AgdaPkt 2018-01-22 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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8.C. - Page 5 San Carlos for the intent of development of biotech space. This further indicates the increasing demand for biotech space in the mid -Peninsula. • The development of Biotech R&D with lab space is more costly to construct when compared to high tech office use and typically has similar rental rates. The Biotech R&D concept under current zoning was estimated at 825,823 square feet, smaller than the developer's office concept at 1,179,747 square feet. A smaller project would result in reduced rental income. • The economic report also includes a preliminary site assessment study prepared by Sandis, an engineering firm (Attachment 3). This study provides a preliminary review of how the proposed project would fit on the site and is not a final environmental or engineering evaluation of the site development. Additional engineering feasibility analysis will be conducted through the project and environmental review process. Communitv Benefits In 2015, the City Council adopted the community benefits framework known as "Partnership Redwood City". In addition to increasing fees to better offset the impacts of development, the Council directed developers to include "onsite community improvements", and/or fund other community needs when proposing larger scale developments, particularly when General Plan amendments are proposed. Community benefits could include, but are not limited to, contributions to affordable housing, infrastructure improvements (beyond what is required to mitigate the development), as well as funding for local non-profit agencies that provide services to Redwood City residents. During the July 24 General Plan Initiation there was significant Council and public discussion regarding the developer's proposed community benefits package. The developer's proposed community benefits package would contribute to various local nonprofit causes and local infrastructure improvements. In order to be considered a community benefit, the contribution would need to be in addition to mitigation measure required in the EIR and impact fees required by the Municipal Code. Mitigation measures and impact fees will be identified through the environmental and project review process. The developer proposes an onsite publically accessible trail next to Highway 101 as a community benefit. However, the addition of this trail allows the developer to seek the bonus Floor Area Ratio (FAR) allowed under Commercial Park zoning when connections to the waterfront are constructed. This is not actually a waterfront trail as the site is not San Francisco Bay -adjacent, but the trail could be used to walk to the nearby waterfront. Page 5of8