McKinleyville's "We Are Up" Project Gets Green Light After Addressing Community Concerns
McKinleyville's "We Are Up" Project Gets Green Light After Addressing Community Concerns
The Humboldt County Planning Commission unanimously approved the "We Are Up, Inc." project at their June 26th meeting, marking a significant step forward for the McKinleyville development. The project, which had previously faced an appeal due to concerns about traffic and noise, underwent substantial revisions to address these issues before receiving final approval.
The ambitious project encompasses 70 housing unitsa mix of cottages, apartments, and units within a four-story mixed-use community centeralong with a commercial kitchen, retail space, and agricultural components including an orchard, barn, and greenhouse. A key change incorporated in the revised plan involved repositioning the community center further from residences and closer to Central Avenue. A substantial six-foot-tall barrier fence will also be constructed to mitigate noise along a 210-foot stretch.
"The applicant made significant revisions to address these concerns," stated Stephen Santos, a staff member present at the meeting, referring to the initial appeal. These revisions included shifting the primary access point from Weirup Lane to Central Avenue, installing a gate at Weirup Lane to be closed during special events, upgrading the Central Avenue traffic signal, and constructing an ADA-accessible bus stop. Additionally, the project will involve relocating approximately 0.31 acres of wetlands and creating 0.36 acres of new wetlands, resulting in a net gain of wetland area, along with additional riparian enhancements, achieving a 1.6:1 enhancement ratio.
The meeting, conducted in a hybrid format, included public comment periods. Several speakers voiced strong support for the project. Wesley Chesbro praised its preservation of open space and contribution to McKinleyville's development; Mallory McCurdy highlighted its inclusive design; and Colby Smart emphasized its positive impact on educational opportunities and the community's well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations. Celia Biggs, with 17 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, also expressed her belief in the project's potential to create more inclusive communities. Sunshine Sara Sedah, while supporting amendments to the ordinance for micro-businesses, also suggested further clarification regarding agricultural operations and setback requirements on AG-exclusive zoning.
The Planning Commission, with Chair Iver Skavdal (First District), Commissioner Levy, Commissioner O'Neil (Fifth District), Commissioner West, and Commissioner Qiriazi (Fourth District) in attendance, approved the project with conditions following a voice vote. The decision also reflects consideration of the "Hilltop Group, Inc. v. County of San Diego (2024)" court case, which informs the current environmental review process.
For more detailed information about the meeting and its minutes, visit the Humboldt County website at https://humboldtgov.org/194/Planning-Commission. Information regarding future Planning Commission meetings and public participation will also be posted on this website.