Mad River Parkway Business Center Mixed-Use Community

Ken and Ellen Zanzi retained LACO to assist them with a Major Subdivision Application site plan and environmental compliance for the live/work mixed-use community planned for their property in Arcata, California. This proposed community offers unique space for light industrial, commercial, professional office, and residential units, reducing traffic and improving residents’ quality of life. The Arcata City Council approved the project in February 2010, setting the stage for development which is currently underway.

This project is an example of our integrated solutions approach to complex client needs. Our project team has supported the Zanzi’s with their project from the conceptual development of land-use options, to site analysis and engineering design. Although the City of Arcata has particularly stringent standards for both environmental protection and development, our experienced planners and designer, Julian Berg, coordinated with the City, enabling the project to move forward successfully. Throughout this project, our project team has been responsible for:

  • Creating a vesting tentative map for a Major Planned Unit Development, including technical information related to infrastructure, roadway design, parking, preliminary building pads, and other features
  • Managing and preparing an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for CEQA compliance including the following sub-studies: Traffic, Noise, Biology, Geotechnical Soils, Agricultural Soils, Cultural Resources, Hydrology and Preliminary Drainage Plan, and Topographical Survey
  • Negotiating the terms of the City of Arcata’s first Development Agreement
  • Conducting a preliminary survey review
  • Attending meetings and public hearings with multiple City departments and commissions culminating in unanimous approvals by the Planning Commission and City Council
  • Incorporating green building and sustainable design elements including:
    • Rain Gardens and permeable paving for rainwater retention, filtration, and groundwater replenishment
    • Orientation for active and passive solar access
    • Edible gardens and native landscaping
    • Bike and pedestrian paths provide easy access to all areas of the community
    • Natural day lighting 
    • Access to river and riparian zone interpretive trail

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