Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (FMR)Review of infrastructure projects & natural resource protection issues - |
Infrastructure ProjectsDardenelle Trail completed 2013The California Coastal Trail route chosen by the County through FMR is the Dardenelle Trail along the park's eastern boundary between Cypress and North Lake Street. This wooded winding trail with native fern grove and nearby wetlands has long been a local favorite. The new accessible bridge across San Vicente Creek, provides improved inter-community bike/pedestrian access. Public input on the project resulted in downsizing original plans for trail and bridge and replacing asphalt surface with permeable and more natural appearing decomposed granite. However the construction area was not reduced and the trail was constructed with road paving equipment causing a wide swath of destruction. The fern grove was obliterated. Tree root zones were not protected. Invasive cape ivy was not eradicated before construction and thus was spread throughout the construction area by the grading (see Feb 2013 presentation, slides 7-15).
Parking Lot ReconstructionThe parking lot project (PLN2012-00126) at the corner of California & Lake Street, Moss Beach, involved a major reconfiguration, enlargement, and complete repaving (6/11/12 site plan). Planning Dept review noted the project encroaches on the riparian buffer zone. Fire Marshal noted the proposed configuration would restrict access for large fire trucks. At 11/14/12 field study meeting (staff report- 7MB), Planning Commissioners heard from a gathering of over 20 residents who had serious reservations about the project at its core, noting that on most days the lot is mostly empty, the open space in the area is cherished and utilized as such, and what is really needed is more rangers at busy times to protect the natural resources at the reserve. In 2013 the County plans a much scaled-down project focusing on stormwater pollution reduction features. Beach Access Ramp ImprovementsCounty Parks Strategic Plan includes this project for 2016-17, estimated at $2.5 million. 2010 Ramp design plans, refined after a Community Meeting in 2009, include 10.5-ft wide asphalt road with 3-ft wide shoulders on either side, and retaining wall up to 6-ft high. (see Feb 2013 presentation, slides 18-26) The project was originally included with the Dardenelle Trail in the 2010 environmental document (Neg Dec), but was separated after that and the beach ramp portion was not certified. No Coastal Permit application has been submitted for this project. Interpretive Center BuildingCounty Parks Strategic Plan includes this project for 2017-18, estimated at $500,000. A 2008 permit application (PLN2008-00054) included 3,050 s/f interpretive center, parking for 50 cars & 3 buses, with 18 trees to be removed. That application was canceled. The building location and size seem to be in flux, but we are told a pre-fabricated building is being considered, 2,000 sq.ft. or less. ___________________________________________________
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Midcoast Community Council is an elected Municipal Advisory Council to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, representing Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada, Princeton, and Miramar.
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Focus Topics
Montara Coast - Public Access & Views
4/10/13 MCC letter to Board of Supervisors
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