Salinas City council members look for input ahead of oversized parking vote

A big vote coming Tuesday on a controversial topic. Oversized vehicles parked on Salinas city streets.

Salinas could soon pass an ordinance prohibiting the practice, but some on the council want to look at other solutions as well.

That ordinance prohibits parking of oversized vehicles on city streets, roads, alleys and other public spaces.

Though the city council votes Tuesday, Monday night’s meeting was all about finding solutions.

The Central Coast faces a major housing crisis and with it, a large homeless population.

Many living in RV’s, but where those homes are parked has been controversial.

“There’s a lot of homeowners that are complaining with good reason,” Salinas City Councilman Tony Barrera said, ” ‘Hey there’s an RV parked in front of our house or in our block, spilling oil or spilling human waste.'”

Before the council voted on an ordinance that would stop the practice, two council members, Tony Barrera and Steve McShane wanted to hear from the public.

“It’s not about shouting or people against other people, it’s about coming up with some solutions,” Barrera said.

Many of those living these vehicles, say they’re open to finding solutions too.

“Let’s find a piece of property or something, a space that’s open that we could use that someone could donate for us,” said Diana Blaylock.

“We need some land, otherwise people are just going to gravitate,” Barrera said, “If they’re told to move, they’re going to move to another neighborhood and it’s causing a big problem in our neighborhoods.”

Both councilmen say there’s hope for a solution, but also say it’s only part of the work that still needs to be done.

“We’re not going to solve all the issues but the more attention and the more input, ultimately brings more solutions,” McShane said.