Stockton Planning Commission Meeting – February 8, 2024

The Stockton Planning Commission met on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 5:31 PM at 425 N. El Dorado St. The meeting was called to order with five members present (Anne Mallett, Waqar Rizvi, Gurneel Boparai, Rajan Nathaniel, Terry Hull) and two absent (Brenda Jones – excused, Greg Thompson). The commission considered a major amendment to the Cannery Park project, conducted the annual development agreement compliance review, and postponed the election of officers to the next regular meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Planning Commission Minutes – The commission approved minutes from September 14 and 21, 2023 (Motion 2024-02-08-0301-01, carried 5‑0). The minutes from September 28, 2023 were approved separately (Motion 2024-02-08-0301-02, carried 4‑0; Commissioner Hull recused himself).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received.

Discussion Items

5.1 – Cannery Park Project Amendments (Agenda Item 23‑1004)
Staff presented a proposal to convert a 99.87‑acre portion of the previously approved Cannery Park development into a mixed‑use project with 331 single‑family residential lots, 12 acres of high‑density residential, 16 commercial lots along Eight Mile Road, an approximately 8‑acre park, detention basin, and class‑1 bike path. The request included an addendum to the original 2004 Environmental Impact Report (EIR), a General Plan Land Use Map amendment, a rezone, a second amendment to the Development Agreement (including a 10‑year extension and obligation to build a 4‑acre park), and a new tentative subdivision map.
The applicant’s representative, Mike Hakam, stated that the market for commercial space has weakened and that the project responds to the state housing crisis. He noted a neighborhood meeting was held on January 17, 2024, at Micke Grove Auditorium.
Commissioners expressed strong support, citing the need for housing, the provision of 8 acres of open space, and the developer’s investment in Stockton. No public testimony was offered.
Vote: The commission approved five resolutions (2024-02-08-0501-01 through 2024-02-08-0501-05) recommending City Council certification of the EIR addendum, approval of the General Plan amendment, rezone, Development Agreement amendment, and tentative map. Motion carried 5‑0.

6.1 – 2023 Annual Compliance Review for Development Agreements
Staff reported on 10 active Development Agreements (DAs). Of these, most were found compliant. One (Mariposa Lakes) was determined “substantially compliant” due to the need for a new annexation agreement. The commission accepted the compliance determinations and directed staff to notify applicants, with non‑compliant parties given 30 days to rectify.
Vote: Motion 2024-02-08-0601 carried 5‑0.

6.2 – Election of Planning Commission Officers
Discussion centered on whether to proceed with elections given the absence of two commissioners. Staff noted the commission’s procedural rules require the election at the first February meeting but allow suspension of rules. Commissioners expressed concern about holding the vote without a full body, especially because tradition holds that the Vice Chair becomes Chair.
Vote: Motion 2024-02-08-0602 to suspend the procedural rules and postpone the election to the next regularly scheduled meeting on February 22, 2024 carried 5‑0.

Reports & Communications

• Michael McDowell, Assistant Director of Community Development, announced three upcoming “Shape Stockton” workshops:
  • February 13, 2024 (Channel Area) at Stribley Park Community Center, 5:30 PM
  • February 15, 2024 (Manila‑Gleason Area) at Stribley Park Community Center, 5:30 PM
  • February 20, 2024 (Magnolia Area) at Margaret Troke Library, 5:30 PM
• Mr. McDowell also stressed the importance of commissioner attendance, noting that applicants pay fees and deserve a full voting body. He discussed the attendance policy and the possibility of virtual participation in the future, pending city attorney review and IT upgrades.
• Vice Chair Nathaniel inquired about the Planning Commissioner Academy; staff indicated it would not be attended this year due to budget constraints but may consider virtual options.

Key Outcomes

• Cannery Park Project: Approved five resolutions recommending City Council action on the EIR addendum, General Plan amendment, rezone, Development Agreement amendment, and tentative subdivision map (5‑0).
• Development Agreement Compliance: Accepted the 2023 annual review and directed staff to send compliance letters (5‑0).
• Officer Election: Postponed to the February 22, 2024 meeting (5‑0).

The meeting adjourned at 6:51 PM.