“Ecotourism is an important platform, if not the most important platform, for launching public education programs. As a part of the Tank Farm development, Shopoff Realty Investments is proposing a partnership between Shopoff and the Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy (HBWC) that will provide public access and wetlands education for both visitors and residents.  We are excited to partner with them in this effort.”

“Orange County is currently experiencing a shortfall of nearly 60,000 housing units and cities are in urgent need of a variety of housing types.  OCBC looks to new housing development like what is being proposed by Shopoff Realty Investments to help fill these housing needs.  Furthermore, in trying economic times it is crucial for cities to find additional funding sources for local infrastructure projects, parks and public safety. In addition to new tax revenue and the economic development impacts of addressing local housing supply challenges, this plan will bring in new jobs both during construction and once the lodge is built.” 

Chair Donne Brownsey
California Coastal Commission
455 Market Street, Suite 300,
San Francisco, CA 94105

Re: Community Support for Magnolia Tank Farm, More Housing in Huntington Beach

Dear Chairwoman Brownsey and Commissioners,

I have lived adjacent to the Magnolia Tank Farm property for nearly 50 years.  Long overdue and needlessly delayed, we would like to share our support of the Magnolia Tank Farm project.    We appreciate your team’s efforts to find a development balance and would hope that the proposed complimentary development to our corner of South East Huntington can finally be brought to fruition.   

As a lifelong resident of Huntington Beach, I am submitting this letter to express my support for the proposed City of Huntington Beach Local Coastal Plan Amendment that would allow for the development of the Magnolia Tank Farm. My family values our parks, open areas, and our coastline. We pay close attention to the evolution of our city and seek to ensure that coastal development complements our landscape, increases coastal access, and benefits our growing community. This project would transform an area that once housed oil tanks to provide much needed housing, low-cost accommodations, parks and amenities, and environment-focused educational programs. As such, we believe the Magnolia Tank Farm would positively contribute to our city.

I wanted to share a few reasons why I support this project.

Housing and low-cost accommodations:

The state is facing an ongoing housing crisis. The Regional Housing Needs Assessment requires the construction of 13,368 new units within Huntington Beach alone – 180,000 countywide. The housing crisis is only getting worse and there is not unlimited land on which to build. 

In addition to housing, the project would also ensure the availability of low cost, high occupancy rooms in the hotel for middle-to-low-income visitors, increasing coastal access considerably.  

Coastal Amenities and local economic benefits:

As a neighbor of the project area, I welcome the residential and public amenities this project would provide, including Magnolia Park, an overlook trail, and much-needed additional parking.

Concerning our local economy, the project would generate millions of dollars in tax revenue for the city, it would create hundreds permanent jobs, and it would generate millions of dollars in economic output. 

Educational programs:

I am also in support of the environmental education component that is central to the project. This includes a wetlands interpretive program that would be offered to the public, as well as to disadvantaged communities, at no cost through partnerships with local school districts and NGOs. 

By virtue of our close proximity to the coastline, we are well aware of the threat of sea level rise. However, we have our full faith in the Orange County Flood Control District, which maintains our flood control infrastructure. These channels would protect this project in addition to the existing regional infrastructure including roads, public facilities, schools, libraries, and thousands of residences, including my own. 

The Magnolia Tank Farm would transform our area for the better by creating much needed housing and improving access and amenities that complement our coastline. This project is a model for all other coastal development. As a resident living directly across from the project, I urge your support.

Sincerely,
David Wetzel
Co-Founder  / Dad