The recent government meeting focused on the development of Plan Princeton, a comprehensive initiative aimed at regulating land use and enhancing coastal access in the area from Pillar Point Harbor to Half Moon Bay Airport. The plan emphasizes the importance of coastal-dependent activities, recreational opportunities, and the protection of coastal resources in compliance with the state coastal act.
Community engagement has been a cornerstone of the planning process, with stakeholders providing input through various outreach activities. A significant sentiment expressed by residents was a desire to maintain Princeton's unique character, with many advocating for minimal new development, except for necessary safety improvements. The community's vision prioritizes the preservation of existing maritime, industrial, and residential uses, alongside concerns about shoreline erosion and the need for a managed approach to shoreline protection.
The preferred plan includes support for small-scale development while maintaining current land use designations, with updates only where necessary to align with conservation priorities. It also proposes improvements to circulation for all travel modes, including pedestrians and cyclists, and aims to enhance public transit and parking efficiency.
A critical aspect of Plan Princeton is its focus on natural resource protection, particularly in areas like Pillar Point Marsh and Pillar Point Bluff. The plan incorporates a shoreline management strategy to address coastal erosion and improve beach access, prioritizing nature-based solutions to bolster community resilience against sea level rise. The meeting underscored the urgency of these measures, as rising sea levels are expected to exacerbate erosion along the Princeton shoreline.
As the planning process continues, the government remains committed to collaborating with the Coastal Commission to ensure that the community's needs and environmental considerations are effectively addressed.