Carmel Canine Sports Center rejected by board of supervisors
UPDATE 10/27/15: The Monterey County Board of Supervisors rejected the Carmel Canine Sports Center Tuesday.
The decision came after more than 3 hours of back and forth on the project. Supervisors heard from county staff, the applicants, and the two organizations who recently filed appeals. They also listened to a number of community members on both sides of the debate.
“I absolutely think there is a need,” Carmel Valley resident Dawn Poston said. “You know, we have places for bikes and horses… places for the cars, everything. We don’t have a dedicated place for the dogs. I for one don’t take my dogs to Carmel Beach because there are too many out of control dogs there.”
“The applicant tells us the dogs are very quiet when there are dog events,” Carmel Valley resident Ann Mahoney said. “But our experience is to the contrary. The people hoot and holler to encourage their dogs. But actually this isn’t about dogs. It’s about zoning, government transparency and the traffic on our roads in Carmel Valley.”
The project also included plans for special events 24 days per year, with up to 70 RVs.
This was another part of the project that received a lot of resistance.
In the end, supervisors agreed it’s just not a good fit.
The board will meet again on Dec. 15 to formally review the denial.
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The debate over a controversial dog park project slated for Carmel Valley is heating up this week. On Tuesday, those behind the Carmel Canine Sports Complex may learn the fate of their plans when the Monterey County Board of Supervisors take up the issue. The board is expecting such a large turnout for tomorrow’s public comment, it is actually opening up an overflow room.
In August, the county’s Planning Commission unanimously ok’ed the 47-acre complex off of Valley Greens Drive. Commission Chair Martha Diehl recused herself from the vote because she is a partner in the project. Other partners say the Sports Center is the first of its kind in the country.
“It is a club for people to come and have fun with their dogs and specifically off leash so they can actually exercise the dogs,” Ken Ekelund said.
But not everyone’s tail is wagging. Two organizations, the Quail Lodge and Friends of the Quail have filed appeals on the project, citing several concerns including zoning and traffic. Opponents are also upset over the possibility of allowing RV’s during special events. The Canine Sports Center says events would be limited to 24 days per year with no more than 250 total on the site at any time.
“The Carmel Valley Association also analyzed the traffic trips and said it would create a dangerous condition at the intersection with people trying to pull out of Valley Greens Drive onto Carmel Valley Road,” said attorney Anthony Lombardo.
Ekelund says he has tried to work on a compromise with the groups, but to no avail. Now the matter will be in the hands of the Monterey County Supervisors. Supervisor Simon Salinas says he and other supervisors are looking at this controversial project with a fresh pair of eyes.
“We look at our the staff reports, the applicant’s presentation, the opponent’s presentation, public testimony, and the board will deliberate and hopefully make a decision tomorrow,” Supervisor Salinas said.
Staff recommendations include upholding the Planning Commission’s decision and denying the appeals. There has been word of a lawsuit, but Lombardo has not spoken to his clients about it.
PREVIOUS STORY: A controversial dog park, slated to be built in Carmel Valley, is being appealed by a group of people who oppose it.
According to CarmelCanineSports.com, the park is designed to offer an athletic club environment for dogs and their owners.
On Tuesday, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors will review the appeal of the project, after it was approved in August.
NewsChannel 5 is taking a look at all sides of the issue. This story will be updated.
