Hank Sims asks Alex Stillman, Stacy Atkins-Salazar, Sarah Schaefer, Gregory Daggett, Genevieve Serna, Dana Quillman, Shea Freedomhowler…

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What's the Next Big City Project or Priority?

With the Gateway Area Plan completed (and the General Plan Update, too), what’s the next big-ticket item the city should focus its attention on?

— Hank Sims

Responses

Gregory Daggett

My guess is the Roger’s Garage Housing Project, 1622 Old Arcata Road, across the street from Jacoby Creek Elementary School. Maybe 40 units? The 30% of the Gateway Area Plan that is in the Coastal Zone will have to go to the Coastal Commission to address concerns over sea level rise and updating the 1989 Local Coastal Program. The Program guides and regulates all development within the Coastal Zone.

The best approach to urban design when increasing density in single-family low-density neighborhoods involves a multifaceted strategy that prioritizes community needs and character while promoting sustainable growth. It’s essential to integrate ‘missing middle’ housing, which offers diverse housing options like duplexes, townhouses, and small apartment buildings that fit seamlessly into existing neighborhoods. This approach maintains the character and scale of the area while providing more housing units.

Additionally, incorporating design guidelines that ensure new developments are contextually appropriate and enhance the neighborhood’s fabric is crucial. For example, the redevelopment of McGraw Square at Queen Anne in Seattle https://www.dahlingroup.com/projects/mcgraw-square-at-queen-anne demonstrates how to increase residential density without compromising the historic character of the neighborhood. Moreover, zoning reforms, such as allowing accessory dwelling units and adjusting height restrictions, can create more inclusive and diverse communities.

It’s also beneficial to provide shared amenities and ensure connectivity to the city center to promote a vibrant, walkable community. Ultimately, the goal is to create urban spaces that are not only denser but also livable, equitable, and visually appealing. In every neighborhood.

Genevieve Serna

Thank you for this question.

There are a number of exciting projects on the horizon for Arcata. One that I’m most looking forward to working on would be the Reconnecting Arcata, the project that will see a cap being placed on highway 101 between 14th and 17th St connecting the city’s east and west neighborhoods. This project will not only improve safety and connectivity for residents moving throughout the city but will also provide additional opportunity zones for possible infill construction. 

It remains to be seen if this project will capture the public’s attention in the same way the Gateway Area Plan has but for me personally, this is an incredibly exciting project for the city.