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Gateway Code form-based code – September 22, 2023 version — What’s changed

Reading time:  15-30 minutes. -- The second draft of the Gateway Code (form-based code) came out on September 22, 2023. This article compares the details of this draft as compared with the June 5 1st draft. There is much that is missing. This Gateway code is in need of much work. In my view, it is inadequate, and will lead to sub-standard results. 

To the Council/Commission: A high-density building, the State Density Bonus Housing Law, and reducing regulatory costs

Three new articles: A high-density building, the State Density Bonus Housing Law, and reducing regulatory costs. The State Density Bonus Housing Law and how it affects us here in Arcata is the single most important issue facing the Planning Commission with regard to the success of the Gateway Plan.

Previously on the Home Page….

A collection of images from front pages on Arcata1.com in the past.

The Myth of “Privately-Owned Publicly-Accessible” Open Spaces

Reading time: 14 minutes -- The "Privately-Owned Publicly-Accessible" Open Space program is another ill-conceived aspect of the Gateway Plan. Again, noble in concept -- and unlikely to give desired results in its execution. A look at the design of the Privately-Owned Publicly-Accessible Open Space program, to see how it can be improved. With maps, commentary, and SOLUTIONS.

L Street as a new road: What the City Planners were proposing

The Full-Width Linear Park vs. the proposed K-L Street “Couplet” -- In terms of what the L Street pathway contributes to the joy and humanity of the Creamery District, if the southbound traffic currently on K Street were instead routed to L Street — Then the L Street Pathway as we know it and love it would have ceased to exist.

Sherri Starr — Tuesday, August 22, 2023 — Please consider form-based code for specific blocks, especially alongside the L St path

Please consider form-based code for specific blocks, especially alongside the L St path. Please zone appropriately for this small town. Please respect existing homes’ right to solar access when setting standards for setbacks and step-backs. Please insist that Staff provide us with the 3D modeling that has been paid for. --- Keep in mind - zoning doesn’t get housing built. Favorable economic conditions gets housing built. No matter how easy you think zoning will make development, if developers can’t make money on their development, they won’t build.

Pre-Meeting Ideas from our City Councilmembers: City Council – Joint Study Session – August 22, 2023

As a preview to the August 22, 2023, joint City Council / Planning Commission study session, the City Council says a big NO*NO*NO to the L Street Couplet, and a Yes to the Woonerf and full-width Linear Park. PLUS - thoughts on Inclusionary Zoning and BUILDING HEIGHTS in the Gateway area.

Four Decision-Making Styles: Analytical, Directive, Conceptual, and Behavioral

Reading time: 5 minutes -- The Plan is not just about just creating housing. The Plan needs to be about Community. These are are PEOPLE-ORIENTED NEEDS that are part of the promises of the Gateway Plan, but not likely to occur unless we actually take some action.

Fred Weis – August 9, 2023 – Notes from the August 8 Planning Commission meeting

Written to the Planning Commissioners following the August 8, 2023, meeting. In the David Loya video on the Density Bonus laws, he states “And our design standards and Community Benefits programs are unlikely to be implemented due to waivers and concessions.”

City Council & Planning Commission: Portal / Links

A special page for City Council and Planning Commission members -- and a great place for all readers to learn more about the Gateway Plan. This page will be updated regularly. Come back for more!

Colin Fiske – February 23, 2023

First, we want to reiterate that we are strong supporters of the draft Gateway Area Plan, and we urge the city to finalize and adopt the plan and its form-based code quickly. This is a key strategy to address the housing crisis, the climate crisis, and the street safety crisis, and progress is urgently needed. There should be no minimum parking mandates in the code.

Fred Weis – February 16, 2023 – Using the AmeriGas block as a test site to develop a workable Form-Based Code

Ben Noble's orientation seems to be urban and modern. Frankly, I don’t think he’s the right man for the job here. ------ Here’s a proposal. Pick one site. Have a discussion among yourselves about what kind of Form-Based Code it would take to satisfy what you want to see happen on that one site. I propose the AmeriGas site – between 6th & 7th, between K and L. Here’s why.

Can the Superblocks of Barcelona work in Arcata? Yes!

The Barcelona "Superblock" design that is capturing the imagination of city citizens in Europe and all over the world -- Can this concept be applicable here in Arcata? The answer is a resounding YES. It is perfect for us here in Arcata.

David Loya dismisses the 2010 Rail With Trail study

At the November 8th, 2022, Planning Commission meeting, David Loya acted as though he was familiar with the 2010 City study that proposes what amounts to a linear park on the L Street Corridor. But from his speaking, it was clear he did not know what that study contains. A suggestion to him: Come to the Arcata1.com website and learn.

Arcata

A view of the whole story. In Arcata, California, the Gateway plan calls for 8,000 people, possibly within 8-10 years. This will alter our town forever. Is it feasible?

Transcription of the Gateway Plan Presentation, with Comments & Opinion

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.

Watch the Video –Transcription of the Gateway Plan Presentation, with Comments & Opinion

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.

City Council / Planning Commission Joint Study Sessions: Dates, Notes, Information

Arcata joint City Council / Planning Commission study session meetings.

Meetings: Dates, Notes, Information

Arcata Community-Led Meeting --  Tuesday, September 5th, 2023, at the Arcata Playhouse - 5:30 to 7:00 PM

Arcata – mobile

On May 14, 2024, it took the Arcata Planning Commission only 15 minutes of their time for a discussion and vote to recommend that...

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