National City planning commission continues Sweetwater Road project to Dec. 2 after notice concerns

The Planning Commission voted to continue Item 4 — a proposed service station and mixed-use project on Sweetwater Road between Olive and Orange streets — to the Dec. 2, 2024 meeting to give staff additional time to review the application and to preserve public notice requirements.

Chair Miller announced at the start of the meeting that Item 4 would not be considered that evening and public commenters who wished to speak were limited to addressing the continuance. Several residents and community members were present and expressed concern that notices about the change had not been sent in a timely or accessible manner.

Doyle Morrison and Alicia Morrison, who live near the intersection in question, told the commission they had not received 72-hour notice of the agenda change and asked the city to improve advance notification. The chair and staff encouraged residents to bring the matter to the upcoming City Council meeting and said the item would be re-agendized on Dec. 2.

Commissioner Valenzuela moved to continue the item to Dec. 2; the motion passed by roll call with four yes votes and two no votes. Commissioners who voted against the continuance said community members had shown up to comment and should have the opportunity to address the substance of the project rather than only the continuance.

Staff said the continuance was necessary to allow additional review; the chair noted the continuance avoids re-noticing the item because it remains on the previously noticed agenda. The item will return to a future meeting with full opportunity for public testimony on the merits.