Aerial Sundial Bridge, Sacramento River and Turtle Bay property photo by Jon Lewis.
Calling it “a poor way to spend a million dollars,” Redding Mayor Michael Dacquisto joined Vice Mayor Mark Mezzano in an unsuccessful effort to block the next step in the redevelopment of prime riverfront property in Redding.
Instead, with a 3-2 vote on Tuesday, the Redding City Council awarded a $1.23 million contract to the consulting group MIG to update the Redding Riverfront Specific Plan. The project, first approved last April, is expected to produce “detailed master plan documents considering the future uses and potential redevelopment of City-owned facilities, such as the Redding Civic Auditorium, Redding Rodeo Grounds … as well as the future development/redevelopment of privately held properties all located in the Northern Riverfront area,” according to city staff report.
Dacquisto’s concern, which was shared by many who spoke at the meeting, was MIG’s selection of Populous as a subconsultant. Populous was the global design firm that joined with K2 Development Co. and the McConnell Foundation in a controversial offer to design, redevelop and ultimately purchase a 45-acre chunk of public land anchored by the Civic Auditorium and the rodeo grounds.
Even though City Manager Barry Tippin and MIG principal partner Dan Amsden had emphasized that Populous was strictly a subcontractor and had no role or interest as a developer, Dacquisto, participating in the meeting by phone, said it was his belief “this is a small step in a long process to ultimately take over and privatize the Civic Center and rodeo grounds.”
Vice Mayor Mark Mezzano voted against awarding the contract.
Mezzano said he liked the MIG/Populous proposal and was assured the specific plan and any resulting development would remain under city control. His objection was based on the money involved. “This is not the best use of taxpayer money at this time. I’m voting no. The timing is off given the economic climate,” he said.
(The council voted 4-1 last spring to reject the McConnell/K2/Populous offer and instead solicit proposals to update the 30-year-old riverfront specific plan. Funding for the work will come from the $17.6 million the city is slated to receive through the federal American Recovery Plan Act.)
Council member Tenessa Audette said she understands the community’s concerns over local control and found nothing “nefarious” in the MIG/Populous proposal. The aging Civic Center is in dire need of renovation or replacement and the beloved rodeo grounds needs some serious attention as well, she said. “I’m very excited to see what develops,” Audette said while making a motion to approve the contract.
Council members Jack Munns, left, and Tenessa Audette.
Council member Jack Munns also expressed support after clarifying that a “yes” vote would be to develop a plan only. Tippin reassured him and said the plan, developed after more than a year’s worth of workshops and community forums, would be returned to the council for approval.
Council member Julie Winter said she was heartened to see MIG’s proposal included protection for the sensitive riparian habitat adjacent to the Sacramento River as well as Native American cultural assets, especially those associated with the Wintu people.
Noting that she has lived in Redding for 30 years, Winter said she was supporting the specific plan “because I want Redding to be the best possible Redding possible.” The best part, she said, was “you get to decide” what development or changes occur on public property within the roughly 500 acres of riverfront property stretching from the rodeo grounds to Park Marina Drive.
Amsden told the council he was excited when MIG received Redding’s request for proposals and described the project as ideal for an urban planning and design firm. He said MIG’s large staff includes experts in 43 different disciplines. In addition to Populous, MIG has secured the services of Tawaw, a Canadian architectural firm that specializes in working with indigenous peoples and customs.
When asked by Winter what excites him personally about the riverfront plan project, he called it “such a unique area” with opportunities to “rethink civic uses and interactions with the river.” He said MIG was eager “to build upon this wonderful gem in Redding” and noted that will include both building and preservation of natural resources.
David Ledger questioned the Populous involvement.
Jonathon Freeman was one of a handful of speakers who questioned the return of Populous and said the firm could be “the one bad apple to spoil the barrel.” David Ledger, head of the Shasta Environmental Alliance, said it was a conflict of interest that Populous was included in the MIG proposal.
Jonathon Freeman asked that Native American cultural resources be protected.
Amsden promised extensive outreach and engagement efforts during the 18- to 24-month planning process, including charrettes, workshops, interviews and forums. No dates or locations were announced Tuesday.
Cindy Schonholtz asked that the Redding Rodeo be part of the process.
Meanwhile, Cindy Schonholzt, the new general manager of the Redding Rodeo Association, insisted that the Redding Rodeo, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary in May, be a part of the planning process. “We are asking for a seat at the table,” she said, before adding “here’s to 75 more years of buckin’ by the river.”
(Editor’s note: This story was edited for clarity at 3:28 p.m. on Feb. 9, 2023.)
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