Carmel-by-the-Sea's Long-Term "Carmel Camouflage" Porta-Potties vs. Permanent Restrooms

 
Sunset Center Parking Lot Porta-Potty
Location: N.W. Corner of Parking Lot, San Carlos St. & 8th Av. 

“...obviously there’s a need there for something...And we don’t have a lot to offer in that regard.” (Mayor Sue McCloud on the lack of public restrooms inCarmel-by-the-Sea, “Sunset Center parking lot porta-potty spells relief for tourists,” The Carmel Pine Cone, September 1, 2006.)

Apparently, as a result of complaints to Mayor Sue McCloud and “city hall,” Mayor McCloud “ordered the toilet,” a long-term “Carmel camouflage” porta-potty installed in the north Sunset Center lot at Mission St. & 8th Avenue.

For a one industry village based solely on tourism, with “up to 2 million visitors” per year, to have only 3 city-owned public permanent restrooms is vastly inadequate. The Carmel-by-the-Sea General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan, Coastal Access and Recreation Element states “Provide adequate facilities that will serve the needs of the public,...” (G4-3). And “Retain the current second restroom facility at Santa Lucia Avenue until it can be replaced by a permanent site. Remove this facility upon construction of one or more additional permanent restrooms south of Eighth Avenue. (LUP)” (P4-41) But, according the Mary Brownfield’s reporting, “city officials” have said “someday” they intend to build a permanent restroom at Santa Lucia Avenue.

In the last triennial budget deliberations, the City Council committed the city to record expenditures for the promotion of tourism, yet apparently City Council Members do not regard the immediate building of permanent restrooms as a priority. Aesthetics and providing adequate restrooms facilities for visitors and residents alike dictates that the “Carmel camouflage” porta-potta at Scenic Road and Santa Lucia Avenue be replaced by a permanent restroom and another permanent restroom be built near Eighth Avenue as soon as possible. Anything less is reprehensible and irresponsible.


Reference:
Carmel by-the-Sea
General Plan

General Plan/Coastal Land Use Plan Coastal Access and Recreation Element
Goals, Objectives and Policies
Beach Access

Recreation and Support Facilities

G4-3 Provide adequate facilities that will serve the needs of the public, mitigate damage to the environment, and respect the neighborhood. (LUP)

P4-41 Retain the current second restroom facility at Santa Lucia Avenue until it can be replaced by a permanent site. Remove this facility upon construction of one or more additional permanent restrooms south of Eighth Avenue. (LUP)