Commission approves South Beach restoration plan, MND and mitigation program

The planning commission voted to approve a site plan and mitigated negative declaration (MND) for a South Beach shoreline restoration and access project, adopting Resolution PC-2550.

Bob Greenlaw, the city’s CIP director, presented the project scope and environmental work, saying the design includes a 100-foot groin wall, replacement of roughly 80 feet of damaged seawall and the import of about 6,000 cubic yards of clean sand. "The construction duration is anticipated to be in the range of 4 to 6 months," Greenlaw said, adding that the preferred delivery method is barge to reduce truck traffic.

Staff told commissioners the project team revised earlier sediment models, completed biological studies and is in the middle of the environmental permit process; resource-agency comments from the California Coastal Commission and California Department of Fish and Wildlife were addressed in the final MND. The staff report recommends incorporation of any Coastal Commission conditions into the city's approval and adoption of a mitigation monitoring and reporting program, including tribal monitoring during ground disturbance.

Commissioners questioned alternatives and timing. In response to dredging as an alternative, Greenlaw said the team considered dredging but judged environmental impacts and testing requirements made import the more practical option: "We thought the impacts would be greater," he said. Staff estimated permits could be ready in about two months and noted the grant application deadline of Oct. 30 for external funding that could determine whether construction begins this fall.

The commission adopted the resolution by roll call vote; the clerk recorded affirmative votes from commissioners present and the resolution passed. The project will proceed to resource-agency review and permit completion before construction begins.