Planning and Zoning Commission - 2026-02-04
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a special permit and coastal site plan review for Manresa Osprey LLC's North Forest project, the first phase of Manresa Wilds, a privately-funded 120-acre public park on the former Manresa Island power plant site. The approval allows excavation of over 1,000 cubic yards and soil disturbance exceeding 10,000 square feet to create 28 acres of trails, gathering spaces, a 40-space parking lot, and restroom facilities on Longshore Avenue in District 5. Conditions include lighting shutoff requirements, electric vehicle parking spaces, and consideration of changing stations in restrooms.
Key Decisions (1)
Special Permit and Coastal Site Plan Review for Manresa Wilds North Forest
Manresa Osprey LLC received unanimous approval (9-0) for special permit and coastal site plan review to develop the North Forest, a 28-acre first phase of Manresa Wilds public park at Longshore Avenue, District 5, Block 86, Lots 1 and 2. The project includes 1.5 miles of trails, 40-space parking lot, restroom facility, three gathering pockets (Eco, Gather, Learn), and ecological restoration. The 120-acre site is zoned CD-1S where parks are permitted as of right.
Development Activity (1)
Manresa Wilds North Forest
28-acre first phase of 120-acre public park on former power plant site. Includes 1.5 miles of paved and unpaved trails, 40-space parking lot with 2 ADA spaces, restroom facility, three gathering pockets (1-acre Eco Room meadow, 0.6-acre Gather Room, 0.2-acre Learn Room outdoor classroom), guard booth, bus loading zones for 2 buses (convertible to 14 additional parking spaces), perimeter security fence. Construction estimated at 11 months with 32-40 trucks daily.
Market Signals (3)
Infrastructure
The project represents significant private investment in waterfront public access, with the applicant committing to long-term ecological restoration and public park development without taxpayer funding.
Sentiment
Strong public support for waterfront access was evident, with over 3,000 community comments collected and 1,000+ attendees at public engagement events, though immediate neighbors expressed concerns about traffic, lighting, and parking impacts.
Housing Demand
The commission noted that the 28-acre North Forest site could alternatively support over 150 single-family residential lots under current CD-1S zoning, highlighting development pressure on waterfront land.