Planning commission adopts mitigated negative declaration and approves Phase 1 of Smithfield Park improvements with limit on heritage tree removals

The Half Moon Bay Planning Commission voted 4-0 to adopt a mitigated negative declaration, approve a coastal development permit (PDP 23-054), architectural and site-design review for Phase 1 of improvements to Smithfield Park, and grant a tree-removal permit with an amendment directing staff to reduce heritage-tree removals by 20 percent.

Public Works Director Mas Buzregini told the commission the Phase 1 scope — the only matter before the commission at this hearing — would allow the city to prepare final plans and construct the southern portion of the park improvements. "If approved, the action tonight will allow for the City to move forward with the preparation of final plans and construction of phase 1 of the project, phase 1 only," he said. Phase 1 components described at the hearing included upgrading the existing 2-inch water line to an 8-inch water main, a paved parking lot with striped stalls including seven ADA-compliant spaces, bioretention and stormwater treatment areas, a coastal-trail entry node and removal and replacement plantings to meet a minimum 1:1 replacement requirement.

Staff said the park — located at the west end of Wavecrest Road and used continuously for baseball and other recreation since the…