Bringing businesses to the Monterey Waterfront

A new plan to keep and attract businesses along the waterfront in Monterey is moving forward, according to Monterey Mayor Clyde Roberson.

Monterey’s Waterfront Master Plan has been in the works for about six years now and could bring some noticeable changes down the line.

Just as the official plan is beginning, Daniel Peron and “Crepes of Brittany’s” relationship with the Fisherman’s Wharf is coming to end.

“Wish we could stay on the wharf,” said Peron, “but we got to look at the future.”

Peron has been running the shop for six years, but after paying month-to-month rent for at least six months, he says he needs something more certain.

“We have a family, we have a mortgage,” added Peron. “We need something more secure for the future.”

In an effort to keep businesses like “Crepes of Brittany” from moving off the wharf, The City of Monterey has approved the plan, but it doesn’t just involve the wharf.

The new planaffects the west end of San Carlos Beach to the eastern end of Monterey Bay Park.

“It let’s businesses be businesses and it guarantees people will still have access to their waterfront,” said Mayor Roberson.

“It is a done deal, we are all breathing a collective sigh of relief,” added Roberson.

The plan has many parts, in fact it is about 80 pages long, but it essentially focuses on five main elements: Fewer permit approvals for businesses, space usage in the waterfront areas, how pedestrians navigate to area, environmental changes and parking.

But it may take a while for residents and visitors to notice a difference.

“You probably won’t see immediate changes, said Mayor Roberson, “but now you go to the city, you get an approval and you are done.”

The plan does offer some parking problems, which is a big concern for businesses and residents alike.

According to the mayor, right now the plan calls for the elimination of about 100 parking spots, but Mayor Roberson says that portion of the plan is not set in stone.

“In my mind, you keep the parking that you have,” said Roberson. “You don’t want to park two or three miles away. You need to be able to park in order to enjoy your waterfront.”

Mayor Roberson also adds that the parking issue should be worked out in the next city council meeting.

But a new “business” friendly plan aside, it is too late from Peron and his shop. They aren’t leaving Monterey. They have found a new home renting from the Portola Hotel & Spa, but they are leaving the wharf.