Half Moon Bay Planning Commission Joint Meeting on Downtown Streetscape and Smith Field Park - September 13, 2023

The Half Moon Bay Planning Commission held a joint study session with the Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC) on the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan, followed by a regular meeting to receive an update on the Smith Field Improvements Project. The meeting began at 7:00 PM on September 12, 2023, but due to the instruction to use the date September 13, 2023, this summary reflects that date. The meeting included public comments, presentations, and commissioner feedback.

Public Comments

• Downtown Streetscape Master Plan: A member of the public spoke about the need for a cohesive identity and theme, suggesting that the city's seal and recent equity efforts could inform design. Another speaker, Mike Ferrara, addressed traffic issues on North Main Street, noting that the removal of a free-right turn at Highway 92 and Highway 1 increased shortcut traffic, and urged consideration of electric bicycle impacts.
• Smith Field Improvements Project: Mike Ferrara questioned the project's location, noting that previous planning commissioners had suggested moving the ball fields elsewhere due to wet conditions, and raised concerns about drainage and the removal of former military buildings. Hillary, a Parks and Recreation Commissioner speaking as a citizen, expressed support for improved fields but urged inclusion of courts (tennis, pickleball, volleyball) to serve a broader age range, citing a shortage of recreational facilities in Half Moon Bay.

Discussion Items

Downtown Streetscape Master Plan (Joint Study Session)

• Staff and consultants from Tool Design presented the project overview, emphasizing community engagement during Discovery Week and the goal of creating an attractive, accessible, and economically vibrant downtown while preserving historic character. The project scope covers Main Street from Highway 1 to Highway 1, with a focus on the Heritage Main Street area.
• Commissioners and AAC members provided feedback on three questions: what they like, dislike, and what is missing. Key likes included the small-town character, mature trees, walkability, parklets, murals, and the Main Street bridge. Dislikes centered on angled parking (which is hazardous for pedestrians and cyclists), narrow sidewalks damaged by tree roots, lack of accessibility, and the absence of a clear downtown identity. Missing elements included a pedestrian-only street, better bike connectivity, a parking structure, gateways at town entrances, more benches and public art, and a cohesive theme that reflects Half Moon Bay's farming, fishing, surfing, and cultural history.
• Chair Hernandez emphasized the need to "make it less trashy" and improve safety, while Commissioner Ruddock supported a pedestrian street and parking structure. Committee member Hooker criticized the lengthy approval process, predicting it could take a decade to implement changes. Commissioner Gorn suggested using downtown for regular farmers' and fish markets.

Smith Field Improvements Project Update

• Staff presented the concept plan for the 29-acre park, which includes five ball fields, a dog park, picnic areas, a nature trail, and a paved parking lot (expanding from 129 gravel spaces to 177 paved spaces, including 9 accessible stalls). The project is phased: Phase 1 (parking lot and infrastructure), Phase 2 (dog park, play area, picnic areas, nature trail), Phase 3 (field improvements to Fields 1, 2, 4, 5), and Phase 4 (Field 3 multi-use field). Key constraints include wetlands (a delineation was conducted), 231 trees surveyed (138 heritage trees), and former military buildings deemed not historic. The design team is mindful of wetland buffers, dark-sky lighting, and stormwater management.
• Commissioners asked clarifying questions about drainage, tree removal numbers (estimated 17-20 trees), pervious vs. impervious surfaces, and the nature trail's purpose. Chair Hernandez questioned why a playground is prioritized over courts (tennis, pickleball, volleyball), noting a lack of such facilities. Commissioner Gorn expressed concern about the impervious parking lot and drainage costs, and recommended deleting the nature trail in favor of active recreation facilities. Commissioner Johannes raised concerns about drainage impacts on adjacent bluffs and suggested using pervious pavers. Commissioner Ruddock praised the dark-sky commitment and tree preservation but questioned the site's wetness and the nature trail's value given existing world-class trails nearby.

Key Outcomes

• Downtown Streetscape Master Plan: The feedback from the commission and AAC will inform the consultant's ongoing design process. No formal vote was taken; the session was for input.
• Smith Field Improvements Project: The commission provided feedback to staff, including concerns about drainage, the need for more courts (not just playgrounds), and skepticism about the nature trail. Staff will incorporate comments and bring the project to the Parks and Recreation Commission for further review. The project is still in early design; no timeline for construction was given.
• Approval of Minutes: The commission approved the minutes from June 13, 2023, and July 11, 2023, with minor grammatical corrections noted.