Arcata Planning Commission Ushers in New Leadership, Delays Coastal Program Update

The Arcata Planning Commission held its regular meeting on July 8th, marked by a change in leadership and a postponement of a key decision regarding the Arcata Local Coastal Program (ALCP). The meeting, conducted in a hybrid format, saw the unanimous election of Matt as Chair and Abby as Vice-Chair, following Chair Davies's announcement of his departure. The meeting began with a land acknowledgment recognizing the Wiyot Tribe's ancestral land.

One significant item on the agenda was a public hearing concerning the ALCP update. According to a staff report, unresolved issues with the California Coastal Commission necessitated a continuation of the hearing. The commission unanimously agreed to postpone the hearing until October 14th to allow for further collaboration with the Coastal Commission. Colin Fiske of CRTP, who spoke during both the oral communications and the public hearing portions of the meeting, expressed appreciation for the balanced approach to coastal access in the proposed ALCP update, highlighting its emphasis on non-vehicular options.

Beyond the ALCP update, the commission approved the minutes from the June 10th meeting. The meeting also included an announcement by Colin Fiske from CRTP regarding the upcoming "Week Without Driving" event, slated for late September or early October, promoting alternative transportation methods within the community. The commission addressed routine correspondence and communications before adjourning.

The next meeting of the Arcata Planning Commission is scheduled for the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Information on meeting agendas and participation can be found on the City of Arcata website.