HomeMy WebLinkAboutLCPA 02-10; Habitat Management Plan; Local Coastal Program Amendment (LCPA) (15)1-22-03;11:05AM;Sernpra Env/SftY - ;01w 0-0 4L40 tt L, -
Ssn Diego Gas & Electric
PO Box 12983 1 San D@O, CA 92112-9831
January 22,2003
Julie Baker, Chairperson
Planning Commission .
City of Carlsbad
1535 Faraday Drive
Carlsbad, California 92009
RE: Proposed Adoption of LCP Amendment to Implement Habitat Management Plan
Dear Ms. Baker:
Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the proposed amendments to the City's
Local Coastal Program to implement the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan (HMP).
San Diego Gas & Hectric Company (SDG&E) owns approximately 250 acres in the Agua
Hedionda area. The City sometimes calls this property the "South Shore Property."
Furthering company land planning objectives for the South Shore Property, SDG&E was
one of the first landowners to participate in the HMTs efforts to predetermine preserve
and development boundaries for habitat-containing land in the City. SDG&E is proud
of the agreement made, which "hardlines" approximately 50 acres of the property into
open space, nearly 100% of the native habitat. This initial agreement was balanced and
provided a "win" for all concerned.
In contrast, SDGM believes that the scope of the proposed amendments fails to address
an appropriate balancing of interests that habitat conservation planning takes into
account, and focuses instead on stringent and unyielding principles associated with
coastal zone regulation. While these conflicts can perhaps only be reconciled at the state
and federal levels, SDG&E understands the need for the City to move forward with its
approval of the HMP.
Therefore, SDG&E makes the following two comments on the proposed amendments:
The proposed buffers should be returned to case-by-case. The hardlines for the
South Shore Property took into account the desired separation of development
and open space. Adding any more land to buffers would be a superfluous and
unjustified sequestering of private land
The proposed HMP amendment appears to restrict or eliminate access
opportunities to the shoreline. This restriction may affect access to the one Agua
Hedionda lagoon beach which was retained for eventual use by recreationists
using the City's future Hub Park or other nearby facilities. SDG&E requests that
the beach access to this area is confirmed in the HMP.
SDG&E respectfully asks that these changes be made by the Planning Commission as
part of its approval of the LCP amendments by the City. Given that the majority of the
land on the South Shore Property will be likely be used by the public as park or open
space, SDG&E's requested changes can only improve the public's ability to use and
enjoy coastaI resources.
We look forward to the opportunity to continue working with your staff to effect these
important changes.
Very huly yours,
Donald E. Haines
Manager
Land Planning and Natural Resources
cc: Don Neu, City of Carlsbad
Don Rideout, City of Carlsbad