Hellman Vote Site Wasn’t Requested

Re “Panel to Vote on Seal Beach Plan in Eureka,” Aug. 10:

We would like to make some clarifications regarding the Hellman Properties project. We did not request that the hearing take place in Eureka. Rather, in June the Coastal Commission passed a 90-day delay so that additional analysis could be completed. The 90-day postponement coincides with the commission’s September meeting in Eureka.

The Port of Long Beach’s feasibility study concluded that “the cost per credit far exceeds the guidelines for a feasible project.” Costs would range from $600,000 to $852,000 per credit, before land acquisition costs or a maintenance endowment. Based on port studies, it is very clear that a Port/Hellman restoration project is neither a feasible nor a realistic alternative.

Contrary to assertions, approval would have no new statewide implications regarding wetlands policy because the Coastal Commission has previously established policy for this property.

In 1982 and 1990, the commission approved findings that allowed for wetlands restoration and consolidation, in exchange for development of adjacent property, which included fill of the degraded wetlands. Both of these decisions acknowledged the substantial overall increase in wetlands values for the entire site and were found to be consistent with Coastal Act policies.

Furthermore, the commission’s chief counsel indicated at the April 8 hearing that “this project achieves goals that we want to achieve under the Coastal Act.”

Our project is the most environmentally sensitive and feasible alternative for the Hellman property. The project includes: dedication of over 64 acres of land for wetlands, trails and a park; provision of visitor-serving recreational uses; and an 80% reduction in the number of homes.

JERRY TONE

DAVE BARTLETT

Hellman Properties, LLC