Stockton Planning Commission Meeting - August 22, 2024

The Stockton Planning Commission met on August 22, 2024, at 5:30 PM, adjourning at 6:24 PM. Commissioners Anne Mallett, Brenda Jones, Waqar Rizvi, Terry Hull, and Esperanza Vielma were present; Greg Thompson and Gurneel Boparai were absent (excused). The commission acted on three agenda items, including an approval for an industrial park expansion and continuances for two other items due to commissioner absences.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Christina Fugazi (former planning commissioner) spoke during general public comment on Item 5.2, expressing disapproval of the item being postponed due to a commissioner's absence, stating that in her eight years on the commission, items were never postponed for that reason.
• Pat Barrett (truck driver) spoke on Item 5.1, expressing skepticism that the four additional parcels (7.6 acres) would not generate new truck traffic, arguing that future development could change that. She also spoke on Item 5.3, opposing the proposed convenience store with alcohol sales, citing existing problems with needles and broken bottles in the area.
• Francisco Montelongo (business owner, San Francisco Autobody) spoke on Item 5.3, opposing the alcohol permit due to proximity to a school (less than 200 feet away) and safety concerns for children.

Discussion Items

• Item 5.1 – Mariposa Industrial Park Expansion (four parcels at 5252, 5262, 5276 E. Mariposa Road): Staff presented a proposal to annex and pre-zone 7.6 acres (three parcels plus a right-of-way) into the existing Mariposa Industrial Park, amending the development agreement and EIR addendum. The maximum building square footage remains at 3.6 million square feet (as originally approved), with no additional truck trips or environmental impacts. Commissioner Vielma raised concerns about community notification and best practices, noting the city's settlement agreement with environmental groups. Applicant Mike Souza (Greenlaw Properties) explained the parcels were acquired to square off the project and improve circulation. The motion carried 4-0 (Vielma abstained).
• Item 5.2 – Administrative Use Permit for Co-Living at 512 W. Harding Way: Staff reported that due to Commissioner Thompson's pre-scheduled vacation and Commissioner Boparai's family emergency, plus Chair Hull's recusal due to a conflict of interest with the applicant, only four commissioners remained to vote. The applicant requested a continuance to allow a full commission. The commission voted 4-1 (Vielma no) to continue to September 12, 2024.
• Item 5.3 – Commission Use Permit and Location Waiver for Convenience Store with Alcohol at 1515 E. Main St.: Staff recommended denial, citing location and potential impacts. The applicant requested a continuance because the absent commissioner (Boparai) represents the district where the project is located. The commission voted 4-1 (Vielma no) to continue to October 10, 2024.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2024-08-22-0501-01 and Resolution 2024-08-22-0501-02 were approved (4-0, Vielma abstained), recommending City Council adoption of the EIR addendum, pre-zoning, zoning, and development agreement amendment for the Mariposa Industrial Park expansion.
• Motion 2024-08-22-0502 carried (4-1) to continue Item 5.2 to the September 12, 2024 meeting.
• Motion 2024-08-22-0503 carried (4-1) to continue Item 5.3 to the October 10, 2024 meeting.
• Staff noted that attendance tracking under the new policy will be more rigorous, and a Cultural Heritage Board seat vacancy recommendation will be brought to the commission on September 12, 2024.
• Commissioner Jones expressed concern about the prevalence of alcohol outlets in her district (South Stockton) and a desire for more positive community amenities. Commissioner Rizvi announced he will be absent from the September 12 meeting. Chair Hull praised the City Council's decision to bring miniature golf back to Swenson Park.