Water Wars Hit Carmel Assisted Living Facility: View From A Caregiver Serving Carmel, Carmel-by-the-

sea, Gilroy, Hollister, King City, Marina, Monterey, Salinas and Soledad

After a long battle, the new 78-bed senior facility called Cottages of Carmel, which is not too far from the
offices of Family inHome Caregiving, were approved, albeit with a few caveats.  Water is tight in the area,
and many residents had complained because the Planning Commission inadvertently approved a building
permit for the project without a previously approved condition which included a grey water system
designed to conserve water.  County building services director Tim McCormich was dismissed two weeks
ago and County Supervisor Dave Potter indicated that it was linked to the error in approving the building
permit without the grey water provision.  The Board of Supervisor's on April 26 unanimously denied an
appeal by the Carmel Valley Association which had asked that the facility be downsized to 56 beds.  They
did not impose the grey water system but instead imposed an annual water monitoring program when it
hits 60% of its approved water usage.  When it reaches 90%, the owners will have to start implementing
measures such as reducing the number of occupants and removing an on-site laundry facility.  The ruling
was a relief to developer Don Houpt, who was at risk of defaulting on a $22 million loan if he was forced
to halt construction on the project.  I have lived on the Monterey Peninsula for decades and am constantly
amazed by the fact that there are huge water wars that brew over new projects like this while giant golf
courses and homes laden with luscious gardens spring up around them. It's good to see that we will have
more facilities for the burgeoning senior population in the area--hopefully they won't be chastised for
using too much water!
 
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