SHOWDOWN OVER RESORT PROJECT IN MONTEREY

Sources: various

May 11, 1999
Ed Ghandour, the man whose invention of the Yo Ball -- a spring-loaded yo-yo that always returns to the hand -- made him a millionaire in the early 1980s, intends to erect a giant beachfront hotel and condominium complex along Monterey Bay, resurrecting a longstanding battle over the area's future.

The $90 million Monterey Bay Shores resort in tiny Sand City could be the first development built on the city's 1 1/2-mile shore and may bring the city $500,000 to $1 million in badly needed tax revenues.

But conservationists and others say it will forever mar Highway 1 ocean views and hinder efforts to restore dune habitat. The California Coastal Commission staff has recommended against it, and the Sierra Club has sued alleging the project violates the state Coastal Act. Said Keith Sugar, a Santa Cruz city councilman and lawyer representing the Sierra Club. "It's completely inappropriate for that area. This is a view-shed of statewide significance."

Ghandour maintains that his resort will blend with the scenery and will not spoil the views. "We believe we've addressed all of the concerns," Ghandour said.

The project calls for a 495-unit resort built on 39 acres of beach once used as a sand mine and now zoned for up to 650 units. The property is bounded to the north by the shore of the former Fort Ord, and to the south by an old municipal dump. Both are being restored for use as public beaches.

The resort would cover 13 acres and rise four to seven stories. It would include a 217-room hotel, 133 condominiums, 100 time-share units and 45 rental condos. Also in the plan are a restaurant and bar, conference center, tennis courts, pool and spa.

Environmentalists and Ghandour are headed for a showdown over the project May 13 before the Coastal Commission, which will meet in Santa Rosa. If the commission approves it, the project may proceed unless a judge issues an injunction.