EUREKA, California – A retired judge in Humboldt County has dismissed one of four lawsuits filed by Citizens for a Better Eureka, a special interest group funded by security National. This group aims to block several multi-family housing developments in downtown Eureka in order to preserve parking lots. The lawsuit dismissed by Judge John T. Feeney concerned a vacant parcel at the corner of Fifth and D streets, where the Wiyot Tribe plans to construct multi-income housing projects through its community land trust, Dishgamu Humboldt. The City of Eureka had already awarded contracts to the Tribe for these developments, designating the properties as surplus and approving them for affordable housing.
The “Citizens for a Better Eureka” lawsuits argue that the city has not sufficiently studied the environmental impacts of converting these parking lots into housing projects. However, the California Attorney General’s Office has expressly rejected this argument. In court, attorney Siena Kalina, representing the Wiyot Tribe, argued that the Tribe is an “indispensable party” in the case. Kalina stated that the lawsuit would prevent Dishgamu Humboldt from accessing financing, having site control, and beginning construction. She further argued that as a federally recognized Indian Tribe, the Wiyot Tribe has sovereignty immunity and should be dismissed from the suit.
Judge Feeney did not provide any justification for his decision in the single-page Order of Dismissal. The Wiyot Tribe and Eureka City Attorney Autumn Luna have not seen a copy of the order, and it is uncertain if Judge Feeny will provide a reason. Despite this, the Wiyot Tribe expresses its satisfaction with the dismissal. The Tribe is working with the city to address the affordable housing needs and believes the project aligns with the law. On the other hand, “Citizens for a Better Eureka” has not responded to the ruling.
This dismissal represents progress for the Wiyot Tribe in their efforts to develop affordable housing. The dispute over the conversion of parking lots into housing projects has reached a legal resolution with the judge’s decision. The outcome of this lawsuit will allow the Wiyot Tribe to move forward with financing and construction plans. The city’s support for the Tribe’s project showcases its commitment to meeting the needs of affordable housing. This decision sets a precedent for future development projects that aim to strike a balance between housing and preserving existing infrastructure. The Wiyot Tribe and Eureka must now collaborate to fulfill their shared vision for the community.