Planning commission delays Santos Subdivision extension to Sept. 4 after connectivity concerns

Humboldt County Planning Commission members voted 4–1 on Aug. 21 to continue consideration of a two‑year extension for the Santos Subdivision map in McKinleyville to the commission’s next meeting on Sept. 4.

Chair Noah Levy called the pulled consent‑item hearing after public comment and a round of commission questions. Commissioner Cheryl Mulder moved to approve the staff recommendation to extend the map without additional conditions; that motion failed for lack of a second. Commissioner Kiriazzi then moved, and Commissioner McFarland seconded, a continuance to Sept. 4; the roll call was McFarland—yes, Curiazzi—yes, O’Neil—yes, Mulder—no, Levy—yes. The motion passed.

The continuance followed concerns raised about pedestrian and bicycle connectivity where the subdivision would meet McKinleyville Avenue and Duchess Avenue. "I'm advocating for rethinking how the right of way along McKinleyville and Duchess are used in the context of bike lanes, and advocating for considering a class 4," Commissioner Kiriazzi said during the hearing. Director Ford told the commission staff had not yet evaluated the feasibility of providing a buffered Class 4 facility and asked for time to consult Public Works.

Several commissioners said they were reluctant to add new conditions to an extension of an already‑approved map, particularly when applicants were not present. Commissioner Mulder said she was "very uncomfortable trying to add conditions to a previously approved project" and noted many similar extensions were being requested countywide due to construction costs. Supervisor Madrone, speaking during public comment, urged discussion with the Santos family and pointed to a recently completed multimodal study that could inform staff work.

A handful of residents also spoke during public comment. Mike Novak said sidewalks and medians on School Road were poorly maintained and urged that McKinleyville Avenue be completed before new phases are approved so traffic does not overload nearby streets. Director Ford said staff would inspect right‑of‑way constraints and return with a recommendation at the Sept. 4 hearing.

The commission did not adopt any new conditions at the Aug. 21 hearing; the extension remains pending and will return for formal action on Sept. 4.