Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/357002
our automotive heritage." The property was deeded to Monterey by the U.S. Army several years ago. Recently, requests for proposals were sent to developers nationwide. "Our council has been thinking about what to do with that prop- erty for a long time and Don came to us with this vision," Rerig says. "It's an exciting concept." A key part of DBO's proposal is a promise to set aside 24 acres to be utilized as public facilities such as baseball dia- monds and other year- round sports facilities. "We will develop that open space on an at-cost basis," Orosco main- tains. That will allow for a cohesive, seamless design motif with the adjacent commercial com- ponents of the project. There are also sound- stage facilities for film and television production on the drawing board. The site itself is ideal. It affords easy access to both Highways 68 and 1, the Monterey Peninsula Airpor t and the aforementioned Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca; it's relatively level, obviating the need for extensive grading, and— perhaps most importantly, the parcel comes with that most precious of California commodi- ties, water. "Ryan Ranch is out of water," Orosco asserts. That means that further development is limited. "But our water comes from the Army. Sixty-five acre-feet were deeded to the city with the proper ty." Why build such an ambitious project here? Orosco believes that it will help cement the r e p u t a t i o n o f t h e Monterey Peninsula as a major player on the world motor sport stage—not that it isn't already. "When Europeans think of American racing, they think 'Monterey.' We tend to take this resource for granted, but the rest of the world holds it in great esteem." Motor Sports Monterey could be a fine addition to the already-vibrant local automotive community while providing much-needed jobs and tax rev- enues to the region. Rerig agrees. "We're look- ing forward to seeing this project develop." 172 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 4 When Motor Sports Monterey becomes reality, Peninsula residents can look forward to hear- ing more automotive music such as that put out by this supercharged Ford Flathead engine. 'I'm lucky that I've been able to com- bine my occupation with my hobby. I love both these things in my life: development and racing.' — Don Orosco Food & drink package: $15 per person Must be 21 to consume alcohol. music - food - wine - dance Ocean Avenue & Mission Street • Carmel-by-the-Sea Summer Live Music 5:00 - 7:00 pm Jul 25 - Sept 26 E v e r y F r i d a y 7/25 Nu-Horizon Grasing's Restaurant/Wrath Wines 8/1 Steve Ezzo & The Monterey Bay All Stars featuring Neal Banks Bistro Beaujolais/Hahn's Family Wines 8/8 The IPOs Patisserie Boissiere/Estancia Winery 8/15 Red Beans & Rice 400˚Gourmet Burgers & Fries/Blair Estate 8/22 Terry Shehorn & The Hornets Jack London/Windy Oaks Vineyards 8/29 The IPOs Basil/Otter Cove Wines & Joullian Vineyards 9/5 Steve Ezzo & The Monterey Bay All Stars featuring Neal Banks St. Tropez/Joyce Vineyards 9/12 Red Beans & Rice Il Fornaio/Dawn's Dream Winery & Galante Vineyards 9/19 Nu-Horizon Anton & Michel/Cima Collina 9/26 The Money Band The Forge/Manzoni Cellars & Carmel Road Ocean Avenue & Mission St. • 831.624.1385 CarmelPlaza.com Taste premier regional wines and appetizers from local gourmet restaurants.