Stockton Planning Commission Meeting - September 26, 2024

The Stockton Planning Commission met on September 26, 2024, at 5:30 PM, adjourning at 6:34 PM. The main action was the unanimous adoption of a resolution recommending the City Council rescind the 1999 Gleason Park Neighborhood Plan and approve a new Housing Action Plan (HAP) along with three associated Neighborhood Action Plans (NAPs) for Cabral/East Cabral, Little Manila/Gleason Park, and South Airport Way. The commission also approved minutes from two prior meetings. Two members of the public spoke during the hearing.

Consent Calendar

• July 25, 2024, Minutes: Approved 6-0 (Commissioner Jones recused).
• August 8, 2024, Minutes: Approved 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pat Barrett expressed support for housing but urged focus on safe camping and safe parking in Gleason Park, emphasized the need for green developers, and called for better outreach to residents in South Stockton, citing lower life expectancy and quality-of-life concerns.
• William Muetzenberg, speaking for Public Health Advocates, supported the staff recommendations. He highlighted environmental justice, the need to protect current residents from gentrification, and the importance of transit-oriented development to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve health outcomes in South Stockton.

Discussion Items

• 6.1 – Housing Action Plan and Neighborhood Action Plans: Matt Diaz, Advanced Planning Manager, presented a detailed overview of the Shape Stockton effort, funded by grants. The HAP is a strategic document refining housing policies, analyzing market constraints, supply, and development processes. It includes an executive summary, three main sections (market, supply, development process), and 10 appendices. The three NAPs focus on specific neighborhoods, replacing the outdated 1999 Gleason Park plan. Staff recommended the commission find the project exempt under CEQA Section 15183, rescind the 1999 plan, and adopt the new plans. Commissioners asked questions about consultant procurement, local business enterprise certification, integration of state homeless encampment cleanup mandates, and proactive demolition of unrehabilitable buildings. The presentation emphasized that the plans are not regulatory but serve as guides for staff, developers, and community groups. Implementation steps include online tools, housing condition surveys, and research on funding mechanisms.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2024-09-26-0601 was approved 7-0, recommending the City Council:
  1. Find the project exempt under CEQA Section 15183.
  2. Rescind the 1999 Gleason Park Neighborhood Plan.
  3. Approve the Housing Action Plan and the three Neighborhood Action Plans.
• The motion was made by Commissioner Thompson and seconded by Commissioner Mallett.
• Director Stephanie Ocasio reported three appeals of previous planning commission decisions will be heard at City Council on November 12 and 19, 2024 (cannabis retail, ABC license upgrade, off-sale beer and wine permit).
• Commissioners expressed appreciation for staff's work, acknowledged the challenge of market constraints, and emphasized equity for South Stockton residents.