Del Rey Oaks targeted in possibility of new access to Monterey Regional Airport

The Monterey Regional Airport is small, with few ways in and out. When it’s busy, traffic can back up into the Casanova Oak Knoll neighborhood in Monterey.

One of the airport’s proposed solutions is to use Del Rey Gardens Drive. This road in Del Rey Oaks is now the focus of the airport’s environmental impact report. The plan didn’t get much attention until the airport asked for public input, last week. This is when opinions started to fly.

Del Rey Oaks’ city manager, Dino Pick, said it’s to his understanding Del Rey Gardens Drive would provide unrestricted access to the airport. “The general plan of the City of Del Rey Oaks prohibits a north side access road. Our residents, as well as city council, have significant concerns about increased traffic, increased noise, and the impact on the quality of life for our residents,” said Pick.

Down the road, in Monterey, the idea of a new access road is exciting. City manager, Hans Uslar, hopes the new plan would reduce current congestion seen in Casanova Oak Knoll neighborhood. Airport Road, which runs through the neighborhood, currently provides one of the few ways for workers to get to the airport. “Of course its problematic if you have industrial traffic and commercial traffic going through a neighborhood area where people live, have retired, where you have children play,” said Uslar.

Before going down any new road, Monterey, Del Rey Oaks, and Monterey Regional Airport will have to come to an agreement.

The plans for another access road are only in the preliminary stages, right now. The airport has to review public opinion before coming to any decision.