AgdaPkt 2006-01-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Indra Ong is a resident of Redwood City and has been an employee of Stanford for 16 years. She stated that she wants to be sure that Stanford is a good employer if it locates in Redwood City and that her friends and family can work for Stanford. Greg Greenway thanked City Council for its support in joining HEART stating that while everyone knows that housing is a problem, one of the most difficult things is to implement regional solutions. He further stated that the Council has done a responsible job of balancing the desire to retain local control of land use decisions and respect the desires and resources of the community while contributing to the leading example of a regional solution to housing problems in the County. He expressed the support on behalf of some segments of the organized business community, namely the Seaport Industrial Association, stating that while the Chamber of Commerce has not taken a formal position he knows a number of members of the business community will applaud and stand behind the decision. Christine Walters, 16 year resident of Redwood City, stated that she sees no need for more clinics in the city. She stated that her son will be using most if not all of the clinics proposed to be coming to Redwood City and the only difference for her family is 10 minutes on EI Camino Real leaving traffic, air pollution and medical hazardous waste in another county. She further stated that Stanford is a large company that has bought up its land and will build regardless so we should make sure that Stanford will be a good neighbor and employer. She stated that Council should consider adopting guidelines as to what defines a good neighbor and employer. She further stated that as residents, those signing the petition; want to be sure that the benefit is to both the community and Stanford. The desire was expressed that jobs be offered to Redwood City residents first and that these jobs pay industry standard wages and benefits, and that Stanford recognizes workers' rights to be unionized. Linda Lopez, representing EI Concilio of San Mateo County, stated that they continue to work in coalition with SEIU Local 715 in regards to the planning and proposed project of Stanford Hospital. She stated that many people have talked with Redwood City residents over the past weeks and sought opinions on the project. She handed in petitions with approximately 2,094 signatures that suggest that people would like to see Stanford as their neighbor but that there must be some conditions and criteria that must be adhered to before committing to the project. She read the title of the petitions. (Signed petitions on file in City Clerk Office.) She strongly urged adoption of the standards, thanking the City Council for the opportunity. Mike Morris stated that he represents a group of citizens against the big box medical business, Stanford. He stated that residents of Redwood City do not want Stanford Medical in their neighborhood and would not approve Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Sequoia Hospital or a Wal-Mart or shopping center either. He further stated that the area cannot handle the traffic. He cited the various intersections of gridlock throughout the area stating that another area such as the Pacific Shores area. JOINT CITY COUNCIL AND REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 19, 2005 PAGE 2