Public Comments

Dear Director Pagan,

Thank you for the effort you and project staff have put into the Redding Riverfront Specific Plan update. I’m writing as a long-term resident of the City of Redding with the intention of making the EIR process stronger and the scope more complete.

Please ensure the scope includes the following in the EIR analysis of potential impacts, alternatives and mitigation measures:

- The EIR must clearly describe what could be built, where, and how intense uses could become, rather than leaving decisions vague.
- The EIR must analyze impacts to salmon, native plants, animals, water quality, and flooding, recognizing these as cultural keystone species and systems.
- The EIR must analyze the Riverfront as an Indigenous cultural landscape, not just individual archeological sites.
- The EIR must include an alternative that prioritizes conservation and Indigenous cultural use and avoids further development in the Northern Riverfront.
- The Program EIR must clarify what level of environmental review will be required for individual projects in the future.
- The EIR must be consistent with the City of Redding General Plan 2045 Policy NR9A: “Strive to ensure the protection of prehistoric, cultural and archeological resources during the development process. Consult with local Wintu tribes as appropriate to help identify and preserve cultural resources during the development review process.” Since future projects
considered to be consistent with the Program EIR will have a streamlined development review process, this is especially important now. This must include both Federally recognized and unrecognized local tribes.

In appreciation,

Regarding an Environmental Impact Report for the west bank of the Sacramento River from the Boat Ramp at the Redding Rodeo Grounds to the Cypress St. Bridge, I am most interested in preserving the natural river and its environs. We must protect the river habitat for the fish and the riparian habitat for the wildlife, especially all bird life, and native plants. To sacrifice any natural element of the river is to compromise its contributions to our natural world with all of its connections.

Greetings to all,

I am writing you to urge you to prioritize the unique and important wilderness and animal habitats in the Sacramento River area and all of Northern CA. Man must be careful to create around nature and preserve the open areas for oxygen, the animals and ecosystems for the renewing life the bring to us as humans. 
I believe true advancements can only be made in harmony with the earth and all on it without leaving pollution, extinctions, and destruction of nature. 

The best ideal to me is a buffer to isolate the industrial and living and entertainment of people from disturbing and dangerous to these so necessary natural environments. This includes no noise, lights, people encroaching upon these sensitive ecosystems that are so entwined and of a fragile balance that if care is not taken now it can never be replaced. 

Where do you get a new marshland if you destroy them?  And if that’s not good enough reason - damaging nature ecosystems and animals and birds ruins your tourism revenue.
 
Ensure you protect animals and land please.  The back alley deal protect animals but not the habitats roe LAND THEY LIVE ON does not cut it.  

Please May all your actions be in alignment with saving, protecting and supporting the environment and nature for your grand- children and future generations.  What we do today determines what tomarrow will be. 
Sincerely

Hello,

I’d like to submit my comments and concerns for the coming EIR needed for the Riverfront plans being developed.

First and foremost in my mind is protecting the natural habitat of the riparian corridor to protect and even enhance the conditions for the wildlife to thrive there, including birds, land mammals, bats, beavers, and fish.  Many creatures call it home and they require a healthy environment for nesting, raising young, migrating, etc.  This must include reviewing everything from traffic, additional utilities, water runoff, nighttime lighting, noise, movement and waste from increased human use.  Care must be taken to provide buffers from the human activity to maintain a safe and healthy riparian habitat.

I’m pleased that tribal and cultural concerns will be addressed directly with tribal members, another very important consideration in this process.  They have lost so much already, we must respect and include their knowledge and needs.  They need and deserve spaces within this development that are meaningful for them, that can be shared with others and benefit us all.  

My hope is that the community can come together and support thoughtful improvements that respect the natural beauty and native culture while providing enhanced recreational opportunity for us and for our visitors.

Thank you,

Hello Mr. Jeremy Pagan,

First we don’t want to “bend” what is right. Whatever is protected needs to be untouched, including migratory birds, local birds, bats, animals. Nocturnal animals need darkness at night. A healthy wild riparian corridor means a healthy Redding community too.

Please don’t forget to evaluate noise, light, and pollution in the EIR. We’re counting on you!

Dear Jeremy Pagan,

We all know that growth and development is inevitable, but there exists the possibility to have both and still maintain a quality environment.  The river is an exceptional natural environment as it is now.  Please ensure that the birds, small mammals, and deer will be minimally impacted by its future development.  It is a rare gem to have this natural environment so close to a city center as it now exists.

Health and happiness to you and yours... 

"It matters not how long you live, but how well you live."(Spend your "dash" wisely.)

Dear Director Pagan,

It’s clear the City of Redding has put a lot of time and effort into the Redding Riverfront Specific Plan update. I’m writing as a community member, downtown business owner, and lifelong naturalist with the intention of making the EIR process stronger and the scope more complete.

Please ensure the scope includes the following in the EIR analysis of potential impacts, alternatives and mitigation measures:

- The EIR must analyze whether increased development and visitor activity could interfere with Indigenous ceremony, gathering, healing, and access to the river.
- The EIR must explain how tribes and tribal community voices will continue to be included in decisions, not just consulted once. The “Northern Riverfront Partnership” that is floated in the Emerging Concepts presentation

is vague in this regard.
- The EIR must evaluate and explain how this project, or portions of it, could exacerbate the climate risk of extreme heat, and what alternatives could be implemented to mitigate this risk.
- The EIR must analyze impacts to salmon, native plants, animals, water quality, and flooding, recognizing these as ecological and cultural keystone species and systems.
- The EIR must evaluate whether restoration efforts would be undermined by future development or access infrastructure.
- The EIR must analyze whether subsequent projects exceeding program assumptions will require supplemental EIRs, and on what basis this decision will be made.

Sincerely,

Dear Mr. Pagan,

I live in the city of Redding, and I am writing about the Environmental Impact Report for the Redding Riverfront Specific Plan.

I currently use the riverfront to walk, birdwatch, meet friends, and sit by the water. When I'm there, I value the riparian habit that is home to the trees and wildlife, and I love the sound of the river rushing by, and the views of the mountains.

For me, this is not just a place to visit once in a while, it is part of my regular life. I visit often and consider it an extension of my backyard.

If the riverfront is planned primarily as a visitor hospitality and events hub, with more hotels, restaurants, large events, and paid or event parking, I am concerned that the community will lose native habitat for wildlife and the trees. The animals and trees were here long before the city was built, and they depend on the river areas more than we do. They are sharing it with us and humans don't have the right to destroy the land by the river. Hotels and restaurants would destroy what so many people in Redding value: a quiet place to be in nature without having to leave the city. I love walking along the quiet areas of the river and seeing wildlife and the changing colors of the trees. These changes would directly affect how people like me can use the riverfront in the future.

I ask that the Environmental Impact Report clearly evaluate how the hospitality and events concept would affect existing everyday uses by local residents and compare it with an alternative that keeps more of the riverfront in open space, habitat, and regular community use rather than focusing mainly on visitors and events.

Thank you for considering my comments.

Sincerely,

Dear Director Pagan,

I have been following the Redding Riverfront Specific Plan update and have truly appreciated all the effort that the City is making to include the community in the process of developing our beautiful, natural river front in a way that protects the environment and the indigenous cultural sites along the river, along with helping people to have free access to these natural areas with the least impact. I’m writing as a community member of over 40 years who has raised my children here and worked as a trauma psychologist, serving our community with Emotional First Aid after much of our natural lands were burnt in the 2018 fires and subsequent fires. These are my ideas of making the EIR process stronger and the scope more complete.

Please ensure the scope includes the following in the EIR analysis of potential impacts, alternatives and mitigation measures:

The EIR must clearly describe what could be built, where, and how intense uses could become, rather than leaving decisions vague

The EIR must analyze impacts to salmon, native plants, animals, water quality, and flooding, recognizing other impacts to our species and ego systems in this area.

The EIR must analyze how roads, trails, lighting, noise, events and construction could disturb the natural ecosystems and acestrial burial sites and sacred places along the river.

The EIR must analyze mitigation measures to include conservation easements and specific efforts to protect the natural ecosystems and indigenous cultural sites along the river with the special effort to protect the North side of the river from all development.

The EIR must ensure tribal and tribal community voices’ consultation meaningfully shapes alternatives, mitigation and land use decisions.

The Program EIR must analyze the outer bounds of development intensity to prevent improper tiering of future projects.

The Program EIR must clarify what level of environmental review will be required for individual projects in the future.

The EIR must analyze whether subsequent projects exceeding program assumptions will require supplemental EIRs, and on what basis this decision will be made.

Thank you for considering these points. I look forward to understanding how the City will move forward in developing the RiverFront while protecting the natural ego systems, indigenous cultural sites, and our beautiful community who love the beautiful river that flows freely through an amazing natural area right at the center of our town with almost no development to infringe on it.

Blessings for Joy and Peace

The EIR must analyse all citizens' responses to polls and questionnaires to
date.

I have had the privilege of watching millions of Robins and Starlings nesting nightly in the area of the Eagle nest- PLEASE allow that area to remain a sanctuary for our wildlife, which are vitally important.

Hi, 
I am very excited to hear that you all have been working on improving Redding and the Riverfront area. 
I would like to request that you take into consideration the nature in this area. Something I love about Redding is the natural beauty. It would be a shame to destroy this. I hope that you are able to protect Turtle Bay. It would also be great if there were trees planted and maintained along the Riverfront. 
Thank you for all you do. 

Hi there,

I wanted to give feedback about the Riverfront Project/Plan. I moved back to Redding after 20 years because the riverfront has remained mostly natural and beautiful. It's different from other cities/towns BECAUSE the Riverfront is beautiful still. I don't think any development should happen on the Riverfront, but it seems Redding is still moving forward with the plan.

If that's the case, a VERY thorough EIP should be completed before any and all construction begins. There are SO many species that rely on the riverfront for their habitat, food source, etc.

It's already disappointing that Redding will develop the riverfront in any regard, but the least the City can do is ensure wildlife protection.

Regards,

I am happy the city is looking to improve the riverfront. I would like to see an environmental impact plan to address plant and wildlife habitat-specifically birds. I believe a riparian margin should be preserved and no blue oaks removed. This will help preserve the charm and integrity of an already great area. 

Dear City of Redding,
Living in Anderson and Redding since 1944, i feel compelled to provide comments on the RiverFront Specific Plan. Frit of all I find the area quite fine and natural as is. However, if any changes/additions are to be implemented, I strongly suggest the attention to tribal interests, it would be tragic and undoable should the building of condos, paving over with parking lots be part of the plan.
The Civic Auditorium needs to be put out to bid for a new and professional management team. The Sundial Bridge and surrounding area need to have continuous upkeep and maintenance. The Turtle Bay museum is in fine shape and continues to attract quality exhibits. Pleas, no commercial enterprises, e.g. food kiosks, etc. Purchase the private lands from the local Kutras family and protect it from a gross private enterprise along the riverfront. Thank You for your considerations.

Dear Jeremy Pagan,

My name is [_] and I am the Founder & Director of a local non-profit Community Group called *Friends of the Redding Eagles. *Our group has been closely monitoring the nesting pair of bald eagles in the Turtle Bay area since they first arrived back in 2005. It is crucial to our group that the EIR include this very popular & active nesting pair of Bald Eagles along with all wildlife & plants in the Riparian Area in the Study *before* any long-term decisions are made regarding the Riverfront Project.

Our group has been collecting data on these nesting eagles from 2005-2026 that we share with several biologists from CA Fish & Wildlife & several other Eagle Biologists that we work closely with in our monitoring & conservation efforts. We have a spreadsheet available with all of our collected data on these Bald Eagles for the last 20 years & we would be glad to share this information with you & the EIR Committee upon request. We also have 20 years of detailed documentation along with numerous photos & videos taken by our Ground Crew who are out on the trails in & around the nest area on a daily basis tracking the eagles that we would be happy to share with you upon request.

The female eagle "Liberty" has raised 29 offspring so far with her 3 different mates over the last 20 years. She has been an extremely
productive & successful eagle in this rich riparian habitat in the Turtle Bay area. The eagles "Liberty" & "Guardian" both returned to their Nesting Territory in October & are actively preparing for egg laying time which occurs each February & their young hatch each March & the eaglets remain in the nest with the adults until they fledge in mid-June.

The eagles & their young remain in the Turtle Bay area for another month until mid-July and then they all move upriver to the section of the Sacramento river between Keswick Dam & Shasta Dam. The eagles remain in that area for the summer months & then return to their nesting territory in the Turtle Bay area in October. This means the bald eagles are active in this riparian area for *9.5 months* between *October and mid-July. *

The biologist who completed your initial survey in September noted that he "did not see any eagles in the area". The reason he didn't see any eagles is because these eagles are *NOT* in their nesting territory at Turtle Bay in *September. *During that time period the eagles are upriver where it is much cooler & they can perch along the river in Ponderosa Pine Trees where there is also a good food supply.

However, regardless of whether the eagles were present or not, their Nest is still considered "*ACTIVE" by US Fish & Wildlife and is protected by the Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act & the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. *This pair of eagles also have numerous trees in the Turtle Bay area that they use for perching, preening, hunting & mating.*The Nest Tree & these other trees utilized by the eagles on a regular basis are protected by Federal Laws & must be protected from any development.* We would be happy to point out the trees that need to be protected upon request.

It is very important to our group & the *30k *followers of our Friends of the Redding Eagles facebook page that these bald eagles & their nesting territory/habitat remain undisturbed by any Riverfront development. https://www.facebook.com/FriendsoftheReddingEagles

Our group also runs & maintains the Redding Eagles Live Nest Webcam on Youtube which is followed by *23.4k* subscribers & many more viewers who aren't subscribed but enjoy watching our Redding Eagles. The Eaglecam is a camera placed above the Eagle's Nest while the eagles are in their off season/summer habitat area. It is a pan, tilt, zoom camera that is focused on the Eagle's Nest but can also be used to pan around the surrounding area including the Duck Ponds & along the Sacramento River. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr07Y61FPas

Our community group also adopted the popular "Dana to Downtown"/Hwy 44 Pedestrian/Bike Trail with United Shasta where we do daily trash clean ups & report illegal camps & suspicious activity along the trails at Turtle Bay. We work hard to keep the Turtle Bay area safe & clean for the nesting bald eagles & for all the wide variety of other wildlife who inhabit the area, as well as for trail users. It is important to all of us that this Riparian Area remain undisturbed in order to protect the bald eagles & all of the other species who call this area home.

We fully believe "Everything is Connected" so disturbing one species can have detrimental effects on all other species. Bald Eagles are considered a "Keystone Species" which makes it even more important to protect them at all costs!

"In ecology, a keystone species is a species

that has a disproportionately large impact on its environment relative to its abundance. A keystone species plays a key role in maintaining the health and diversity of an ecosystem and is significant in conservation efforts." https://sciencenotes.org/keystone-species-definition-examples-importance/

Thank you for your attention to this matter & please feel free to reach out with any questions regarding the nesting pair of bald eagles.
Sincerely,
[_]
Director, Friends of the Redding Eagles

We need this in the city of Redding for people and visitors to enjoy along with brining new revenue to our city. Please make this happen.

Please leave our natural beauty alone. We don't need any businesses impacting our environment at all.. Northern California wouldn't be the same. It's the only thing keeping me from moving to another state. The greatest impact would be on people's mental health and well-being here. Please do the right thing and leave our riverfront alone. We already have mental health crisis here. Please don't make it worse. No amount of money is worth the beauty that would be lost.

Not sure the Rodeo needs replacing. Looks like you are loosing lots of parking. Probably want to charge money for parking like you did on the down town mall. FYI I don’t go down town anymore. I’m sure you will push until you get what you want. but with all the contractor fraud being found in US GOV better make sure there is no sub contractors and tax dollars being miss used.

Office of Inspector General
https://oig.hhs.gov › fraud › contract-fraud
Contract Fraud | Office of Inspector General | Government Oversight | U ...
Contract Fraud HHS is the fourth largest contracting organization in the Federal government, spending almost $5 billion a year on contractual services and supplies. Pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) is responsible for conducting investigations into fraud, waste, and abuse involving HHS programs ...

Small Business Administration
https://www.sba.gov › article › 2026 › 01 › 28 › sba-suspends-over-1000-8a-firms-program-following-december-document-request
SBA Suspends Over 1,000 8 (a) Firms from Program Following December ...
5 days ago That same month, SBA issued a letter of warning to all federal contracting officers, outlining the penalties for failing to report suspected fraud, waste, and abuse within the 8 (a) Program. In October 2025, SBA suspended numerous 8 (a) contractors following allegations of fraud involving more than $253 million in previously issued contract awards.

U.S. Department of the Treasury
https://home.treasury.gov › news › press-releases › sb0309
Treasury Orders Department-Wide Investigation into Potential Fraud ...
Nov 6, 2025 These actions follow Treasury's earlier suspension and termination of all contracts and task orders with ATI Government Solutions, following allegations of fraud involving more than $253 million in previously issued contract awards.

With this great river running right through Redding you would think we would have better access to a clear shoreline for viewing and fishing. Most of the river bank is so overgrown that it's not accessible.

Redding Ca needs a river wave!!!! The best spot put it is just below aqua golf and the rv park where the water joins the main Chanel. 

1. Keep the Sacramento River front, from the river to the middle of Park Marina, free of commercial business activity. This will prevent visual blight of the river itself. Pop-ups OK. Permanent restaurants, Kiosks, other businesses not appreciated. The current businesses are already flooded on frequent basis.
2. Do not force/require/request the current homeowners on the West side of Park Marina to sell their homes for future commercial activity.
3. Maintain Civic Aud. for top notch entertainment, etc.
4. Assist the rodeo grounds to expand to an all-weather dome usage.
5. Retain/maintain/protect any Indigenous sites along the river, and inland.
6. No condos/apartments on river edge or within flood zone, 1/4 mile.
7. Maintain round house, declare it a CoR Heritage House.
8. Deal with the Kutras family before they go commercial within there property area on Park Marina.
9. Find a way to require the Kutras family to demolish the buildings on Park Marina, the ones with cedar siding, they don't meet code.

Hello,

I'm looking to gain insight on the possibility of utilizing riverfront land for an outdoor health and leisure opportunity. I'm not looking to build on land or create any permanent structure. Reaching out here as the endeavor seems to align with the goals outlined in the plan.

Hello, and thank you for preparing this plan—it’s exciting to see ambitious visions for the riverfront.

I’m a relatively new Redding resident in my early 30s. I’ve lived in both large cities and small towns across California, Oregon, Utah, Massachusetts, and Hawaii, and Redding stands out as a place full of potential. My partner and I are outdoor enthusiasts running a small business here, and we’ve noticed many encouraging signs of growth this past year. We’re watching closely for signals that Redding is a viable long-term home.

As someone with a background in environmental science, I strongly support the Wintu Audubon recommendations. Preserving the riverfront’s natural beauty and ecological health must remain priority #1. As we improve access for people, we also need to maintain and enhance connectivity for wildlife—through greenbelts, wildlife crossings, native plant restoration, and invasive removal. I also agree with SEA that mature trees are vital and should stay.

One idea: a local “Adopt-the-River” program—similar to Adopt-a-Highway—could allow residents and businesses to take pride in sections of the riverfront while helping keep it clean. Longtime locals may not realize how pristine this area feels compared to much of California. That should be a point of pride and stewardship.

At the same time, I would love to see intentional, small-scale development—coffee shops, breweries, outdoor gear rentals, coworking space, and galleries that reflect Redding’s outdoor spirit and attract young professionals, students, and remote workers. Please prioritize local or regional businesses—not chains—and keep the character of this area unique.

South Riverfront currently feels underutilized and disconnected. I support revitalization there, as long as it follows sustainable development best practices and incorporates the best available science. Nur Pon is a beautiful space—please protect it and better connect it with nearby greenways.

Bend, Oregon’s Old Mill District is an inspiring model—not for replication, but for its creative reuse of existing infrastructure and thoughtful integration of public space, nature, and commerce. Redding has a chance to learn from Bend’s and Austin’s successes and their growing pains.

Last: I bike everywhere—and the lack of direct connection between the Turtle Bay area and downtown is a real barrier. There’s a short missing link along the southwest side of the river that could transform access. Please prioritize trail connectivity here. Along those lines I appreciate the proposals to make the Hwy 44 area more pedestrian- and bike-friendly.

Redding is small enough to get this right. Let’s build something lasting.. rooted in ecology, powered by local creativity, and shaped for generations to come.

Thank you.

Thank you for all the public outreach you've done with this project. I am a big fan of preserving the space on the northern end and not doing a great amount of development. The Civic Center we have now is showing its age and I do like the designs shown in Tahoe and in Vancouver for programming space - I like Riverfront "B" option. While the rodeo is part of our history, i believe it is better suited elsewhere -where there is more space and a place that's easier and more accessible for horse trailers (near where people live like Clear Creek, or out in the outlying areas where people have horses).

I am intrigued by the 44 re-design and I think it's a great idea to slow traffic coming into town - especially where we've identified a real sense of place in our community - the Sundial Bridge.

As for the south part, I can identify with the water oriented development. I especially love the trail expansion and connectivity along the water and connecting destinations (north and south and downtown). I would like to see some housing mixed in with commercial (2 -3 story) so the space would be active at all hours.

I like concepts b,c, and d for Park Marina. 4 lanes of vehicles as we have now, is overbuilt, not attractive, and needs to be slowed. With future development, less pavement and more landscaping and space where people can be and connect near the river would be amazing. Adding an interactive water feature at the north or south end (or both) would be awesome. Please do not add huge parking lots/parking garages on the south end. There should be plenty of space for people to park in the neighborhood and some small lots at various businesses (lots of parking exists there already).

Thank you!