Carmel-by-the-Sea adopts street addresses for the first time in over 100 years
By Jacquelyn Quinones
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CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, California (KSBW) — Carmel-by-the-Sea is officially adopting a standard street address system for the first time in over a century, a change aimed at improving emergency services and simplifying navigation for residents and visitors.
“This is the way I’ve always known it since I’ve lived here, so to have something new is good, I guess, at the end of the day,” resident Ray Depole.
Another longtime resident emphasized the benefits for emergency responders. “It’s much better, obviously the fire and police and ambulances and those kinds of things. It’s much easier if you have a house number to find your house, no doubt about that,” Depole said.
He also noted how the new system will make it easier for guests to locate homes.
“Now you can have people know exactly where you live instead of trying to explain to them how many houses south or east or west of whatever street you’re on,” Depole said.
Alyson De Guigne is a local artist, whose work is displayed throughout Carmel, initially opposed the change.
“At first, when I heard about the addresses, I didn’t like it. I don’t like change, and I thought, ‘This is why I don’t live in New York City or L.A. anymore.’ It’s for community that stands in time and doesn’t change,” De Guigne said.
Since the approval, the artist has been receiving calls to design personalized house number signs. Specializing in acrylic paint and light-resistant colors, she sees an opportunity to preserve the town’s charm through her art.
“I think there is an opportunity to make these new house number signs personal, so I like some of the rules I’ve been reading about. Carmel-by-the-Sea is not going to allow neon number signs. I think that is great. I think creating something in the charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea is important, so something hand-painted, unique, that’s personal to each home will be the way to go,” De Guigne said.
The new addresses are expected to go live as early as next month, but the city’s post office will remain open for residents who prefer to continue receiving their mail there.
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