”
Hey Red Phone, there’s a lot on the southwest corner of Monterey
Road and Ciolino Avenue that’s been vacant with a fence around it
for years.
“Hey Red Phone, there’s a lot on the southwest corner of Monterey Road and Ciolino Avenue that’s been vacant with a fence around it for years. I believe that was once a gas station as well. So, what’s up with that lot? Does it have to remain vacant for a certain period because of contamination? Thanks in advance, Red Phone.”
Red Phone: Dear What’s Up, Red Phone contacted Matt Huerta, director of housing development for South County Housing Corporation.
He said his agency purchased four parcels along Ciolino Avenue in July 1999, for development of an apartment complex. As a condition of approval for Villa Ciolino, the city requested that South County Housing maintain a commercially zoned lot fronting Monterey. Within five years of completion of the project, the agency was required to demolish the two existing, sub-standard commercial buildings and sell the lot. South County Housing relocated the tenants (Tacos Lupita and Alice’s Bail Bonds) in 2005 and demolished the structures in early February 2006.
“During demolition, underground storage tanks were discovered,” Huerta said. “In August 2006, South County Housing contracted for the removal of five USTs. After removal, lab results indicated petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in the bottom of the excavation pits above state action levels.
“In September 2006 the Santa Clara County Fire Department issued an Underground Storage Tank HazMat Closure Permit, soil samples were collected, impacted solids were removed, and the County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health requested a work plan for additional over-excavation and delineation of the extent of soil and groundwater contamination at the site.
“To evaluate potential impacts to groundwater resulting from the former USTs, three groundwater monitoring wells were installed; pursuant to its Sept. 26, 2007 letter, the Department of Environmental Health currently requires groundwater monitoring from these three on-site wells (MW-1, MW-2, and MW-3). Reports documenting the results of groundwater monitoring are required to be submitted within 30 days of the end of each quarter.
“South County Housing is currently working with the State Water Resources Control Board and other reviewing agencies to obtain environmental clearance to allow for sale of the property. The timing for sale is unknown at this time.”
There you have it, good caller. Hope that answers your questions.
