Creekbridge Development, Salinas

The Project

The Creekbridge Development area consisted of 1500 acres of non-prime farm and grazing land located partially in a flood plain for mixed use residential, commercial and open space with no available utilities to serve it. The project included master planning, preparation of PS&E for final improvements, utility coordination, capital improvement and maintenance assessment district formation and permitting for the first large scale development in Salinas.

The Challenges

Twenty-five percent of the property was located within an existing flood plain. Existing Gabilan Creek had been degraded into an agricultural tailwater ditch with minimal carrying capacity. Substantial grade differences existed between various properties within the development area. There were no services tributary to the area and where service connections were available, the downstream facilities were severely undersized and could not serve the development area. Improvement and maintenance costs were substantial.

The Results

Capital improvement and maintenance assessment districts were formed. Gabilan Creek was relocated, widened, deepened and re-vegetated and the flood plain revised. 20 years later Gabilan Creek is a vibrant riparian corridor and has experienced flows in excess of the 100 year design without any flooding of insurable structures. The project design allowed for open space corridors to take advantage of the natural bluffs with walking trails connecting the entire development to the projects commercial center. Streets and appurtenant facilities were designed to take advantage of the varying topography. Creekbridge is known as a premier place in Salinas to live.