SEASIDE, Calif. -- On Thursday night, the city of Seaside will discuss what type of business is the perfect fit for the empty lot on the border of Monterey and Seaside. Right now, the recommendation is a restaurant
If you walk along the trail at Laguna Grande Lake, go over the bridge, you'll run into 1350 Del Monte Blvd. An empty lot. Julie Singleton and her dog Pinto see it everyday. Singleton said its time for something to fill it.
"It's the best thing for it," said Singleton.
What should be developed there, the city will finally discuss on Thursday.
Seaside Economic Development Manager Lisa Brinton said they've considered commercial and multiple hotels, but those aren't practical for Seaside.
"In an ideal world, if we had unlimited resources especially water, a hotel use would generate higher revenue for the city. Unfortunately, we are constrained with water and the site has physical limitations so we are recommending moving forward with restaurant use," said Brinton.
If the city decides to move forward with the staff's recommendation, the city will accept proposals from restaurants.
The big question after a comment from an executive with the burger chain on new Mayor Ralph Rubio's Facebook page: will it be In-N-Out?
"That request would be sent to past interested parties such as In-N-Out Burger," said Singleton.
The last time In-N-Out was in talks to open in Seaside was in 2010, but the board chose not to extend their proposal. Something Singleton hopes will change this time around.
"It provides jobs for the community and we really need that," said Singleton.
As far as what the time frame looks like, the city tells me they want to move this forward as quickly as they can. After Thursday night's meeting, its all about getting the right restaurant proposal that the city sees fit.
