A view of the whole story. The Gateway plan for 8,000 people, possibly within 8-10 years. Is it feasible?

Why this website exists? Because this is what Ministerial Review looks like.  The data center building on 11th Street goes against everything that's important to us. No jobs, no vitality. This is the blight in Arcata

Confusion and disagreement at the May 24, 2022 meeting of the Planning Commission. When will we see the Form-Based Code? Can Streetscape and Design be evaluated without it ?

Public comments from Planning Commission and City Council meetings. Transcribed from videos of the meetings.

We are completely off from the Planwest schedule for the Gateway plan. Let's re-evaluate where we are, and adjust accordingly. With specific requests for what the City Council can do.

Redwood City's Downtown Precise Plan was adopted in 2011, after three or four years of development.  It is helpful to us because it incorporates a well-designed Form-Based Code -- and has a blend of Discretionary Review and Ministerial Review.

Video of the February 8, 2022, Planning Commission meeting. Includes misguided views on the cost of housing. Public comment from Carlisle Douglas.

A full transcription of the 1 hour introductory video presentation of the draft Gateway plan. With comments and opinions about misrepresentations and false information in the video.

WITH VIDEO -- A full transcription of the 1 hour introductory video presentation of the draft Gateway plan. With comments and opinions about misrepresentations and false information in the video.

Nine articles that provide a simple overview of the Gateway Area Plan. From the early days -- May 28, 2022 -- when Arcata1.com was just 1 month old. If only we knew then what was ahead and how many more months it would be....

A letter to David Loya introducing Arcata1.com. His response at that time: "Hi Fred, sounds like a cool project. I appreciate your critical thinking and clearly identifying the difference between facts and opinions. That is a rare quality in today’s environment globally!" -- Points and opinions: This plan will not pass in 2022. -- There's a bind in that the Form-Based code is key to all of this. The PC and public may want to go over the Form-Based code for months. -- I think full ministerial review [i.e zoning admin review] will never be accepted. -- I've been confused by the 3,500 figure. Yes, as you have said, it is mathematically possible. But, to me, it looks like developing the Opportunity Zones for that quantity might be a 50-year build-out, or even longer. Why not present what a 15- or 20-year build-out scenario might look like?

Video of portion of the April 12, 2022 Planning Commission meeting. Vice-Chair Judith Mayer says Form-Based Code and discretionary review are not mutually exclusive, and will work hand-in-hand well together. Comments from David Loya on Form-Based Code and what went wrong with the Village project.

Video of portion of the April 12, 2022 Planning Commission meeting. Vice-Chair Judith Mayer says Form-Based Code and discretionary review are not mutually exclusive, and will work hand-in-hand well together. Comments from David Loya on Form-Based Code and what went wrong with the Village project.

Arcata's Village project was stalled in public comment for almost 2 years. A year after it was eventually approved, the developers withdrew. What went wrong?

10-min video by Jennifer Dart, Arcata Community Development Dept. Condensed version from May 12, 2022 Economic Development Commitee meeting.

Changing the RHNA allocation and Tax Credits could do more to help build Affordable Housing. An article from The Marin Post.

Transcript with added commentary. Includes misguided views on the cost of housing. Public comment from Carlisle Douglas.

Redwood City's Downtown Precise Plan includes Form-Based code and Planning Commission review. It all took 4 years to develop. The plan can serve as a model for Arcata.

A plan for Downtown Vancouver, British Columbia involves new building heights of 40-stories, seriously changing the existing neighborhood.

A special page for readers of the Mad River Union -- and a great place for all readers to learn more about the Gateway Plan. This page will be changed and updated regularly. Come back for more!

These are the links to a variety of documents that are available on the City of Arcata's website. In many ways, the articles containing City documents here on Arcata1.com will be superior to the originals. There may be added links to related documents, tables of contents, documents divided into sections, instructions, annotations, and so forth. 

A special page for readers of the Mad River Union -- and a great place for all readers to learn more about the Gateway Plan. This page will be changed and updated regularly. Come back for more!

Click or press on any date to go directly to that newsletter. July 5, 2023 - for the July 10th meeting . July 5, 2023 - for...

The Gateway Area Plan, the General Plan, the Environmental Impact Report, Local Coastal Plan... and articles about these documents. There are many documents and videos...