CUSD releases New Revised Draft EIR and will hold a Special Public Meeting on Tuesday September 6

CUSD has posted the New Revised Draft EIR   and it is critical that we use the public comment period which runs until October 10, 2022 to make our community voices heard.

In addition to sending in your written feedback to feedback@carmelunified.org please attend the CUSD sponsored Special Meeting for Public Input on Tuesday September 6 at 6:30 in the Gym at Carmel Middle School.

We are still reviewing the 394-page RDEIR Document but here are initial major red flags that we should raise at this Special Meeting:

RDEIR admits "Significant and Unavoidable Impact" even AFTER mitigation measures (PAGE 35)Horrific Light Pollution on captured on Map (PAGE 127).
Admits county-designated “Highly Sensitive” areas like Point Lobos are in danger.
Admits this would modify the Visual Character and Quality of the Site” which puts protected Scenic Highway 1 in danger.

The District's new greatly expanded construction project rips out and replaces our public Tennis Courts with new parking lots that don't solve the existing traffic and parking issues. These new parking lots will require additional lighting, contributing more to the light pollution and further degrading the natural environment at CHS and along our Scenic Highway 1. And leave the CHS tennis program with no home courts.

The RDEIR wrongly holds hostage both the fix for the current swimming pool lights and the implementation of Late Start to the approval of the stadium lights.

The current pool lights should immediately be replaced with Dark Sky certified lights.

Late Start is an educational policy that brings immense proven benefits to All students and is California State Law. Districts all over the State, including other districts in Monterey County, have successfully implemented Late Start THIS Fall without installing new stadium lights.

CUSD needs to stop using these 2 separate issues to play politics and further their lights agenda

Carmel High School is geographically limited to a 22 acre campus that is already built out. CUSD needs to properly assess the opportunity for growth at Carmel Middle School (a 60 acre plus campus) with more than 6 athletic fields already identified for use.