Trinidad Planning Commission Approves YHA Housing Project with Conditions

The Trinidad Planning Commission held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, focusing primarily on a housing project proposed by the Yurok Indian Housing Authority (YHA). The commission ultimately approved the project, which involves constructing five new single-family homes on a three-acre parcel at 101 West Haven Drive, but included several conditions to ensure environmental protection and adherence to city regulations.

The meeting, which lasted approximately 58 minutes and included both in-person and remote participants, began with the approval of the minutes from the March 19th meeting and the current agenda. Commission members present included Aaron Hakenen, Tristan Cole, Richard Johnson, R.F. Johnson, R.S. Johnson, and City Clerk Anita Thompson (remote), along with Carmel Begay, Stacy Schafer, and Linda Gilette (YHA BOC).

The YHA project dominated the discussion. The proposal detailed plans for five 1,440-square-foot single-family homes. Concerns were raised by commissioners regarding the project's potential impact on local ecosystems. Specifically, the removal of 424 trees, mostly small, prompted questions about mitigation strategies. Commissioners also expressed concerns about the adequacy of the environmental impact report and the lack of detail on groundwater depth, according to meeting minutes.

"Discussions focused on the projects compliance with existing regulations, particularly regarding stormwater management, tree removal, and the proximity to sensitive habitats," according to the meeting summary. The commission also voiced concerns about the adequacy of the provided CEQA document.

Despite these concerns, the commission voted to approve the project contingent on specific actions by YHA. These conditions include the removal of invasive ivy and the installation of a four-foot fence around the property to buffer the development from the surrounding environment. Furthermore, YHA is required to provide additional information regarding their stormwater management plan and the location of a monitoring well to assess groundwater levels. The city engineer will oversee the project's compliance with all regulations, conducting periodic inspections throughout the construction process.

No public comments were received during the designated public comment period, but the commission engaged in extensive discussion with YHA representatives throughout the meeting to address their concerns. The next steps include YHA providing the requested supplemental information and the city engineer conducting the necessary reviews and inspections.

For those interested in learning more about future Trinidad Planning Commission meetings or how to participate, please visit the city's website at https://trinidad.ca.gov/document for agendas and minutes. Agendas are typically posted prior to each meeting, which is held on the third Wednesday of each month.