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<br />May 1, 2018 <br /> <br />Diana O’Dell, Principal Planner <br />Planning Commission <br />1017 Middlefield Road <br />City of Redwood City, CA 94064 <br /> <br />RE: Affordable Housing Requirement Legislation <br /> <br />Dear Commissioners: <br /> <br />Affordable housing is a major concern for the Bay Area on a regional basis. We understand that having a <br />variety of housing alternatives is important for the viability of a strong regional economy. We support <br />your efforts to grapple with these issues; however, we would like to address the commission with a few <br />comments and suggestions as you consider the proposed legislation before you: <br /> <br />We respectfully request that you consider that any new ordinance allow flexibility for all parties <br />involved. A “one size fits all” approach is not always the best approach. For example, new housing <br />developments that are closer to mass transit are likely a better fit for a larger percentage of affordable <br />housing than those that are not well served by mass transit. Moreover, an alternative for an in-lieu <br />payment or partial in-lieu payment should also be preserved as certain projects might be better suited <br />for on-site housing and others might not. <br /> <br />Also, as the economy decelerates and changes over time, future projects may not be able to viably <br />support a set affordability percentage or levels of affordability. Therefore, we encourage the <br />commission to ensure that an ordinance allow the City some flexibility to make changes easily to ensure <br />that the delivery of affordable housing continues in a downturn too. <br /> <br />In considering affordability limits to be included within a project , please address the “missing middle” <br />income group and workforce housing for teachers, police, fire and other public employees. Their <br />presence in the community is very important, and they have almost no alternatives or programs to help <br />them find affordable units. <br /> <br />Thanks in advance for your attention to this letter. <br /> <br />Glen Ceridono <br />SVP SyRES Properties. <br /> <br />7.A. - Page 59