General questions

What is Tarpy Flats?
Tarpy Flats is in an unincorporated, historically significant, and ecologically vital open space in Monterey. It is one of Monterey’s last untouched treasures—rich in native wildlife, federally protected plant species, and panoramic views, it represents one of the last remaining undeveloped marine terraces in the Monterey Peninsula region. It has diverse habitats, including riparian zones, oak woodlands, and grasslands. The area serves as a wildlife corridor, connecting protected lands such as Fort Ord National Monument and Jacks Peak County Park.

Where exactly is Tarpy Flats?
Tarpy Flats is located next to Monterey Regional Airport, east of Olmsted Road, between Highway 68 and Via Malpaso Road.

Why is Tarpy Flats in danger?
Monterey County is proposing a large high-density housing development on Tarpy Flats as part of its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) plan. The plan allows for 725 housing units. Eighty percent of the units will be for market-rate housing, and only 20% will be for affordable housing. This large-scale, high-density housing development threatens to replace open land with roads, buildings, and heavy infrastructure.

Additionally, the City of Monterey’s housing plan proposes the development of 614 homes on the property across from Tarpy’s restaurant, which is owned by the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. In a December 3rd lawsuit filed by the Save Tarpy Flats Consortium, the consortium claims that the development does not comply with California law.

Isn’t more housing needed in the area?
Yes, we need affordable housing – but the City and the County are proposing to use Tarpy Flats to build nearly 1,100 market rate units.   

Are you completely against development?
No. We advocate for thoughtful, community-led planning that respects local character and environmental constraints.

The development

Who is behind the proposed project?
Developer Brad Salma and the Saucito Land Company.

What are the concerns with this proposal?
Concerns with this high density proposal include:

• Strain on local roads and infrastructure
• Environmental degradation
• Increased fire risk
• Threats to wildlife habitats
• Lack of meaningful County transparency for community input

Has the county already approved the project?
No. The county will be voting to add the 725 units to their RHNA plan which will pave the way for subsequent approval of an actual project proposal once it is submitted to the county.

Environmental concerns

What environmental impacts are expected?
There is a loss of open space, habitat fragmentation, increased water usage, fire danger, and pollution from traffic and construction.

Will wildlife be affected?
Yes. Tarpy Flats provides important habitat for deer, bobcats, birds, and other native species. Overdevelopment threatens these ecosystems.

Has an environmental review been conducted?
An EIR has not yet been filed.

How to help

What can I do to support the effort?
There are so many ways you can help!

• Donate
• Sign up for updates
• Attend public meetings
• Write letters to officials
• Follow us and share our message on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor)

Where can I donate?
Visit our Donate page to contribute via GiveSendGo, Zelle or learn about offline donation options.

Is there a minimum donation?
No. Every contribution helps, no matter the size.

How are donations used?
Funds help us retain legal counsel, traffic consultants, environmental experts, and more to press a strong, credible case.

Can I volunteer?
Yes! We always seek help with outreach, event support, research, and more. Contact us and let us know you’re looking to help.  

Can I put up a yard sign or poster?
Yes—reach out through our contact form or social media to request a sign.  

Advocacy

How do I talk to friends and neighbors about this?
Stick to the facts, emphasize local control, and frame the issue as about protecting Monterey’s future.  

Will my support really make a difference?
Absolutely. Community pressure influences decisions—especially at the local level.

Is there a petition I can sign?
Instead of signing a petition, it is more effective to write to your local supervisor.

Legal and financial

Is Save Tarpy Flats a nonprofit?
Yes—we are registered as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization.

Are donations tax-deductible?
No. Under IRS rules, 501(c)(4) donations are not tax-deductible.