Half Moon Bay Planning Commission Meeting – March 29, 2024

The Half Moon Bay Planning Commission met on March 29, 2024 (the meeting was originally scheduled for March 26 but the summary uses the date provided by the instruction). The primary agenda item was a public hearing on a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for the Caltrans State Route 1 Multi-Asset Roadway Rehabilitation Project, a $34 million maintenance and safety improvement project spanning approximately 7.3 miles from Hack Moon Bay to Moss Beach. The commission reviewed the project’s consistency with the Local Coastal Program (LCP) and heard extensive public comment and deliberation. Ultimately, the commission voted 4-0 to continue the item to a future meeting on April 9, 2024, to allow for further staff analysis and coordination with Caltrans on outstanding issues.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from February 13, 2024, and March 12, 2024.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jimmy Benjamin (Half Moon Bay resident) expressed strong concerns about the project’s stormwater drainage impacts, arguing that Caltrans’ analysis did not adequately address cumulative effects on local water courses (e.g., Keihoe, Pullman, Roosevelt). He urged the commission to require quantified evidence before making LCP findings. He stated he did not oppose the project but wanted due diligence.
• Paul Nagingast (former city engineer) supported the project overall and appreciated Caltrans’ quick responses. He emphasized safety concerns at the Kelly Avenue/Highway 1 intersection and called for future improvements, noting that Caltrans cannot fund intersection reconfiguration under this maintenance program but could support a city-led project.
• Hazel Joannes (public, Vice Chair of Planning Commission but speaking as an individual) echoed Benjamin’s concerns about stormwater and questioned why the project ends at Wavecrest rather than continuing to Miramontes Point as outlined in the LUP. She also raised pedestrian safety and coastal access issues at the Surfers Beach area.
• Catherine Slater-Carter (individual, San Mateo County Harbor District) stated the project is more than maintenance due to the addition of new bike lanes. She objected to the loss of visitor-serving parking along Highway 1 near Surfers Beach, calling it a significant coastal access issue that has not been addressed. She requested replacement parking.
• Lynn Erickson (Mid Coast Community Council member, speaking as individual) detailed that up to two-thirds of the approximately 240 informal parking spaces in the Surfers Beach area would be eliminated. He supported bike lanes but stressed the need for mitigation and noted that Sam’s Chowder House and Beach House Hotel were not adequately engaged.
• Mike Ferrara (speaking from Montana) highlighted that the California Coastal Commission typically requires replacement parking when spaces are removed. He also asked about erosion on the coastal trail at Surfers Beach, noting a separate emergency project is underway.
• Additional public comments from other individuals (e.g., Michelle Dragony, Paul, etc.) either had no statement or were not heard.

Discussion Items

• Staff Presentation: Project Planner Doug Garrison presented the CDP application. Key features include: repaving Highway 1, adding 6-foot bike lanes with 2-foot buffers on both sides, replacing three 18-inch culverts, improving bus stops, and adding crosswalk enhancements at Kelly Avenue. The project is within the coastal zone, with San Mateo County already having issued a CDP for its portion. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including a traffic management plan to address lane closures and potential night work (estimated 160 nights of paving). Public outreach included ~2,000 notices.
• Caltrans Response: Project Manager Kelly Ma explained the project’s scope, funding (State Highway Operations Protection Program), and limits. She stated that the bike lanes replace the existing shoulder and would not widen the road, and that no permanent lighting is proposed. Temporary construction noise would be up to 86 dBA at 50 feet, similar to other Caltrans projects. Caltrans maintained that the parking at Surfers Beach is informal and illegal, and that no replacement is required, though they are coordinating with San Mateo County and the Granada Community Service District for future parking.
• Commissioner Questions and Concerns:
  • Jurisdiction: The commission clarified that at Surfers Beach, the city limit runs down the center of Highway 1, meaning the southbound side is in Half Moon Bay and the northbound in the county. The western properties (Beach House, Sam’s) are within the city.
  • Parking Loss: Commissioners estimated 100–200 spaces would be eliminated, with no replacement plan. They expressed concern about coastal access impacts and potential Coastal Commission appeal.
  • Stormwater and Drainage: Commissioners noted the lack of quantitative data on increased runoff velocity and erosion risk, especially given emergency CDPs issued downstream. Caltrans stated the project adds 0.03 acres of new impervious surface (about 1,500 sq ft) and includes four biofiltration strips and rock slope protection at culvert outfalls. Commissioners requested monitoring conditions.
  • Night Work Noise: Commissioner Hernandez asked for decibel data and comparison to the city’s noise ordinance. Caltrans gave general construction standards, and staff noted the city can impose restrictions in sensitive areas.
  • Safety at Kelly and Poplar Intersections: Commissioners criticized the dangerous conditions, especially the “pork chop” island at Kelly. Caltrans stated that full intersection reconfiguration is not eligible under this funding, but they will support city-led projects.
  • Bike Lane Safety: Some commissioners questioned the safety of bike lanes on a high-speed corridor and asked about speed studies. Caltrans said speed limits are not being changed but can be reviewed after construction.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Continue: Commissioner Ruddock moved to continue the item to the next Planning Commission meeting on April 9, 2024, to allow staff to gather additional data on parking counts, stormwater/erosion analysis, and to coordinate with Caltrans on potential mitigations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hernandez and passed unanimously (4-0).
• Next Steps: Staff will work with Caltrans to produce a more detailed traffic management plan, quantify parking impacts, provide hydrological evidence, and explore feasible improvements at the Kelly and Poplar intersections. A draft of the Caltrans water board waste discharge requirements will be shared. The commission will receive an update at the April 9 meeting before taking action.