Monterey to address Wharf “overcrowding”

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV)

The City of Monterey says they have heard the complaints loud and clear.

In a news release Thursday afternoon, the city says the City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss and consider "potential solutions that may be able to reduce overcrowding" on Municipal Wharf 1, also known as Fisherman’s Wharf. 

Ideas put forward by the city on Thursday include:

• Capping the number of visitors
• Reservation-based access

The City writes that residents and wharf visitors have reported concerns about the number of people on the wharf at a time. Right now, there is a face covering order, but people are still being seen close together - against recommended social distancing guidelines.

“Protecting public health and reducing the spread of Covid-19 is our number one priority,” City Manager Hans Uslar said in the news release.  “Recent posts on various social media outlets as well as emails received by staff and Council amplify our need to discuss this matter with the City Council.”

This is a developing story.