Planning Commission initiates update of Recreation & Open Space element after public concerns about pace and standards

Planning Department staff presented a proposed update to the city's Recreation & Open Space element and asked the Commission to initiate amendments and a public-review schedule.

Sue Exline (Planning) summarized the element's objectives: make the most of existing open space, prioritize renovation and acquisition in high-need areas, improve connectivity via "Green Connections," enhance biodiversity, and identify funding strategies and partnerships. Staff said they had released a revised draft on June 8 and proposed initiation with informational hearings to allow public comment, followed by adoption in September.

Public commenters including Arthur Feinstein of the Sierra Club and regular commentator Sue Hester argued the process is moving too quickly and urged more community outreach. Hester warned that department records and communications in email had not always been included in project files, saying the public "is not aware that planning department records are missing major information because it's contained in emails which are not placed in the file." Several commenters objected to the draft's apparent removal of a numeric open‑space standard (previously cited as 5.5 acres per 1,000 residents) and to a proposed emphasis on public–private partnerships.

After discussion, commissioners moved to initiate the update while adjusting the hearing schedule to include two informational sessions (Aug. 4 and Sept. 15) and final action in October. The motion to initiate, with the revised schedule, passed unanimously.

Next steps: staff will publish materials for the August informational hearing and collect public comments through the revised schedule before returning with a revised draft for final action in October.