Monterey County Supervisors ok farm worker housing

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors have unanimously approved the controversial farm worker housing in Spreckels. This vote comes more than a month after the Planning Commission also unanimously approved the Tanimura and Antle project.

The 100 two-bedroom, two-bathroom units would house up to 800 employees during the harvest season, between April and November. It would be a mix of domestic and H-2A visa workers. The project would also have recreational facilities and a store.

It hasn’t been without controversy. A Spreckels resident, on behalf of his neighbors, filed an appeal against the Planning Commission’s decision. Attorney Bill Parkin and other neighbors voiced concerns about the environmental impact, especially because Spreckels’ population could double during harvest season.

“Doubling the population of Spreckels,” Parkin explained, “Even more than doubling the town of Spreckels will have an environmental impact.”

Staff members say their concerns are unwarranted because existing infrastructure would not be impacted. However, some supervisors voiced concerns and decided to periodically check in on the project once it is up and running.

The Monterey County Farm Bureau voiced its support, saying high housing costs are the reason our area is seeing a farmer worker shortage. They also believe in worker equality.

“We need to be fair and treat all of our workers fairly,” said Norm Groot of the Farm Bureau. “That means when they do come here, they have an adequate place to stay.”

Ahead of the meeting, Tanimura and Antle brought in two busloads of their employees. Some 50 of them, all there to show their support for the project, including field worker Marlene Garza.

“The rent is pretty expensive,” said Garza. “And if you find, then you have to go into a room, not only the room, 3-4 persons but the showers too and wait for the water to reheat up. And, it’s very hard, you know.”

Garza and dozens of others cheered as the Board of Supervisors made their decisions. Though it wasn’t easy for some residents to accept, Parkin says he and his clients will try to work with T & A to make sure this project serves as a positive example for others communities.

“Doing it right means it will not only be beneficial for this project but for other projects because then this project can then be pointed to as a success story,” Parkin said. “But if this project is ill conceived and ill planned, then it hurts all other valuable projects.”

Neighbors really want to work out the issues regarding the wastewater facility, traffic and parking, even possible overcrowding at local schools. The housing project could open as early as next April.