Dear Decision Makers, Since 2017, over 5,000 citizens have voiced their support for the creation of Ponto Park and the fair allocation of useable open space in Coastal South Carlsbad. This petition highlights the community’s concerns and requests for action to protect and enhance public coastal lands for current and future generations. Create a Neighborhood Park at Ponto: Establish a 6-7 acre park to meet the needs of the growing community. The park should be wide, flat, and fully usable, with grassed areas for informal play and recreation. Address Coastal Land Loss from Sea Level Rise: Plan for the replacement of 32+ acres of coastal recreation and campground land projected to be lost due to erosion and flooding. Prioritize public recreation and low-cost visitor accommodations in compliance with the California Coastal Act. Follow Coastal Commission Guidance: Honor the 2017 California Coastal Commission directives regarding Ponto Vision Plan and Planning Area F, ensuring compliance with existing Local Coastal Program policies. Incorporate Sea Level Rise Data in Planning: Update the General Plan and Land Use Maps to reflect sea level rise projections. Proactively secure and expand coastal recreational lands to meet growing public demand. Use Taxpayer Money Wisely: Conduct and disclose a thorough cost-benefit analysis for the PCH Relocation Project, ensuring funds are spent efficiently to maximize public benefit. Acknowledge Community Support: Officially recognize and incorporate the 5,000+ petitions, as well as letters from organizations like the Surfrider Foundation and Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation, advocating for Ponto Park. Provide the Missing Open Space: Fully account for the 30 acres of open space that developers were required to provide under the Local Facilities Management Plan Zone 9 and address community park deficits. Ensure Proper Stormwater Management: Implement effective stormwater purification and detention basins to protect the ocean and Batiquitos Lagoon from project runoff. Reconsider the PCH Modification Project: Rethink the costly walkway proposal along Coast Highway, which risks doubling traffic congestion. Consider alternative, more affordable solutions that preserve land for recreation. Engage Local Communities: Actively involve the San Pacifico Community Association and Ponto residents in the planning and design of coastal land use projects. Commit to Transparent Decision-Making: Fully address these community concerns in all decisions related to coastal land use, ensuring public input is respected and reflected in policy outcomes. We, the undersigned, urge the City of Carlsbad and the California Coastal Commission to take immediate and sustained action to protect and enhance Ponto’s coastal lands for public use and environmental preservation. Additional CommentsAs a residents of the area in need of a park for more than 30 years I fully oppose the current park plan that still does not include park space for this quadrant of Carlsbad.