Salinas reveals downtown vibrancy plans calling for big updates
The heart of Salinas is about to undergo some big changes. City leaders unveiled their downtown vibrancy plan today, after 18 months of behind-the-scenes work with investors. On Tuesday, NewsChannel 5 spoke with business owners on main street who said it’s time for a new look.
It’s been 12 years since Frank Savino opened Aquablue with his wife in downtown Salinas.
“People thought we were crazy when we actually decided to do it here in Oldtown,” Savino said.
Savino said he thinks they made the right choice. Not only has his business grown, but he’s watched new restaurants and shops pop up on Main Street, and now the city’s bigger plan is taking shape.
One highlight of the plan that’s already underway is the development of what will be the new Taylor Farms headquarters.
The Salinas Downtown Vibrancy Plan promises a new look for the area with open spaces, more pedestrian paths and mixed-used buildings. Council member Steve McShane said there are signs the plan is already underway.
“The cool thing about this document is that it’s already taking effect, collect dust,” McShane said.
McShane said over the last 10 years, more than $100 million has been invested into Oldtown and over the next five years at least $50 million more.
“People are invested in this plan, not just from a ‘this is where we want to go perspective,’ but there’s money, there’s a lot of money in it, and I think that marks a new direction for Salinas,” McShane said.
That’s a direction Savino said he saw many years ago.
“The whole area is really starting to see a renaissance, and we’re happy to be a part of that,” Savino said.
City leaders said it calls for bold, new attractions with the hope of drawing visitors to downtown businesses with a safe, clean and relaxing environment.
The city said it plans to focus on new policies and capital improvement through mixed-use projects, market-rate housing and structured parking.
