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Seal Beach council continues Haines/DWP public hearing after residents seek CEQA clarity and more packet materials
Summary
The council continued the public hearing on the Haines/DWP project to Feb. 23 after residents raised concerns about packet access, whether a new IS/MND is required for a 'smaller footprint' proposal, and a lack of clarity about alternatives and public engagement.
The Seal Beach City Council on Feb. 9 voted unanimously to continue a public hearing on the Haines project to Feb. 23, after residents pressed staff for clearer CEQA analysis and more accessible packet materials.
Ken, a resident and frequent commenter at council meetings, told the council he found new materials in last week’s packet — including an updated glint-and‑glare analysis and a two‑page technical description of a 'smaller footprint' plan — but said those pages arrived too late for meaningful review. "It would be important ... to get more detail on the specifics of the slimmed down proposal," he told the council, and asked whether the lead agency would prepare a new initial study/mitigated negative declaration (IS/MND) or explain why one is not necessary.
City Manager Gallegos earlier explained staff temporarily posted the packet on an alternate city page (sealbeachpd.com) and notified the public through the weekly newsletter and social media after the primary website experienced maintenance issues. Gallegos said the hearing was continued "to ensure the public has adequate time to review the staff report and meaningfully participate in the hearing." The council then approved a motion to continue the hearing 5–0.
The resident’s remarks focused on three procedural questions: whether changes to the proposal require an updated CEQA determination, when and how the public will be allowed to comment on a revised 'smaller footprint' plan, and whether the proponent intends to present the smaller plan as a substitute during the next hearing. He also said he has obtained records through public‑records channels and remains concerned that alternative alignments were not adequately explained by the proponent.
The continuation preserves a formal opportunity for staff to publish clearer materials and for residents to comment before a decision. The council did not take further action on the appeal at the Feb. 9 meeting; staff said they will return on Feb. 23 with the item and any supplemental materials.
