CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN:
BEACON'S BEACH ACCESS/BLUFF STABILIZATION PROJECT 

(CMP02F)
CASE # 03-119

Applicant:

City of Encinitas
Parks and Recreation Department
Contact: John Frenken, Park and Beach Superintendent
760/633-2755
505 S. Vulcan Avenue
Encinitas, CA 92024

Project Description:

Over the years, Beacon's bluff has been slowly eroding due to an unstable historic bluff landslide. Bluff erosion is also increased by storm and wave activity. On February 7, 2001 a major portion of the bluff at Beacon's collapsed, restricting trail access to Leucadia State Beach. For years this beach access has been one of two main routes for many beach goers to reach the bottom of the bluff at the beach. This beach is a popular recreational spot for local residents, vacationers, and regional surfers. The City has received grant funding from the California State Department of Parks and Recreation to restore and protect the bluff and create a permanent, safe beach access. The State of California owns the beach and the City of Encinitas is currently in a twenty-year (20) operating agreement to manage and maintain the property.

The City of Encinitas is applying for a Major Use Permit and Coastal Development Permit to protect the bluff and create a permanent beach access. This project consists of developing a beach access at Beacon's Beach in Encinitas. Beacon's Beach is located at 948 Neptune Avenue along the Pacific Coastline in Encinitas, California. The project site is surrounded by residential neighborhoods zoned (R11) to the east and is in an area designated Ecological Reserve/Open Space/Park (ER/OS/P) to the north, south, and west.

The project includes bluff stabilization, shoreline protection, a beach access, public shower, foundation for a lifeguard tower, parking lot reconfiguration, and planting. Two options will be presented at the public workshop. The two options will include bluff stabilization and shoreline protection with an access path or an access stairway with no bluff stabilization.

City staff has met informally with the California State Department of Parks and Recreation and the Coastal Commission to discuss the project. These two agencies have expressed their support for the project. 

Interested and Affected Parties:

City staff has identified residents and homeowners within a 300-foot radius of the project site, the Surf Rider Foundation, the Swami's Surfing Association, the Coastal Commission, and the California State Department of Parks and Recreation as being interested and affected parties.

Notifying Methods:

The above mentioned parties will all be noticed of the public workshop. A mailing will be sent out at least ten days (10) prior to the meeting. Following the public workshop, the project will be presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Planning Commission for review, approval, and recommendation to City Council for approval.

Interested parties will have the opportunity to comment on the project during the public workshop. A sign in sheet will be provided. Concerns and comments will be compiled and included in the final report.

Schedule:

On May 21, 2003 City staff submitted a Citizen Participation Program (CPP). On June 3, 2003 City staff will meet with the adjacent homeowners to discuss any concerns prior to the public workshop. On June 4, 2003 City staff will meet with the Surf Rider Foundation and Swami's Surfing Association to discuss any concerns prior to the public workshop. The public workshop is scheduled to be held June 16, 2003 at 6:00PM in the Council Chambers of City Hall, located at 505 S. Vulcan Avenue in Encinitas, CA. The final written report will be submitted seven to ten days (7-10) after the public workshop.

BEACONS BEACH ACCESS FINAL REPORT FROM PUBLIC WORKSHOP

Case # 03-119

On June 3, 2003, city staff met with the adjacent homeowners to review and discuss the project. A copy of the report from the meeting, provided by the consultant, is attached.

On June 4, 2003, city staff met with the Surf Rider Foundation and Swami's Surfing Association to review and discuss the project. A copy of the report from the meeting, provided by the consultant, is attached.

On June 16, 2003, city staff held a public workshop to review and discuss the project. A copy of the report from the meeting, provided by the consultant, is attached.

1. What technique did you use to notify and involve the public regarding your application?

The City notified residents and property owners within a 300-foot radius via mail of the project description and meeting date. In addition to this, the City also notified additionally interested parties as identified by the Planning Department. The City posted a public meeting notification in two spots in the Beacon's parking lot. The public workshop was well attended with over 40 participants.

2. What concerns, issues, and problems did you hear during the process?

Participants were mainly concerned with traffic and parking.

3. How have you addressed the concerns, issues, and problems raised?

It was clarified that the parking area will be relocated away from the bluff and that traffic will be directed down Jasper or Leucadia Boulevard, depending on the parking option selected.

4. If there are concerns, issues, and problems you aren't able to address, explain why.

None