In September, California State University, Monterey Bay’s (CSUMB) Campus Planning and Development team proposed the 2nd Avenue project, which aimed to provide needed housing and services for the campus and community.
This proposal for the northwest corner of the university, called for multifamily rental housing with campus-serving amenities such as open space, innovation space, trail connections, retail space and a student-focused “campus corner.”
On Jan. 23, an email was sent to faculty and staff stating an analysis had shown the project was deemed not to have sufficient funds and wasn’t a campus priority. The email said growing enrollment was the priority.
Glen R. Nelson, vice president of Administration and Finance and CFO and executive director of the University Corporation, said it had been valuable to explore the opportunity.
“We appreciate the time and effort of all who worked on the proposal and express our gratitude to the faculty, staff, students and community members for your comments and input regarding the possible use of this vital university asset,” Nelson wrote.
Some felt the development would have benefitted the campus as a whole.
“As currently proposed, 10% of the 120-170 units, depending on the ultimate concept, would be prioritized for the campus community and offered at approximately 20% below the market rate,” according to the CSUMB website.
“The campus-designated units would increase the on-campus multifamily housing count from approximately 1,200 currently in East Campus to 1,320-1,370 units.”
By adding units, CSUMB would be able to provide accommodation for roughly 75% of the anticipated staff and faculty population, an increase of 10% over what is suggested in the Campus Master Plan.
An additional 10% of the housing was planned for the senior community.
Seniors were encouraged to participate in and support the campus by enrolling in classes and taking advantage of the theater, conferences, lecturers, Otter athletics events and Monterey Bay Football Club games.
“CSUMB is open to pursuing an appropriate and beneficial development of the site in the future. In the meantime, CSUMB has let community partners use the lot and will continue to do so,” said CSUMB spokesperson Walter Ryce.
“Most recently, it was used to stage PG&E, CalTrans and emergency vehicles and crews during the atmospheric rain storms and the AT&T Pro-Am golf tournament used it as a shuttle bus stop to transport attendees to and from the golf tournament,” Ryce said.
The development parcel for the project is a 72-acre site bordered by 2nd Avenue to the west, 8th Street to the north, 4th Avenue to the east and into a portion of unused space south of 5th Street.