The Coastal Commission argues the project requires a coastal development permit which would entail an environmental analysis. Previously, the city of Pacifica approved the multi-million dollar undertaking, saying a coastal development permit was not necessary.
Public infrastructure has been damaged by this year’s El Nino storms, forcing the evacuation of a blufftop apartment building and two homes, and damaging a pier, a promenade and a drainage pipe.
“It’s still my hope that we can work things out,” said Nancy Cave, a district manager for the Coastal Commission, “but as of today we are not in agreement with either the city or the owner.”
The city signed off on the upgrade in 2013 which was termed “repair and maintenance,” when in fact all 93 manufactured homes are being replaced as are all the underground utility lines.
The owner, Palmetto 1300 LLC, has removed most of the older MH, which had been affordable housing for the residents, and secured a $42 million investment from the Carlyle Group to purchase and site all new upscale MH, as well as build a boardwalk along the ocean edge.
Mayor Pro Tem Mike O’Neill said the previous city manager, Steve Rhodes, approved the development, noting the current staff would not have signed off on the project, although, as dailydemocrat reports, four out of five council members did not respond to requests for comments.
Redevelopment of the MHC includes moving the homes back from the bluff, but coastal erosion experts suggest that by 2100 half of the property may be eaten away.
Matt Heberger, a senior research associate for the Pacific Institute, said, “The cheapest, most common-sense approach is to avoid building in a current or future flood plain. But there’s always going to be pressure to develop these properties.”
A public hearing is set for April 13 by the Coastal Commission to discuss the necessity for a permit. A representative of Palmetto 1300 LLC allegedly did not return call for a comment. ##
(Image credit: CRP/PSE–Seaside Pacific Venture–Pacific Skies Estates)
