05/04/2026
Pushed Through, Not Thought Through:
A PD Ordinance Without Full Community Consideration
CVTI regularly receives feedback from residents who feel that commission decisions do not reflect their needs and priorities. Many residents approach frequent speakers around town, whether on the street or in the grocery store, to thank them for voicing their concerns on behalf of the community. Despite these gestures of appreciation, residents express that they are not being heard or taken seriously by decision-makers. This ongoing sentiment is what motivates CVTI to continue its advocacy efforts.
What seems to be the rush ahead of the master planner?
There appears to be a sense of urgency ahead of the master planner’s involvement, prompting questions about whether some individuals are seeking to bypass the process or if other motivations are at play.
At the April 16th Local Planning Agency (LPA) meeting, a hastily assembled proposal for a new Planned Development (PD) zoning district for Treasure Island was advanced with surprising speed. The process was notably rushed, as the ordinance was so incomplete that the senior Community Development Department staff member had to read a not-yet-finalized version directly from her computer screen, including last-minute revisions that had not been shared with the Board or the public prior to the meeting.
This is not how thoughtful, transparent policy should be developed.
LPA Board member Marvin Shavlan raised an important and reasonable point, emphasizing that the Board deserved adequate time to review the updated ordinance before voting. His request reflected basic expectations of due diligence and responsible governance: "You know I want to vote on this Richard. But you know there's a couple little ... you know ... there's stuff in here they just added. I mean should we, you know maybe, set a meeting for next week or the week after? I mean I want to move this thing along."
Despite the call for more time to review, the request was quickly dismissed.
Richard Harris and Ross Sanchez moved to end any discussion about delaying the vote, effectively denying both the Board and the public an opportunity to fully evaluate a proposal with significant long-term implications. The urgency displayed by a small group of proponents is difficult to justify, unless speed itself is the objective.
The most plausible explanation for this haste is strategic: advancing a loosely constructed PD ordinance ahead of the City’s Master Planning process risks undermining that broader effort. The Master Plan is intended to provide a comprehensive, data-driven roadmap for responsible growth. Rushing zoning changes before its completion opens the door to piecemeal, developer-driven decisions that could permanently alter the character and density of Treasure Island, all without the benefit of a cohesive vision.
This approach is not smart development; it is reactive policymaking that prioritizes short-term interests over long-term community outcomes. Residents should be concerned.
The proposed PD ordinance is scheduled to come before the Commission on Tuesday at 6 PM. This represents a critical moment for the community. If you value thoughtful planning, transparency, and balanced growth, your voice matters.
Attend the meeting, speak up, and support the Master Plan process and responsible development – not rushed decisions that may benefit a few at the expense of the broader community.
