Half Moon Bay council debates Pullman Ditch flooding amid residential home project approval

In the heart of Half Moon Bay, the city council convened on June 3, 2025, to address pressing concerns surrounding local flooding and infrastructure improvements. The meeting, marked by passionate discussions, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by residents living near the Pullman Ditch, a watercourse that has become a focal point for flood-related issues.

As council members and residents gathered, the atmosphere was charged with urgency. Many community members voiced their frustrations over the increasing water flow from Rocket Farms, a nearby agricultural operation. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of existing drainage systems, particularly regarding how man-made structures like bridges and culverts are holding up under heavy rainfall. One resident questioned whether the modeling used to assess flood risks adequately accounted for these structures, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of water flow dynamics.

City staff responded by explaining that the modeling process incorporates various factors, including soil moisture and turbidity, but acknowledged that it is not a perfect representation of reality. They assured attendees that the analysis was based on storm event simulations, yet residents remained skeptical, citing past experiences where flooding had severely impacted their properties.

The council also discussed the collaboration with state parks on a culvert replacement project, which was designed to handle larger storm events. This initiative aims to improve water flow management and reduce flooding risks in the long term. However, the conversation quickly shifted back to the contentious issue of a proposed residential project at 2805 Alameda, which has faced opposition due to fears it could exacerbate flooding in the area.

Mark Massara, representing the project applicant, argued that the development complies with all regulations and would not contribute to flooding. He highlighted that previous analyses had confirmed the project's safety. Yet, many residents expressed doubts, citing a lack of independent assessments and raising concerns about the city's responsiveness to their flooding issues.

As the public hearing progressed, voices of dissent grew louder. Former council member Harvey Rarbach urged the council to uphold the planning commission's previous denial of the project, emphasizing the importance of community concerns over developer interests. Other residents echoed this sentiment, calling for independent evaluations of the hydrological impacts of both the proposed development and Rocket Farms' operations.

The meeting concluded with a sense of unresolved tension. While city officials are working on long-term solutions to address flooding, residents remain anxious about the immediate impacts of development and agricultural runoff. As Half Moon Bay navigates these complex issues, the community's call for transparency and accountability in flood management remains a critical theme, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard their homes and livelihoods.