Spreckels migrant housing plan approved by MoCo Planning Commission

A controversial housing project got the green light from the Monterey County Planning Commission on Wednesday. The commission approved a migrant housing project consisting of eight units, slated to be built in Spreckels.

Agriculture giant Tanimura and Antle presented its housing plan for nearly 800 employees, some who would be contracted from Mexico.

Residents said doubling the population of the small town raises concerns about public safety, traffic congestion and water.

“Spreckels does not have the infrastructure, medical services, retail shopping or other amenities necessary to support this many people,” an anonymous Spreckels resident said.

“This is agricultural worker housing with quality, and the type of amenities that any, any employee should have. This is model that will continue. It will be a model that will be taken into consideration as new workforce housing in the agricultural community takes place,” migrant camp supporter Carlos Ramos said.

Tanimura and Antle said the majority of its workers would be bused to work and the migrant camp property would have soccer and softball fields, an indoor gym and a convenience store. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors will also need to approve the project.