Central Coasting: Soledad eyes development

There are two spots on Soledad’s wish list for development, and one of them gives some people the creeps. Los Coches adobe was originally used in the 1800s as a stage coach station, but its doors have been boarded up for years.

“Inside, there’s a ghost and she looks weird,” said Soledad resident Alejandra Angel de la Rosa. “When you go inside it’s going to be scary.”

That’s one theory, but preservationist Mike Dawson has actually been inside and says aside from the rats and bats, the place has potential to be a great addition to Soledad.

“I think it would be a great site for development and if the city could see their way clear to putting some money into it I think it would be a big pay back,” said Dawson.

Dawson estimates it would cost nearly $2 million to revitalize the structure, a price the city can’t afford but has already designed plans for the property.

Paraiso Hot Springs is another place Soledad would like to revive. In the early 1900s, it was definitely the place to be, with a mineral pool and palm trees everywhere. A developer leveled the property In 2003, and today a fence restricts public access.

The owners of the former hot springs hope to build a new world class resort and hotel on the site within 2 years, but some neighbors living west of Soledad object.

“We’re country people,” said Judy Berti. “We like it country out here. I wish them the very best, but I just pray that they do something with the road and it won’t be traffic for us.”

Soledad Mayor Fred Ledesma says increased traffic will bring money to the city and spur growth.

“The whole thing in South Monterey County and not just Soledad (is) you have to have a change in attitude,” he said. “People sometimes say, but you’re Soledad! What makes you think you can do that? I’m a pretty confident guy that there is a lot of other people that feel the same way. New people, new type of tourists, new type of economy in South Monterey County and I believe that we are going to see some positive things happen.”