Redding Riverfront Community Coalition Holds First of Four Public Meetings

The Redding Riverfront Specific Plan Community Coalition met for the first time on Monday evening, October 9. It’s one way that Redding contractor MIG, Inc. and sub-contractor Populous, are working with community members to solicit input on an update to the Redding Riverfront Specific Plan. This document defines how land at the riverfront could be developed and how it will be conserved. The plan has not been updated in almost thirty years.

The Riverfront Community Coalition consists of 20 individuals, primarily business owners and organizational representatives. Some of the sitting members include Julie Dyar from Advance Redding, Chris Kutras of Kutras Properties, Lesley Jessee of the McConnell Foundation, Baron Browning of the Redding Rodeo Association, Ryan Haedrich of the Redding Chamber of Commerce, and Todd Jones of the Shasta Economic Development Corporation. Tribal Chairman Gary Rickard of the Wintu Tribe of Northern California and Chairman Jack Potter, Jr. of the Redding Rancheria are also on the committee.

Monday’s meeting included an overview of the project and general introductions from coalition members who mentioned priorities, including increasing public safety, developing recreational activities, and attracting more commerce. Committee member Rebeca Ladrón de Guevara of the Wintu Audubon Society was the only committee member who emphasized the importance of prioritizing environmental concerns, including maintaining the riparian areas and not disrupting the habitats of the 196 species of birds who reside in the area. 

In contrast, many public speakers insisted that the health and protection of the river should be the committee’s main priority.

“Please don’t do more large-scale development and then find corners to cram bird boxes into,” pleaded former Shasta County planner Bill Walker, who has been a vocal opponent to the recently proposed development of the riverfront area.

The framework for the coalition, including ground rules, expectations, decision-making principles, and operating principles was published in August. The Riverfront Community Coalition meets under Brown Act rules meaning that all agendas are made public before meetings, the meetings are open to the public, and public comment is welcomed. Members of the RRSP Community Coalition were chosen by the City of Redding Staff.

The next meeting for the Community Coalition will be held on October 23, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room at 777 Cypress Avenue. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and may address the committee for three minutes by submitting a speaker request card at the meeting. Virtual viewing is also possible. Find more information on the Community Coalition info page here.

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