Commissioner urges better planning‑department communication; commission asks for EIR progress report

Commissioner Doug Allen told colleagues he is frustrated with the planning department’s communication and perceived slowdown in project throughput since the former planning director departed. Allen said the commission’s last substantive public hearing had been July 26 and asked for more transparency, including an introduction to the interim planning director, regular office hours, and a weekly project report.

"Whether there's an actual workflow issue or communication issue or both, I'm disappointed in how the planning department leadership under manager Snyderman's oversight is settling in," Allen said, noting he had been patient during the transition but that six months without meaningful meetings left him obliged to speak out.

City staff acknowledged the concerns and said that some projects simply have not required commission action while consultant work and EIR preparation continue. The city manager agreed to provide an update on ongoing EIR work at the commission’s next meeting—anticipated in about two weeks—and to post monthly EIR progress updates on the city website.

Commissioners emphasized the coming year will be busy with multiple housing proposals and asked staff to improve two‑way communications so the commission can perform oversight and offer timely input on project design and processing.