LoCOBot / @ 8:30 a.m. / Agendizer

Eureka Planning Commission
March 13, 2024, 5:30 p.m.

A. ROLL CALL

B. SALUTE TO THE FLAG

C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

DOCUMENTS:

Meeting Minutes


D. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

E. PUBLIC HEARINGS - CONTINUED - NONE

F. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NEW- NONE

G. OLD BUSINESS - NONE

H. NEW BUSINESS

1. General Plan Conformance Review for Eureka City Schools Property Exchange Locations: 3553 I Street; APN: 011-221-018 674 Alard Avenue; APNs: 009-111-006 and 009-101-018 Project: General Plan Conformance GPC-24-0001

Eureka City Schools is looking to exchange property with a developer in order to better meet their capital facility needs. They plan to acquire a residential lot and dispose of part of a former school campus. The project is in line with the city’s 2040 General Plan. The proposed changes will help improve the appearance of the neighborhood and provide funding for recreational facilities. The project does not raise significant environmental concerns and is not subject to certain environmental regulations.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Bollywood song!

(Verse 1)
In Eureka City, a school district’s dream
Acquiring land, with a solid scheme
3553 I Street, a residential place
For workforce housing, it’ll embrace

(Chorus)
Eureka City Schools, on a mission so grand
Exchanging properties, fulfilling their plan
With General Plan conformance, they’ll proceed
Creating opportunities for students to succeed

(Verse 2)
Jacobs Junior High, a place of the past
Now surplus land, the die has been cast
With public facilities and recreation in sight
The District’s future is looking bright

(Chorus)
Eureka City Schools, on a mission so grand
Exchanging properties, fulfilling their plan
With General Plan conformance, they’ll proceed
Creating opportunities for students to succeed

(Bridge)
Youth engagement and quality education
Recreational spaces for a new generation
Collaboration and funding sources in play
The District’s future will lead the way

(Chorus)
Eureka City Schools, on a mission so grand
Exchanging properties, fulfilling their plan
With General Plan conformance, they’ll proceed
Creating opportunities for students to succeed

(Outro)
With music in their hearts, and visions in their minds
Eureka City Schools, a beacon that shines
For the students, the community, and all who see
A bright future ahead, where dreams can be freed

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - ResolutionAttachment 2 - Eureka City Schools Planning ApplicationAttachment 3 - Eureka City Schools General Plan Conformance Request LetterAttachment 4 - Eureka City Schools Resolution No. 23-24-023Attachment 5 - Eureka City Schools Exchange AgreementAttachment 6 - Eureka City Schools Notice of Exemption


2. General Plan Conformance Review for County Acquisition of 803 4th Street Location: 803 4th Street; APN: 001-134-006 Project: General Plan Conformance GPC-24-0002

The Planning Commission is reviewing Humboldt County’s request to acquire a property at 803 4th Street in Courthouse Union for a possible municipal office facility. The property is currently an auto repair shop and the County plans to demolish the existing structures for redevelopment. The County’s acquisition aligns with the City’s 2040 General Plan goals of consolidating facilities and revitalizing the downtown area. The review found the acquisition to be consistent with the General Plan. The City’s review is advisory and non-binding, while the County’s acquisition is subject to CEQA.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a romance story!

Title: Love at 803 4th Street

As the Assistant Planner for the City of Eureka, Miguel Guerrero was used to seeing all kinds of proposals come across his desk. But when the County of Humboldt submitted an application for the acquisition of 803 4th Street, something inside him stirred. Maybe it was the potential for a new municipal office facility, or maybe it was the promise of revitalizing a prominent intersection in the heart of downtown. Whatever it was, Miguel found himself drawn to the project in a way he couldn’t explain.

Meanwhile, at Courthouse Union INC, property owner Sophia Adams was dealing with her own set of challenges. With the decision to sell the property looming over her head, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of uncertainty about the future. The idea of demolishing the existing structures and starting fresh was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

When Miguel and Sophia’s paths crossed during a public hearing on the project, sparks flew. Their connection was instant and undeniable, and they found themselves drawn to each other in ways they never expected. As they worked together to navigate the approval process and ensure the project’s success, their relationship blossomed into something beautiful and unexpected.

But as they delved deeper into the details of the acquisition and the potential redevelopment of 803 4th Street, they realized that there were forces at play beyond their control. With environmental concerns looming and the pressure of public opinion weighing on them, Miguel and Sophia had to fight not only for their love but for the future of the project they had both come to care so deeply about.

As they faced challenges and obstacles at every turn, Miguel and Sophia’s bond only grew stronger. And in the end, they discovered that sometimes, the most unexpected projects can lead to the most unexpected love stories. Love at 803 4th Street was more than just a romance – it was a reminder that when two hearts are truly meant to be together, nothing can stand in their way.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - ResolutionAttachment 2 - Applicant Submittal


3. 2040 General Plan Annual Progress Report Project: CITY-24-0003

The Planning Commission is receiving a report on the progress of Eureka’s 2040 General Plan. The report, prepared by Senior Planner Caitlin Castellano, highlights accomplishments in implementing the plan in 2023. The report will be submitted to the City Council and then to the State by April 1st, as required by California law.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Rodney Dangerfield joke!

“I tell ya, I went to the Planning Commission meeting and they were talking about the General Plan and progress reports. I felt like I was at a lecture on nap time. Even the senior planner, Caitlin, looked like she needed a vacation. I don’t get no respect, I tell ya!”

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - 2040 General Plan APR


4. Housing Element Annual Progress Report Project: CITY-24-0004

The City of Eureka is required by law to plan for housing needs. They have a plan in place that includes goals for different income levels. The city must provide an annual progress report on how they are meeting these goals. In 2023, they issued building permits for new housing units, including affordable units. They also have a program to sell or lease city-owned properties for affordable housing. The report will be reviewed by the City Council and submitted to the state.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Pokemon duel!

Pokemon Duel:

In a battle of housing element progress, we have two Pokemon trainers facing off: Cristin Kenyon, AICP, the Development Services Director, and an anonymous opponent who is also well-versed in city planning.

Cristin Kenyon sends out her trusty Pokemon, Zoningizard, a strong and strategic Pokemon that specializes in land use and implementing housing elements. Zoningizard uses its powerful Land Use Blast attack to create suitable zoning for affordable housing on city-owned properties, aiming to meet the Regional Housing Needs Allocation goals set for the city of Eureka.

The opponent counters with their Pokemon, Permitape, a swift and agile Pokemon that excels in issuing building permits for new housing units. Permitape uses its Quick Permit Strike to rapidly approve building permits for various income levels, including very-low, low, moderate, and above-moderate income units.

As the battle intensifies, Zoningizard and Permitape exchange blows, with Zoningizard focusing on securing adequate land for affordable housing while Permitape continues to issue building permits at a rapid pace. It’s a close match, with both Pokemon showcasing their expertise in city planning and housing element implementation.

In the end, after a fierce battle of strategy and tactics, Zoningizard emerges victorious, successfully demonstrating the availability of land for affordable housing on city-owned properties and meeting the city’s RHNA goals. Cristin Kenyon celebrates her win, proud of her Pokemon’s hard work and dedication to creating a more inclusive and sustainable housing environment in the city of Eureka.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - 2023 Housing Element APR


I. STAFF REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

J. OTHER REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

K. ADJOURNMENT

L. NOTICES


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