Monterey Downs; Blessing or Blight? 10/8/12 9a AF

A partner of the proposed Monterey Downs Development has said that the new project will provide Monterey County with 1,400 to 1,800 non-equestrian jobs.       The 550-acre proposed development planned for Fort Ord will include 2 hotels, and a number of restaurants and retail stores, as well as a racetrack and equestrian center.  1,500 residences are planned for the area as well.  However, several local environmental groups, as well as residents of the Seaside area are against the project, saying that nearly 50,000 oak trees will be removed, and a lot of wildlife displaced or killed.     A meeting is set to be held tomorrow evening at Oldemeyer Center 6pm  to discuss the environmental impact report for the development.