Clearlake Planning Commission approves conveyance of multiple city parcels; staff outlines short-term leaseback for Valley Glass

The Clearlake Planning Commission unanimously approved a series of resolutions May 9 that will convey or consolidate several city-owned parcels and advance modest redevelopment and reuse plans across the city.

Staff described each parcel in turn, recommending adoption of resolutions PC2023‑02 through PC2023‑09 covering properties including 14709 Palmer Avenue; 6820, 6840 and 6860 Old Highway 53; and multiple small lots on Ninth and Twelfth avenues. After staff presentations and limited commissioner questions, each item was moved, seconded and approved by roll-call vote with five ayes.

Why it matters: the actions clear titles and transfer several small or problem parcels so the city can market them for housing or other development, reduce longtime code‑enforcement burdens and potentially aggregate lots for larger projects. For one formerly occupied site, staff said the city negotiated acquisition from a lienholder after the nonprofit owner defaulted; the city has fenced and abated the site while preparing it for sale or redevelopment.

What commissioners asked: Vice Chair Stewart and others pressed staff about code enforcement history, sewer easements and whether the city had appraised small lots before disposal. On the Twelfth Avenue lots, staff said the nearest sewer mains are more than 1,000 feet away and that many 5,000-square-foot parcels are not practical for typical development without consolidation.

Valley Glass and a leaseback: commissioners spent additional time on the property at 6860 Old Highway 53, long home to Valley Glass. Vice Chair Stewart noted the business’s local importance and asked whether the city could help the new owners remain in place during a transition. Staff told the commission it is negotiating ‘‘probably a 12‑month leaseback’’ for the new owners while they establish operations and search for a longer-term location.

Public comment and other issues: public comment was limited; one resident identified as State, junior. urged maintenance and enforcement on Fortieth Avenue near Highway 53, saying heavy truck traffic and roadway deterioration had damaged vehicles. That concern did not prompt a staff action at the meeting but was noted for referral to code enforcement or relevant agencies.

Citywide context: City Manager Flora updated the commission on the project pipeline, said staff will review inactive cannabis permits (and may revoke permits that remain inactive under development agreements), and described work with CalRecycle and the county to arrange a short-term mobile bottle‑redemption service before July 1 while a long-term solution is developed. Staff said the long-term redemption center might be outside city limits but would serve Clearlake residents.

Votes at a glance:
• Item 3 — 14709 Palmer Avenue (APN 040193560000): staff recommended PC2023‑02; adopted unanimously (5–0).
• Item 4 — 6820 Old Highway 53 (APN 01003108000): staff recommended PC2023‑03 (acquisition); adopted unanimously (5–0).
• Item 5 — 6840 Old Highway 53 (APN 010‑031‑090‑000): staff recommended PC2023‑04; adopted unanimously (5–0).
• Item 6 — 6860 Old Highway 53 (APN 010‑031‑050‑000): staff recommended PC2023‑05 (includes Valley Glass discussion and proposed temporary leaseback); adopted unanimously (5–0).
• Item 7 — 16178–30 Fifth Avenue (APN 041211280000): staff recommended PC2023‑06; adopted unanimously (5–0).
• Item 8 — 16336–20 Ninth Avenue (APN 04225320000): staff recommended PC2023‑07 (donation to city); adopted unanimously (5–0).
• Item 9 — 16137 Twelfth Avenue (APN 042345020000): staff recommended PC2023‑08; adopted unanimously (5–0).
• Item 10 — 16147 Twelfth Avenue (APN 042345030000): staff recommended PC2023‑09; adopted unanimously (5–0).

The commission closed the meeting with manager and staff reports and adjourned at 6:55 p.m.