Land use watchdogs sue the City of Seaside over its 2040 general plan.

Yet again, the City of Seaside finds itself embroiled in a lawsuit over its attempts to develop the former Fort Ord, just over a week after City Council finalized an $850,000 settlement with Sacramento-based developer Paul Petrovich regarding his attempt to develop the so-called “Main Gate” property north of Lightfighter Drive and east of Highway 1.

On June 14, nonprofits Center for Biological Diversity and Landwatch Monterey County sued the City over its approval of an environmental impact report for a general plan update on May 16.

The general plan lays out a future vision for development through 2040.

It’s not like the council wasn’t warned – both organizations sent letters to the city on May 15, alleging deficiencies in the environmental review of the plan update. Both number more than 40 pages.

Landwatch’s letter lays out several root causes of their claims. Seaside East, a 635-acre parcel east of Gen. Jim Moore Boulevard is replete with many protected plant species. Its development would rely on water from the Marina Coast Water District, which has a water supply portfolio that is of questionable sustainability – much of it comes from the Deep Aquifer, which is ancient water that is essentially being mined and not replenished.

The allegations in the lawsuit include inconsistencies within the plan, the impact on water supply, habitat and the failure to fully describe the plan and evaluate alternatives.

The lawsuit asks that the City Council’s approval of the EIR be set aside, and to impose an injunction on any projects that would rely upon it unless the city amends the plan.

City Attorney Sheri Damon could not be reached for comment before the Weekly’s deadline.