Villa Del Monte’s Two Traffic-Calming Phases Target Casa Verde, Encina, Garden and Palo Verde: $534,723 in Old Project Balances

VILLA DEL MONTE, Monterey — October 29, 2026. Two stages of a planned traffic-calming program on Garden, Encina, Casa Verde and Palo Verde streets appeared together in Monterey’s early-2026 review of older neighborhood capital funds. The January 21 NCIP packet listed $359,754 for Phase I (NCP2532) and $174,969 for Phase II (NCP2525). The combined historical available balances were $534,723; that amount is not a new October construction award.

Phase I: medians and pavement treatments

Phase I proposes a partial median on Garden Road at Palo Verde Avenue and a separate partial median on Encina Avenue at Palo Verde. The project card also mentions pavement treatment at Casa Verde and Monte Vista. The detailed design and effects on turning movements would require professional review; the January budget inventory does not establish that all features were installed.

Phase II: a different intersection

Phase II focuses on Casa Verde Avenue at Encina Avenue, proposing a curb extension and pavement treatment. It is not a duplicate cost estimate for the Phase I medians. Neighbors should ask separately whether each location received a final traffic-control design and how access would be maintained if the projects proceed.

The distinction between balances and completed work

The January NCIP Committee review concerned earlier projects that might be considered for funding reallocation while Monterey addressed a structural deficit. Those balances were not an announcement of road closures or a statement that both phases had been built. In that packet, Phase I showed 88 votes and ranking 32, and Phase II 94 votes and ranking 25 from their previous selection process.

The two phases also differ from the newer $300,000 Casa Verde underpass nomination, which city staff criticized because earlier underpass work already existed. Keeping these initiatives distinct prevents residents from counting overlapping estimates as guaranteed funding.

Official source: City of Monterey NCIP January 21, 2026 agenda and project cards No. 30 and 34 (NCP2525, NCP2532). Monterey’s agenda portal is the place to check later action.

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