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Arcata resident urges city-backed cleanup and safety upgrades at Grottsman Creek detention basin
Summary
At the May 13 Arcata Planning Commission meeting, a local school employee proposed a community-led restoration of the Grottsman Creek Detention Basin, citing underage drinking, drug use, and accumulated hazardous trash; staff said they would connect the speaker with environmental services and relevant departments for follow-up.
Azia Burnell, a school employee, told the Arcata Planning Commission on May 13 that Grottsman Creek Detention Basin has become a site for illegal activity and environmental damage and asked the city to help restore and secure the site.
Burnell said the basin, which she described as “classified as a natural resource,” is littered with broken bottles, drug paraphernalia and stolen goods and that dense tree cover provides concealment for underage drinking and other crimes. “This space has essentially been claimed by those using it for illegal activity rather than the public it was meant to serve,” she said.
Burnell, who identified herself as working at Sunny Brae Middle School, said the basin sits next to the school and that many students aged about 11 to 14 use nearby paths. She asked the commission for three forms of support: approval to begin a community-led restoration project with city cooperation, access to city resources such as trash removal or materials, and help coordinating with other departments, especially public works and law enforcement, to make improvements sustainable.
She outlined elements of a proposed project: a full cleanup of trash and hazardous materials; trimming dense vegetation to increase visibility; installing signage and potential solar lighting to discourage loitering; and creating features such as a walking path or a native-plant garden to encourage positive use. Burnell also said she would involve local volunteers, school groups and possibly an “Adopt a Creek” or “Friends of the Creek” group to maintain the site after restoration.
After her remarks, Community Development Director David Loya told Burnell she should contact staff so they could connect her with the appropriate city departments. “You can reach out to me after the meeting and we’ll connect you with the right person to speak with,” Loya said; he and staff identified Environmental Services and public works as likely points of contact.
The commission did not take formal action on the proposal at the meeting. The exchange occurred during early public comment; no motion or vote was recorded. The record shows staff committed to follow up with the commenter and to route the request to Environmental Services and other departments for potential operational support.
The item concluded with staff and the commenter agreeing to further contact after the meeting to identify next steps and departmental responsibilities.
