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City Manager Everett introduced Deborah Nelson, the new Community Development r~ Director. Councilman Greenalch thanked Joel Patterson, Planning Director, for his impressive stewardship over the ,pa~t seven months. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Amend the zoning Ordinance to allow duplexes on lots with an average lot width of 50 feet, where 60 feet is currently required. (203-02) Affidavits of publication are on file in the City Clerk Department. Planning Director Patterson presented the staff report. Mr. Patterson stated this ordinance would implement a General Plan policy currently on the books and would affect a maximum of 292 parcels in Redwood City. Mr. Patterson stated that the purpose of this action was to allow for a small unit on an extra long lot which could provide additional affordable housing units in Redwood City; and stated that NO variances would be granted. Mayor Buchan opened the public hearing at 9:36 P.M. and invited anyone who wished to speak to please come forward. Kathleen Mahany, 1026 Vera Avenue, Redwood City, member of the Housing and Human Concerns Committee, spoke in favor of the ordinance. Sharen Shaffner, 422 Lincoln, Redwood City, spoke in opposition to the ordinance citing overcrowding, traffic and parking problems. Mrs. Shaffner, owner of the property at 430 Lincoln, described the deterioration of the neighborhood citing abandoned shopping carts, illegal parking, car repairs and resultant toxics on the sidewalks and streets, and asked Council to deny the ordinance allowing increased density which would exacerbate the existing problems. In response to Council questions, Mrs. Shaffner stated that there are illegal units throughout her neighborhood and higher densities have negatively impacted her quality of life. Mayor Buchan asked Mrs. Shaffner to please call the City Hot Line, 780-7304, to report abandoned shopping carts. Mayor Buchan asked if anyone else wished to speak. No one came forward. M/S: STEINFELD/LA BERGE TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. CARRIED BY UNANIMOUS VOICE VOTE AND PUBLIC HEARING MEETING CLOSED AT 9:45 P.M. Council Members discussed the need to provide affordable housing as well as the need to protect the integrity of existing neighborhoods from the impacts of increased densities. Councilwoman La Berge stated this ordinance would allow affordable units to be scattered throughout the City rather than concentrating them in one area. Councilman Greenalch stated that the quality of life is not dependent on the density of units, but on the people who occupy those density units. Regular Meeting Minutes February 14, 1994 MINUTE BOOK NO. 52 Page 9 Page No. 141 .-- -,-, -.. '.'