Stockton Planning Commission Meeting Summary - July 8, 2021
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Stockton Planning Commission Meeting - July 8, 2021
The Stockton Planning Commission met on July 8, 2021, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chamber. The main agenda item was a continued public hearing for a cannabis business use permit at 7616 Pacific Avenue. The commission also received an informational presentation on grant-funded housing planning efforts. After deliberation, the commission voted 4-2 to deny the cannabis permits.
Consent Calendar
- None.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Kathleen Gapusan (public comment): Expressed opposition to the proposed cannabis location, arguing that placing two dispensaries 150 feet apart is not good land use and that the city should focus on regulating existing dispensaries before adding more. She described herself as a long-time cannabis user and urged common sense.
- Multiple other speakers provided comments during the public hearing on item 5.1, including representatives from Zen Garden Wellness (opposing), property owner Catherine Smith (supporting), and members of the public. Public comments were both in opposition and support.
Discussion Items
- 5.1 Continued Public Hearing – Cannabis Use Permits at 7616 Pacific Avenue, Unit A5 (Application P20-0693): The applicant, Jiva SCK LLC (represented by Zach Drivon, Hang Heung, and Rajiv Pottabathini), sought a Commission Use Permit for a retail storefront cannabis business and an Administrative Use Permit for a delivery-only business in a 6,500-square-foot space within the Hammer Ranch Shopping Center. Staff recommended approval, noting the site meets all codified requirements including distance from sensitive uses and adequate parking. The existing nearby dispensary (Zen Garden Wellness) opposed, citing concerns about over-concentration, parking, traffic, and competition. The applicant argued that the project would bring jobs, tax revenue, and security improvements, and that proximity to another dispensary is not prohibited and exists in other cities. After extensive discussion, Commissioner Mountain made a motion to deny based on findings that the project would not maintain neighborhood integrity, could jeopardize public safety, and was not compatible with existing uses. The motion passed 4-2.
- 8.1 Informational Presentation on Grant-Funded Housing Efforts: Matt Diaz, Advanced Planning Manager, presented on state grants (SB2, LEAP, REAP) totaling approximately $2 million to fund housing planning efforts including zoning consistency, development code update, strategic housing action plan, housing element update, technology upgrades, and targeted neighborhood planning (South Airport Way, Little Manila, Gleason Park, Downtown A Station). This item was informational only; no action was taken.
Key Outcomes
- Motion to deny the cannabis use permits (item 5.1): Passed 4-2. Voting yes: Garcia, Mountain, Villapudua, Jones. Voting no: Mallett, Rizvi. Absent: Sanguinetti. The commission directed staff to return with a resolution containing findings for denial as articulated on the record (findings 2, 5, and 6 not met).
- No other actions were taken.
Commissioner Comments
- Commissioners thanked staff and reflected on the democratic process. Commissioner Villapudua reminded the public about earthquake safety, cooling stations during the heat wave, and the Fourth of July parade. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the Planning Commission meeting of July 8th, 2021. At this time, I would like to ask the city clerk to please take roll. Chair Mallet. Present. Vice Chair Sanguinetti is absent. Commissioner Garcia? Present. Commissioner Mountain? Here. Commissioner Rizby. Here. Commissioner Jones? Here. Commissioner Via Pudua. Present. We have a quorum. Thank you. I will now ask Commissioner Jones to lead us in the flight salute. And to the Republic for which it stands under individual with liberty and justice for all. So agenda item three consent and there are no items on consent. Agenda item four, public comment. This section of the agenda is reserved for public comment on anything within the jurisdiction of the commission. If if you would like to speak on a specific agenda item, you may do so here or later when that item is called. All public comments are limited to three minutes. Yes, we have Miss Kathleen Gabusan. As a commissioner myself, I know you were asked to make decisions. Think for yourselves, but your thinking process should be for the best interest of our city. You each were hand picked from areas citywide. You are valued and appreciated. So is your common sense. Staff merely makes recommendations. You have to make the choice to approve or not. You represent people like me, senior, woman, taxpayer, engaged citizen, retired nurse, and an avid pot smoker for 52 years. No, I don't have a police record. I thought the planning commission, city staff, and probably council with buying this pot shop, not good use of land. Who puts pot shops next door to each other to drive the existing business out of business? Shall we rename Hammer Ranch, Weed Ranch on the Lincoln Highway? Common sense. Would you put two KFCs on the same block? Two taco bills. Who thinks this is the answer? I don't. The original concept was two dispensaries to each council district. We got away from that, and in ledge committee, they are considering at least a thousand feet from each other, not 50 feet like this venture wants. I don't care what Stockton municipal code says this is. Just not a good idea. We need common sense. I call them carpet baggers. He will make money either way. I want him to gather his money and a new location.
openpublica.com