DEL MONTE / MONTEREY — October 30, 2026. The Monterey City Council has approved a set of changes to the public-facing landscape and outdoor spaces at Del Monte Center, a major retail destination used by residents throughout the Monterey Peninsula. At its August 18, 2026 meeting, the council adopted Resolution No. 26-117 C.S. approving amendments to the center’s shopping-center plan and applications ARP-26-0068 and ART-26-0107. The formal item covered landscaping, outdoor amenities and lighting.
The approval is a planning decision, not proof that new gardens, lights or seating areas have already been installed. The city minutes do not supply a verified construction start date or a completion date for every proposed element. Shoppers and residents should distinguish the design approval from actual work on the property.
What the council decided
According to the city’s August 18 council minutes, the council held a public hearing on changes to the center’s landscaping and exterior amenities. Principal Planner Roveri presented the application and answered questions. Mike Meyers of Lifescapes International and Justin Hodge-Lininger of Federal Realty Investment Trust presented for the applicant.
Councilmembers spoke favorably about reducing concrete surfaces and restoring a more natural appearance with suitable plantings. The minutes record a particular discussion of whether the project should use certain types of artificial-turf infill, including materials with styrene-butadiene rubber. Councilmembers voiced environmental concerns and mentioned cork-based alternatives. City staff explained that the approval’s conditions would allow some minor material substitutions at staff level.
That discussion should not be misreported as a finding that artificial turf has already contaminated groundwater or the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The council minutes document environmental concerns and a request to consider alternative materials; they do not provide water-testing results or establish an unlawful discharge.
The vote and its meaning
The recorded motion was made by Councilmember Barber and seconded by Councilmember Smith. The council voted 5–0 to adopt Resolution 26-117 C.S. The city identified the application as exempt from further CEQA review under provisions governing existing facilities and certain minor alterations. An exemption determination does not mean a project can disregard its permits or local conditions.
The council’s approval relates to Del Monte Center’s existing shopping-center development. It is not an announcement that a new shopping center will be built, that all stores are changing ownership, or that current tenants must close. Anyone reporting specific impacts on a particular retailer or walkway would need a separate tenant notice or construction schedule.
What neighbors should watch
Outdoor space and landscape improvements can affect pedestrians, parking circulation, shade, water use and the appearance of a large commercial site. Questions for the owner and city include which hardscape areas will actually change, whether seating and accessible routes will be added, how plant selections will be irrigated, and what materials will ultimately be installed in any artificial-turf areas.
Residents can request the approved plan sheets and conditions by citing ARP-26-0068, ART-26-0107, and Resolution No. 26-117 C.S. to Monterey Community Development. For up-to-date construction impacts, check the center’s own property announcements and signs at the site rather than assuming the city hearing established work dates.
Official primary sources: City of Monterey — August 18, 2026 council minutes, item 10; City of Monterey — public hearing agenda and application identifiers. Reported October 30, 2026. California58 has not verified completion of the approved improvements or selected the final landscape materials.
Corrections and documented construction updates: California58 Newsroom.
Featured photograph: illustrative retail-district streetscape by David Vives / Unsplash. It does not show Del Monte Center, the approved landscaping, or construction completed under Resolution 26-117 C.S.
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