Local market faces uncertain future because of Highway 101 construction

A local deli faces an uncertain future because of the Prunedale Improvement Project along Highway 101. The Prunedale Market and Deli has been in business for nearly ten years but the owner feels his business’s days are numbered.
Despite having some warning, Martin Munoz says he’s in a state of shock. While he’s concerned about his business closing, he’s worried how keeping it open could affect the neighborhood he lives and works in.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Munoz said. “I’m going to wait and see how it all plays out.”
Today construction crews began tearing up the asphalt from Highway 101 into his driveway. Customers are now having to detour around a residential neighborhood.
“We have to go around Orchard Lane and through people’s neighborhoods to park,” Rick Cremona said. “Park in front of somebody’s house to get a good meal.”
Clogging up neighborhood streets poses its own safety issues.
“There’s a lot of kids that play around here,” Richard Hidalgo, a neighbor said. “A lot of traffic around here, which would be really bad.”
We asked the ‘Transportation Agency for Monterey County’ about the increase in traffic on the narrow roadway. While they acknowledge there will be more volume, they hope drivers and neighbors adjust.
“It’ll be a learning curve for that,” Grant Leonard with TAMC explains, “As people and residents adjust, but we’re hoping it works out for the business and residents.”
Munoz is hoping the changes will work out for his business also, and if his regulars are any indication —
“People will still come here,” Cremona said. “They’ll just go on another route to get in and off the highway.”
“I’m in a holding pattern,” Munoz said. “I’m gonna wait it out for a couple of months and see how well my business does.”
While he does anticipate having to eventually close, Munoz is already believing something bigger.
“I’m sure they’ll be another door that’ll open up,” Munoz said. “I’m hoping there’s a bigger door about to open when this little door closes.”
In the meantime, customers can still get to the Prunedale Market and Deli from two other routes.

By Reese Circle:
• Exit right onto Reese Circle
• Turn left onto Cross Road
• Turn left onto Pollock Lane
• Turn left onto Orchard Lane

By Pesante Road:
• Exit right onto Pesante Road
• Turn Right on Pollock Lane
• Turn Right on Orchard Lane