Half Moon Bay Planning Commission Meeting - August 22, 2023

The Half Moon Bay Planning Commission met on August 22, 2023, at 7:00 PM at the Ted Adcock Community Center. Vice Chair Margaret Gossett served as acting chair due to Chair Rick Hernandez's absence. Commissioner David Gorn was also absent. The meeting focused on a single public hearing item: a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for the Caltrans Highway 1/Pilarcitos Creek Bridge Structure and Scour Project (PDP-23-005). The commission also received a Director's Report and heard commissioner communications.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Doug Menke, a resident of Belleville Boulevard, commented on the poor condition of the bicycle/pedestrian trail under the bridge. He noted a 20-foot buckled section, residual mud, and overgrown brush that forces cyclists to duck. He urged clearing the path before project construction. He also raised concerns about homeless encampments in the area and asked how they would be accommodated during work.

Discussion Items

Caltrans Highway 1 / Pilarcitos Creek Bridge Structure and Scour Project (PDP-23-005)

Project planner Doug Garrison presented the proposal. The bridge, built in the 1950s, has experienced scour (erosion around supports), exacerbated by the 2022-2023 winter storms. The project aims to protect the structure by installing partially grounded rock slope protection (RSP) around bridge piers and performing channel training. Work will occur in a single dry season (likely 2024) with a temporary creek diversion. Access is via the right-turn lane from Highway 1 to Highway 92, with minimal traffic disruption. The project requires permits from multiple agencies (California Department of Fish and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers) and has a joint CEQA/NEPA document led by Caltrans. The city's role focuses on Coastal Land Use Plan compliance.

Key points raised during discussion:

• Off-site mitigation: Three potential sites were identified: Pacific Ridge development, YMCA Camp Jones, and along Pilarcitos Creek within the city (between Safeway and Main Street). The city expressed a strong preference for the latter to address environmental damage from homeless encampments. However, Caltrans biologist Gregory Perra cautioned that placing mitigation near human activity could risk compliance with performance standards.
• Trail repairs: The Naomi Patridge Trail under the bridge was damaged by storms. Caltrans redesigned the project to avoid removing the trail and expressed willingness to partner with the city on reconstruction. The city may apply for FEMA or Cal OES funding for repairs.
• Downstream impacts: Commissioner Joannes questioned whether the project design considered the effects of the 2023 storms on downstream flooding (Oak Park area) and the sewer plant. Caltrans consultant Shannon McCarty stated that hydraulic modeling showed no significant impact downstream, but the model extended only a few hundred feet from the site. The commission requested the city engineer review Caltrans' data to confirm no adverse effects downstream.
• Unhoused population: The city and Caltrans both have processes for outreach and relocation of individuals living along the creek. No line item in the project sequence addresses this, but coordination will occur months before construction.
• Log jams: An upstream log jam was removed naturally; a downstream log jam remains. Caltrans noted that log jams affecting bridge structure or fish passage would be addressed during construction, but removal is subject to agency approvals.
• Hydraulic studies: The latest hydraulic summary memo was dated May 30, 2023 (post-storms), but the planning commission did not receive that version. The structural hydraulics report (2022) did not consider the 2023 storms. The commission expressed a desire for updated hydrology reports to ensure the design is adequate for current conditions.
• Funding timeline: Caltrans project manager Ramel Pardo stated that funds must be obligated by June 30, 2024, or the project may be scrapped. The project is already in a time extension period.

Key Outcomes

• Motion: Commissioner Ruddock moved to approve CDP PDP-23-005, with two amendments: (1) the CDP approval is contingent on the city engineer reviewing all relevant Caltrans data on downstream impacts and confirming no negative effects on the recently flooded residential area (Oak Park) or the sewer plant; (2) the city expresses a strong preference for any off-site mitigation to occur along Pilarcitos Creek within the city limits (not a condition of approval, but a directive to staff). Commissioner Joannes seconded.
• Vote: The motion passed 3-0 (Commissioners Reddick, Joannes, and Gossett in favor; Hernandez and Gorn absent).
• Next Steps: Staff will work with Caltrans to finalize the mitigation location and incorporate the city engineer's review. The project will return to the commission if an amendment to the CDP becomes necessary.

Director's Report

Community Development Director Jill Ekas provided an update:

• Upcoming meetings: September 12 (joint study session with Architectural Advisory Committee on downtown streetscapes, possible Smith Field study session); September 26 (safety element study session).
• The Short-Term Vacation Rental and Home Occupation ordinances were certified by the Coastal Commission on August 10, 2023. Staff will begin registering operators.
• The Housing Element is under state review; a letter from HCD is due at the end of August. The city has submitted preliminary responses.

Planning Commission Communications

• Commissioners noted the poor condition of the trail under the bridge and requested staff inform Public Works for possible interim improvements.
• Commissioner Joannes reported ongoing issues at Poplar Beach: visible landfill debris, a failing revetment, and vehicles driving over the bluffs after the gate is locked, posing safety risks. She urged coordination with the Sheriff's Office and City Council.

Meeting adjourned.