Public hearings on two large development projects in the city are on the Palm Springs City Council agenda this evening at the request of elected officials.
The first hearing is regarding a permit for the fivefold expansion of the Kings Garden cultivation operation on 19th Avenue — from a 37,800-square-foot facility to one that is 212,000 square feet. The Palm Springs Planning Commission approved the permit on June 23. However, a review of the permit was requested by a member of the City Council. That review includes a public comment period this evening.
The second hearing, also initiated by a member of the Council, also follows Planning Commission approval. It involves a proposed housing development at the southwest corner of East Palm Canyon Drive and Matthew Drive. A Planning Commission vote to approve final development plans for the project, 80 single-family residential units known as Canyon View Courts, took place June 9.
Members of a local environmental group, who argued against some aspects of the project due to its proximity to the habitat of an endangered beetle, were urged last week on social media to make a show of force during the public comments.
In addition to the public hearings, a discussion of parklets is also expected to take place. City staff needs to finalize fees for parklet use and a timeline for implementation of design standards. The City Council has been asked to confirm its direction for both. The most recent coverage of parklets in The Post can be found here and here.
The Council is also expected to approve funds for special events and parades this fall, including $15,000 for the city’s annual Veterans Day parade on November 11 and $30,000 for the annual Festival of Lights parade on December 4. Funding for the Palm Springs PRIDE parade on November 7 will also be discussed. That funding usually includes both a monetary contribution and donation of city services.
A number of additional items of interest are also expected to be discussed or approved this evening. They include:
- Approval of a contract for demolishing a stalled hotel project covered by The Post here
- Approval of $50,000 to provide minor updates and needed repairs to the Plaza Theatre. The request for those funds was first covered by The Post on Monday; and
- Approval of a contract to install a High Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK) signal at the intersection of Racquet Club and Via Miraleste that is expected to aid drivers’ awareness of pedestrians and cyclists crossing the intersection.
En español: La agenda del Consejo está disponible en español aquí.
To participate: Written comments may be submitted to the City Council be emailing cityclerk@palmspringsca.gov. Residents who wish to speak at the Council meeting should call 760-323-8204 prior to 5 PM. At the appropriate time, a staff member will call anyone wishing to provide testimony.
