Reimagining "Old Carmel" for the Next 100 Years

A couple weeks ago, 260 of us gathered for a showing of “Don’t Pave Main Street” at the spectacular new Golden Bough Theater. It was a powerful experience to see Clint narrating the history of our town, the foundational philosophy, the characters, and the strong desire to protect “Old Carmel.” I was honored to give the kickoff speech highlighting that we're living in new times with new challenges—but also extraordinary opportunities.

While the soul of “Old Carmel” is still there, the question isn't whether change is coming, but whether we'll shape it with purpose to create a "New Old Carmel" for future generations. I believe we can, and we must.

The Challenge We Face

The changes didn't happen overnight. We invited the world to discover us—and it did, at scale. A recent Sunday morning painted the picture: packed sidewalks, no open parking, cars circling Ocean Avenue, neighborhoods lined with vehicles. The stress was visible—on people walking, behind windshields, and in the pressure many of us feel with our small town bursting at the seams.

Preservation alone won't solve these challenges. The Carmel many long to protect isn't something we can freeze in time—but maybe it's something we must boldly reimagine.

Building the "New Old Carmel"

Imagine a Carmel where innovation honors tradition:

Financial sustainability built not only on tourism, but on diversified revenue, responsible redevelopment, and smart infrastructure investment that creates lasting prosperity and public safety.

Character and charm aren't sacrificed but expressed in revolutionary new forms—architecture that respects our DNA while embracing the future, vibrant public spaces that spark joy, and events that celebrate both history and innovation.

A thriving community where we've solved housing for workers, artists, and seniors, created thoughtful density, and nurtured neighborhood life that makes this more than a destination—it makes it home.

Transformative visitor experiences that connect people with history, nature, and community rather than just consuming our resources.

World-class infrastructure supporting the lifestyle we dream of: efficient parking solutions, walkable streets, resilient utilities, and technology that enhances village life while staying invisible.

Restored civic pride because residents and part-time homeowners alike feel engaged, heard, and essential to our shared future.

Most critically, a Carmel where we respond to state mandates that start with a noble goal but emerge as one-size-fits-all dictates. With creativity, we can turn those challenges into opportunities. It's our job to be a role model in shaping those rules to enhance what makes Carmel extraordinary.

This is Our Moment

The original Bohemian spirit of Carmel came from visionaries asking, "Why do things have to be this way? Why not something bold and different?" Today's version of that question might be: Why can't we have both affordable housing and architectural charm? Why can't tourism support our economy and enhance residents' quality of life?

We can by reimagining parking, housing, and public spaces. Championing local business while preventing over-commercialization. Making sustainability not just a talking point, but our competitive advantage.

By using our past as our launching pad, not our destination, we have a rare moment to shape a “New Old Carmel” that future generations will cherish not just for what we saved, but for how we dared to make it even better. Last week a Letter to the Editor shared I’d love to hear your bold ideas, your hopes, and your vision. I’ll be sharing them at an upcoming town hall. In the meantime, take a walk, talk with a neighbor, and reflect on what this village means to you. To hear a podcast of this column go to: cli.re/newoldcarmel.

Dale Byrne, Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea

dbyrne@cbts.us