the only way to solve the heavily used corridor is to get people to live on the peninsula or widening some sections of the highway to accommodate more cars. The latter has had historical opposition due to the challenges of changing scenic views, environmental impacts, land acquisition, property owner opposition, and other related impacts. I support the implementation of roundabouts on Hyw 68. The most promising road infrastructure project is the improvements to the Hwy 156 corridor, which connects Hwy 101 with Hwy 1. Transportation Agency of Monterey County (TAMC), the lead agency on this project, has placed this project as a top priority for peninsula jobs, tourism, and environmental concerns. Currently, TAMC is in the Environmental Impact Review process to determine the impacts of the project |
Leadership |
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| Alan Haffa | Dan Albert | |
| If you are elected, what will be your top three priorities? | 1. Affordable Housing |
Fiscal Crisis: As we find ways to navigate through these difficult times, our city council members need to continue working collaboratively and with input from residents, businesses, and military partners to arrive at policies that are inclusive, balanced, and fair to all. As revenues return to the city, the city must focus to fully restore the city's essential services, along with the Sports Center, Library, and community centers. Affordable housing is a major roadblock to inclusion, equity, and a decent standard of living. As in the past (2000), I believe the city should divert as many funds from the general fund, along with other appropriate funds, to make affordable housing again a top priority. Using these funds to partner with many of the affordable housing non-profits organizations, like MidPenn Housing, will not only create a lasting partnership and add to the city's list of affordable house inventory. Remembering, the city must meet its housing goals under its adopted State's Housing Element Plan. Economic Development: The city's essential programs are directly connected to the health of its local economy. Assume this economic downturn is temporary, I believe local, diverse, engaging, sustainable, and inclusive businesses that meet the needs of all our citizens [response ended here because it exceeded the 200 word count limit] |
| What land use policies would you champion for the community? | I have championed a ban on vacation rentals, increased density and height permitted in commercial zones where housing is appropriate, and rezoning of commercial zones to permit housing where appropriate. | Maintaining the gift of open space within our city, while developing infill housing to help with the shortage of housing. |
| What accomplishments in your career or public service are you most proud of? | I am most proud of championing the city of Monterey's campaign finance ordinance, which limits donations to city council to $500 for individuals and organizations. The growing influence of big money, special interests in the city was improperly influencing our elections. It took seven years to accomplish this and we join Pacific Grove as the only jurisdictions in Monterey county with any sort of campaign finance limit. In terms of homeless issues, when I came on council there was no focused attention to the issue. I brought attention to the issue in my first year on council by co-hosting a forum, Hungry and Homeless in Paradise, that brought together hundreds of stakeholders including city staff, homeless providers, residents, elected officials, and homeless persons. As a result a number of gaps in service were identified including the lack of a shelter for single homeless women, car homeless having no where to park safely and legally, and homeless veterans. The city has taken action to address all these gaps of service. We supported the Homeless Challenge (area cities contributed $1/resident), which provided seed money to new and innovative programs like the Gathering for Women, One Starfish, and IHELP for Women. We identified [response ended here because it exceeded the 200 word count limit] |
I'm proud of all my accomplishments as a husband, father, 31-year educator, city council member. If I had to choose one proud accomplishment in my life, it would be the way those accomplishments were met, through teamwork, cooperation, compromise, a lot of listening to other points of view, and determine what direction is best for all involved. |
Background |
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| Alan Haffa | Dan Albert | |
| Occupation | Professor | Retired Educator |
| Years Lived in Area | 17 | 62 |
| Education | Ph.D. in Comparative Literature | Monterey Peninsula College: AA General Studies San Jose State University: BA Industrial Technology, minor in Social Studies, with Teaching Credential San Jose State University: MA Educational Leadership with Administrative Services Credential |
| Experience | 23 years as an English professor, 8 years as a city councilmember, and 3 years as an MPUSD school board member. | Currently, I'm a member of the City of Monterey's City Council and an active board member of the following organizations: 1. Monterey Peninsula Waste Management District 2. Monterey Salinas Transit: Board Chairperson 3. Seaside Groundwater Basin Watermasters 4. Monterey Regional Taxi Authority 5. Lyceum of Monterey County: Board President I'm currently a member of the following public committees: 1. Monterey Peninsula College Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee 2. New Monterey Business Association, City of Monterey Representative |
| Hunter Garrison, Gabriela Chavez, and Zoe Carter did not respond. |