Dozens of Pacifica residents and organizations addressed the City Council Dec. 2 during a lengthy public hearing on a proposed mixed‑use development at Crespi Drive, centering their remarks on wetlands protection, transparency about the sale of city property and preservation of mature trees at the community center.

Multiple speakers told the council the project's delineated wetland — referred to by residents as Lake Matilda — is historically significant and requires a larger buffer than the roughly six feet of construction setback described in project drawings. "A 6‑foot buffer is totally insufficient," said Victor Carmichael while reading a prepared statement urging the council to require a larger separation between hardscape and the delineated wetland.

Other commenters called for greater transparency on how the city valued the land that would be sold to the developer for $750,000. "I could not find an appraisal in the 1,300‑page packet," said one caller, and several urged the council to prioritize nonprofit developers and a donated‑land model for permanently affordable housing. Staff replied that the appraisal used in negotiations was confidential during the negotiation phase and becomes public record when the property transfer closes; staff also noted the city followed surplus‑lands steps and that the city would submit required documents to HCD for review.

Tree City Pacifica and other speakers pressed the council on protection of large Monterey cypress trees adjacent to the community center. Staff and the applicant said the arborist report and tree protection/mitigation plan require replacement of protected trees at a 3‑to‑1 ratio and that the city arborist will review preservation measures during building permit reviews. The council adopted a condition increasing required tree mitigation numbers as part of the permit approvals and required that applicable tree permits be in place before any removals.

Speakers also raised concerns about construction impacts, drainage and how construction traffic could affect seniors and school children who use the community center and nearby Cabrillo Elementary. Staff and the project team said the EIR requires a construction traffic management plan with truck routing, flaggers and other safety measures as part of building permit review.

What the council did: In response to public concerns, council members added conditions requiring additional tree replacements (from nine to 15), a requirement that tree removal permits and building/grading permits be secured before tree removals, and language tying execution of the purchase and sale agreement to HCD submittal and review under the Surplus Lands Act.

What remains unresolved: Residents who asked for a larger wetlands buffer did not win a change to the delineation or the project footprint; concerns about appraisal timing remain unresolved until the appraisal becomes public record at closing or earlier if council directs further disclosure.