The following letter was sent by Lisa Brown to the full Planning Commission on September 27, 2022. The topic is the Gateway Area Plan. It was not included on City of Arcata’s website where the letters to the Planning Commission are supposed to be posted.

Subject: Gateway Plan

From: lisab

Date: 9/27/22, 5:05 PM

To: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Dear Planning Commissioners,

I would like to provide you with some of my thoughts regarding the Gateway Area Plan to date. Briefly.

In a perfect world, this area is clearly the most logical place for Arcata to expand=brilliant. Unfortunately, sea level rise is the number one constraint and it cannot be taken too seriously.

While Arcata may find the means to move or armor the wastewater treatment facility to accommodate anticipated growth, it will not be able to prevent the water table rising and the eventual intrusion of above ground water in the area.

My recommended planning strategy for this area is for it to be phased with the first phase being “20 for 20”   Plan out twenty years on twenty feet and above sea level.

Additional input/questions follow:

Toxic soils. When in the form based code process is soil assessment for contaminants conducted? Much of this site has historical industrial use.

Amenities. As expressed by Commissioners and the public, I am concerned that benefits that are generally prescribed benefits in a normal subdivision process are being considered as benefits for increased densities.

Height. Any proposal to build above four stories should be required to provide a comprehensive  community benefits package which intensifies with building height.

Future Park. The plan should be built around a central park with greenways expanding out from this central park to different “neighborhoods”.

Existing Parks. How will we ensure that our existing parks, especially the Marsh and the Community Forest, are funded and managed for the increased use that will result from increasing populations?

Traffic. Citywide free bus service for all residents of Arcata should be a community benefit that is funded by this project.

Arcata values. Please consider how this project reflects the values and fulfills the expressed needs of this community. Providing affordable housing, protecting our natural resources, facilitating home ownership through a diversity of mechanisms, including tiny home/villages, condominium-style housing, senior housing, and cooperative style housing.

Thank you for your attention.

Lisa Brown

Arcata