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Dear Council Members,
350 Humboldt recently submitted to the Planning Commission a letter almost identical to the one attached, which is
addressed to City Council members as well.
Thank you for considering our views.
Dan Chandler
August 17, 2023
To: Members of the Arcata City Council and Arcata Planning Commission
Re: Gateway Area Plan Discussion August 22nd
Thank you for your work on the Gateway Area Plan. 350 Humboldt supports infill projects that
accommodate a greater population density than the surrounding areas have so far. Many factors—
expansion of the university, other major developments, climate change—are all but guaranteeing a big
population increase in the near future and for some time to come. Arcata is smart to plan now.
Multi-story buildings can free up open space for creeks and public parks that will add to the area’s
livability. De-emphasizing parking also frees up space and encourages reliance on public
transportation. Other details in the Community Benefits package would deliver greenhouse gas
reductions. These reductions are of primary importance to 350 Humboldt.
However, affordable housing is also extremely important. Raising the percentage of inclusionary zone
affordable housing to 4% for low-income people and 9% for median income people is a small step in
the right direction. We understand the dilemma posed by state density bonus regulations, and we
support anything you can do to improve that situation, including modifications of the Community
Benefits package that might further incentivize developers to build more affordable housing.
Knowing that many final details are yet to be decided in future discussions and environmental reviews,
350 Humboldt encourages the Planning Commission and City Council to adopt the Gateway Area Plan
at your joint meeting August 22nd. Thank you again for all of your hard work.
350 Humboldt Steering Committee
Martha Walden
Dan Chandler
Nancy Ihara
Jenifer Pace