City Council approves auctioning surplus land to nonprofits before for-profit developers

During the Pacifica City Council meeting on April 28, 2025, a significant decision was made regarding the future of city-owned properties located at Montecito Avenue and Beach Boulevard. The council voted to declare these properties as surplus land, paving the way for potential development opportunities. This resolution directs the city manager to initiate the process outlined in California's surplus land laws, ensuring compliance with state regulations.

A key point of discussion arose from public comment, where resident Cliff Lawrence expressed concerns about ensuring that nonprofit organizations are not disadvantaged in the bidding process for these properties. He questioned whether the minimum bid set for nonprofits would also apply to for-profit developers in the future. The council clarified that while the initial focus would be on negotiating with affordable housing developers, the process remains open to all interested parties, including nonprofits.

Councilmember Bier emphasized the importance of good faith negotiations with any interested parties, indicating that any proposals resulting from these negotiations would return to the council for further consideration. This approach aims to balance community needs with the potential for profitable development.

In addition to this primary resolution, the council also voted to extend the meeting to accommodate further discussions, reflecting their commitment to thorough deliberation on community matters. The unanimous vote to extend the meeting indicates the council's dedication to addressing all agenda items effectively.

As Pacifica moves forward with this surplus land initiative, the implications for affordable housing and community development remain a focal point for both the council and residents. The next steps will involve assessing responses from interested developers and ensuring that the process aligns with the city's goals for sustainable growth and community welfare.