EUREKA, Calif. — The group “Citizens for a Better Eureka” released a statement on Wednesday stating they will continue with the lawsuit against the city of Eureka.
Citizens for a Better Eureka argued that the city did not follow the proper procedure for adding housing. They have since withdrawn the injunctions.
Member of the group, Michelle Costantine, told the Northstate’s News, “we originally filed the sequel lawsuits because the city has not fully considered the impacts that their plan would have on the economic fatality of our downtown area.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed an amicus brief supporting the City of Eureka in a lawsuit challenging an addition to its housing element.
The City of Eureka has three housing projects proposed. One of them being on 8th and G streets, and another on 6th and M streets.
Citizens for a Better Eureka is a nonprofit organization of 60 downtown business owners and citizens. They have sued the city under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Costantine said, “part of that environmental process is also how it affects the people living there. So that’s one of the big things that we’ve been thinking about. With the lack of parking and just being in a high density space in that area we don’t think it is environmentally healthy for the people.”
They argue that the city did not consider how additional housing would impact the economy, traffic and potentially resulting in a congested downtown.
The City of Eureka argues that the plan for housing will contribute to a decrease in vehicle miles traveled, reducing harmful emissions.
The city also believes they followed the set guidelines.
Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery said, “we feel we have met the requirements of SECA. Very clearly. Definitely have support from the attorney general as well as the Wiyot tribe as well as the legal services of Northern California.”
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