Clearlake staff outline multi‑project redevelopment plan for former Pierce Field and downtown areas

Clearlake staff presented an overview of the city’s major development and infrastructure projects during a strategic-planning workshop held before the Sept. 4 council meeting. The presentation covered a range of projects intended to encourage downtown activity, improve recreation amenities and address aging infrastructure.

Pierce Field redevelopment and mixed-use master plan

Staff described the former Pierce Airport property — a long-discussed site purchased by the city decades after federal and county ownership — as a potential anchor for a walkable mixed-use destination. The city hired an architecture firm to develop conceptual plans (circa 2021), and staff said the current site plan under preparation for an environmental impact report (EIR) keeps the overall vision while incorporating more specific elements such as a potential Adventist Health clinic or hospital, retail, higher-density townhouses with ground-floor retail and new public spaces. Staff said the city is pursuing a plan‑unit development approach: the EIR and plan would establish allowable uses and overall square footage so future projects can be reviewed for consistency rather than re‑entitled individually.

Staff said the environmental report is nearly complete; most technical sections are done and the archaeological study is the remaining item. Once the archaeological report is received, staff will release a draft EIR and begin public hearings. The presentation noted that initial settlement funds from PG&E once looked sufficient to build all necessary infrastructure, but rising costs mean the city must secure additional grants and financing. Staff said they are pursuing federal grants, including Economic Development Administration funding that could support a public market component (referred to in materials as “the hangar” or a covered indoor/outdoor market).

Sports complex and recreation center

A separate, largely funded sports-complex project is at a more advanced stage; staff said about $10 million is currently programmed for the sports complex, including contributions from U.S. Rep. Thompson (more than $6 million noted in materials), California State Parks and the local school district. Plans include multiple multipurpose turf fields and a future recreation center with an indoor multipurpose room, courts, locker rooms and community spaces; the recreation center is currently at concept stage and lacks construction funding. Staff said the sports complex construction is contingent on resolution of a coordination lawsuit and federal NEPA review; if those hurdles are cleared, phased construction could start next year.

Lakeshore Drive streetscape and downtown concepts

Staff described a multi-decade effort to create a more cohesive downtown along Lakeshore Drive; engineers have completed 35% of construction documents and staff estimated roughly $10 million would allow construction of an initial phase. The streetscape plan envisions a mix of “mini Main Street” sections, entry-corridor treatments and park promenades connecting downtown parks to the lake.

Resort site, Fairfield Inn and other site-specific proposals

City materials flagged a proposed resort project on a city-owned 7–8 acre parcel across from Lakeshore Drive and a negotiated sale for a Fairfield Inn hotel; staff said an exclusive negotiating agreement is active with a developer for the resort parcel. The city also described a large retail/mixed-use parcel (referred to in materials as “South Walmart” city-owned property) where development concepts include a big-box retail center; the city acquired many parcels to assemble a larger project site.

Housing, parks, roads and other projects

Staff reviewed multiple housing projects including Oak Valley Villas and smaller infill projects; some remain held up by water-supply or special-district issues. The city discussed a homestead program pilot that provided incentives for new-home construction but was stalled by higher interest rates and other market shifts. Park projects discussed included Redwood Park redevelopment and Redbud pier repairs; staff said they have funds for restroom upgrades, lighting and security improvements at Redbud and other park work under design. A proposed concrete skatepark design carrying a $600,000 local allocation and an $850,000 bid estimate was discussed; staff said they are seeking grants to make up the difference or scale back the design.

Infrastructure and permitting notes

Staff emphasized the need for additional infrastructure funding across projects and the city’s intent to reduce reliance on developers to build backbone infrastructure. The presentation noted design and permitting milestones, the need for archaeological and NEPA studies on some projects, and the city’s ongoing search for grants and federal/state funding to complete key phases.

Ending: Staff asked the council for continued direction as studies wrap up; several council members said they want to move projects forward while acknowledging that financing and environmental/permitting steps will shape timelines.