Monterey County hears public outcry against buying new building

On Thursday night, Monterey County leaders listened to public input as the future of the vacant Capital One building is being discussed. Several business associations have asked for that public opinion as the county considers moving a large portion of its operations to that building. Some said they’re worried it could send Salinas’ economy into a downward spiral.

The old Capital One building, known now as the Schilling Place building, is in south Salinas. Now that it’s up for sale, the county said considering buying it. But with a lot of loud protest, we found out the county is pledging to do what’s in the best interest of downtown Salinas

“If we had hundreds of employees move out of this area, it would drastically affect not only our association and our members. But the property owners, there would be less store fronts,” said Jessica McKillip with the Oldtown Salinas Business Association.

McKillip said most downtown businesses survive on the dollars coming from county employees. So far, the county said it’s required to negotiate behind closed doors. But at Thursday night’s public discussion, community leaders like Salinas Councilmember Tony Barrera, took the opportunity to tell the county it’s going about it the wrong way.

“People are not going to trust us anymore because they feel we’re up to something. We’re not just a private business, we’re a people business. I think it’s important we get the public on board first,” Barrera said.

Part of the plan is to get the district attorney’s office out of these portables and into a building that’s more functional. The county also said there’s not even enough parking for county employees and people who use county services.

The county said it plans to make it a transparent process, following three requirements:

-Make financial sense

-Save taxpayers money over time

-Give the county a chance to improve its services.

“The county has been committed to working with the city of Salinas on downtown. We will continue to do that. The county will not abandon downtown Salinas,” said Benny Young, Director of the Resource Management Agency.

A final decision won’t be made until the Monterey County Board of Supervisors takes a look at all the options and items to consider.

The county said it’s also looking at using one of the historic East-West building, near the courthouse. Young said either option may allow the county to move some of its offices to a better location and reduce the number of leases it currently manages.