In a recent public hearing, the City Council addressed an appeal concerning the Hughes Industrial Building project, which involves the construction of a 67,410 square foot light industrial facility. The appeal was filed by the Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility (SAFER) following the Planning Commission's certification of the project's Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and approval of the site development plan.

The project, proposed by Hughes SMCC LLC, aims to expand the existing Hughes Circuits campus and includes plans for manufacturing, warehousing, and office space. The site, located at the northeast corner of South Pacific Street, is currently undeveloped and consists of a mix of native and non-native vegetation. The project is designed to comply with the city's light industrial zoning and general plan.

SAFER's appeal raises several concerns, primarily focusing on the adequacy of the EIR. They argue that the report fails to adopt a feasible and environmentally superior reduced intensity alternative, which would involve constructing a smaller facility of approximately 21,800 square feet. This alternative is claimed to have fewer significant environmental impacts, particularly concerning transportation and biological resources.

During the hearing, city staff presented findings indicating that while the project would generate significant vehicle miles traveled (VMT), all environmental impacts, except for transportation, were deemed less than significant after mitigation. The EIR includes various mitigation measures aimed at addressing biological and cultural resources, as well as transportation impacts. However, SAFER contends that the EIR inadequately discloses and mitigates impacts on sensitive biological resources, citing a lack of thorough assessments and reliance on outdated methodologies.

The Planning Commission had previously voted unanimously to approve the project, asserting that it aligns with the city's development standards and would provide economic benefits, including job creation. The city staff recommended that the City Council deny the appeal, certify the EIR, and approve the site development plan, emphasizing the project's compliance with regulatory requirements and its potential to enhance local employment opportunities.

The City Council will deliberate on the appeal and the recommendations from city staff, weighing the environmental concerns raised by SAFER against the anticipated economic benefits of the Hughes Industrial Building project.