Apparently the Board of Supervisors public hearing tomorrow (Tuesday) on the North McKay Ranch subdivision does not have a “time certain” status, which means it could occur at any time after 9 am.

Below is an action alert from Coalition for Responsible Transportation Priorities that goes over the drill for commenting or sending an email.  350 Humboldt has taken an official oppose position because the Environmental Impact Report documents a significant greenhouse gas effect. CRTP is suggesting that people ask for conditions that will make it less damaging. That is also an option.

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FROM CRTP:

The North McKay subdivision was supposed to be voted on by the Humboldt County Supervisors two weeks ago, but was delayed by a mistake on their agenda. Tomorrow, they will actually decide the fate of this big, 20-year-long, suburban-style development project.

If you haven’t contacted them already, click here to email the Supervisors today, and ask them not to approve the project without significant changes. And if you can, please attend tomorrow’s meeting – either virtually or in person at the County Courthouse.

Unfortunately, the meeting starts at 9 am and we don’t know when they will get around to discussing this project. But if you’re attending virtually, you can turn on the live video in the background and do something else until they get to it. (To comment virtually, watch the streaming video which will be posted here and follow the instructions provided.)

Our original action alert is replicated below if you need more information. Thanks for taking action!

-Colin & the CRTP Team

No more suburban subdivisions without real transportation reforms!

Dear Dan,

Two months ago, we sent out an action alert about the “North McKay Ranch” project, a big new suburban subdivision at the edge of Eureka. Many of you responded by telling the Humboldt County Planning Commission that this project needs to be seriously modified to ensure it meets the challenges of the climate crisis and the transportation safety crisis.

Unfortunately, the Planning Commissioners chose not to change the project at all. But we’ve got one more chance – a better chance – to win some improvements when the project comes before the Board of Supervisors tomorrow (Tuesday, 3/8) at 1:30 pm, Tuesday, 3/22.

Tell the Supervisors not to approve this project without requiring significant changes. Click here to email them today, or attend tomorrow’s meeting at 1:30 starting at 9 am – either virtually or in person at the County Courthouse. (To comment virtually, watch the streaming video which will be posted here and follow the instructions provided.)

As a reminder, here are some things you could say:

  • The project must include meaningful active transportation and transit improvements, such as those suggested by CRTP, the Humboldt County Association of Governments, and the Redwood Coast Energy Authority.
  • The project should have increased residential density and more commercial uses in order to shorten trip distances, reduce car trips, and make new bus service more feasible.
  • The County must be able to demonstrate that the project will reduce vehicle miles traveled and climate-harming emissions in line with the targets established in the Regional Transportation Plan, the Comprehensive Action Plan for Energy (RePower Humboldt), and the General Plan. Specifically, they must show that the project will help reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 25% and reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions by 65%.
  • If the project can’t meet these standards, then it should be denied. The County can and must meet its housing needs with modern, walkable developments – not old-fashioned, car-oriented subdivisions.
Thanks for speaking up.

-Colin & the CRTP Team

Want to let other people know about this issue? Forward this email to a friend. Anyone can subscribe to our action alerts here.