From: Kelsey Genesi
To: Clerk
Subject: 3/21 Study Session Public Comment - EHC
Date: Tuesday, March 21, 2023 1:31:52 PM
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Name: Kelsey Genesi
Organization: Environmental Health Coalition
Public Comment for March 21, 2023 Study Session:
“As city council and city staff begin discussing the budget and financial forecast for National City, I want to emphasize the importance of prioritizing health and environmental issues throughout the city. National City’s air quality due to mixed zoning is dangerous and hazardous to our communities with the Westside being burdened with more pollution than 97% of California according to the CalEnviroScreen 4.0. Community members on the Westside suffer from higher rates of asthma and respiratory issues, and low birth weights. This is unacceptable and solutions to these issues need to be at the forefront of the National City financial forecasting. This means that the efforts to restart the Amortization program need to be urgent and a top priority both in staff capacity and the budget. We strongly urge city staff to begin the process of hiring a consultant to re-rank nonconforming uses until the hiring of the Health and Environmental Justice Planner is finalized. We also suggest that city council takes it upon themselves to familiarize themselves with the history of amortization and the importance of restarting this program as soon as possible. Climate investments need to be made into the city prioritizing the health and social wellness of National City residents. This includes addressing pollution from the mixed land use and continuing to work with the Port and monitor the development of the Pepper Park improvements and expansion.” Thank you,
Kelsey Genesi · Policy Advocate (she/her/hers)
Environmental Health Coalition | Environmental Health & Justice Campaign EHC Web | EHC Twitter | EHC Facebook
EMPOWERING PEOPLE · ORGANIZING COMMUNITIES · ACHIEVING JUSTICE