Residents urge Carpinteria to oppose Baylard rezone ahead of Oct. 8 Coastal Commission hearing

Residents and community members urged the Carpinteria City Council to oppose a county rezone of the Baylard property and asked the city to make a presence at the California Coastal Commission hearing scheduled for Oct. 8.

Susie Anderson summarized community concerns, saying the rezoning would change the Baylard site from two homes to a designation that could allow up to 210 units on about seven acres, and that the change would sharply increase local density and strain parking and evacuation routes. "I am asking now that you represent this community again and send a representative to speak against this rezone at the October 8 hearing," Anderson said during general public comment.

Gary Campopiano and other residents told the council more than 2,500 people had signed a petition opposing the rezone and asked whether Supervisor Lee or a city representative would attend the Coastal Commission meeting to speak for Carpinteria. The First District representative said Supervisor Lee————'s office is waiting for the Coastal Commission staff report and is being careful not to make comments that would require recusal if the matter later comes before the county board; the office said it will submit a comment letter after the staff report is published and expects to attend the hearing virtually but does not currently plan an in-person county comment.

Council staff and the city manager said the city intends to submit a comment letter after reviewing the Coastal Commission staff report; staff also noted the Commission offers both in-person and virtual participation options. The Coastal Commission item is a live, time-sensitive matter with an Oct. 8 hearing date for rezones affecting Carpinteria-area sites.