Rep. Panetta Calls On Administration to Halt Sale of Pacific Grove NOAA Building and Consider Public Conveyance

SALINAS, CA – On Wednesday, March 23 Rep. Jimmy Panetta wrote to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young reiterating his call remove the former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research building in Pacific Grove from the auction block and instead consider a public conveyance of the property. The General Services Administration (GSA), which oversees the sale of the property, recently announced an auction close date of April 6, 2022, despite clear shortcomings in the public consultation and appraisal process. The letter highlights insufficient community outreach and demonstrates that potential bidders have not been properly notified of the zoning requirements of the California Coastal Commission’s (CCC) approved Local Coastal Plan (LCP). The letter notes a recent resolution approved by the City Council of Pacific Grove supporting a conveyance of the property. “We’re continuing our efforts to get the federal bureaucracy to listen to the community of Pacific Grove and their concerns over the proposed sale of the NOAA property,” said Rep. Panetta. “I will continue to raise my constituents’ concerns to the highest levels and encourage a public conveyance. Instead of selling this property to the highest bidder, the Administration should work with a public steward that will respect the intended use of the NOAA facility for our community.” The NOAA building was originally recommended for public auction the Public Buildings Reform Board (PBRB) and approved by OMB through the Federal Assets Sale Transfer Act (FASTA). However, no constructive community notification or consultation was conducted prior to the recommendation or sale. OMB has previously removed property from the FASTA process for failing to conduct sufficient community outreach, and GSA has the authority to convey properties under FASTA.