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Paul Powers, the applicant, reviewed the attributes of the project (presentation on file) and said he feels he has followed BCDC's (San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission's) requests. He said the public access issue will be discussed with BCDC once the City approves the project and noted that both BCDC and the community has urged him to have a hand-launch boat area that is ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant. He spoke about working with BCDC to meet certain guidelines including public access that will withstand a 35-inch sea level rise. He spoke about public improvements, environmental benefits, how most of Pete's Harbor has buildings and open space, economic benefits, and he also noted that the project complies with the Zoning and the General Plan. Mayor Gee opened the Public Hearing. Public Comment Jeri Daines, a 4th generation resident and a licensed realtor, asked Council to deny the appeal and spoke in support of development. Clem Molony spoke in support of the Pete's Harbor project and denial of the appeal. He opined that the staff report was thorough with a lot of public outreach and review done over the years. He said this development is well-designed and will yield 400+ homes that the peninsula needs with many public benefits in terms of housing and the economy. Michelle Remond was not present when called. Susan Swope said she has been a resident since 1978 and spoke in support of moving forward with the project and denying the appeal. Margie Carrington, a resident and worker, said that the staff recommendation is good because the project offers a wide variety of housing and significant tax revenue to the city. She is in favor of denying the appeal. Jim Kirkland was not present when called. James Clifford spoke in favor of rejecting the appeal and looking to the future. He noted that there has been criticism about parking and he does not need a study to realize that cars are the way of the past. He spoke in favor of having more stores, jobs and neighborhoods within walking distance of each other. He also noted an increase in Caltrain ridership. Debbi Jones Thomas said Redwood City is wonderful and she spoke in favor of the project as a great asset with more housing. She asked City Council to deny the appeal. Brian Buntz said he is with the Young German Nefinrork and said that Redwood City is a community. He appreciated the time going into this development and is in favor of the project. CITY COUNCIL March 24, 2014 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 MINUTE BOOK NO. 65 Page No. 109