Neighbors press Redding planners over fence, noise and wildlife near proposed CHIBA campus

Several neighbors spoke during the CHIBA public hearing, urging stronger physical separation and protections for wildlife and property during construction. Kendra Kohler (speaker 13), who said her backyard abuts the project site, told commissioners she was worried about students crossing fences, noise and the effect of a new trail behind her house on local animals. "I am a school teacher, and I never want to live next to a school," Kohler said, adding concerns about foxes, raccoons, jackrabbits and turkeys that currently inhabit the greenbelt.

Commissioners and staff acknowledged the concerns and explained the project's environmental review. Staff noted the CEQA mitigated negative declaration and said mitigation measures addressing potential impacts to birds and bats are incorporated into the mitigation monitoring program. The commission and staff also debated the type and placement of buffer fencing: commissioners emphasized that any future security fencing be decorative and sited "near the edge of or interior to the area of hardscape improvements" so that trails and detention basins are not boxed in by long masonry walls. The final permit language makes fence design subject to review and approval by the development services director. Neighbors asked for air-quality protections during grading; staff pointed to dust-control requirements in the grading ordinance and state regulations that apply during construction.