AgdaPkt 2019-09-09 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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Build Up for SMC'S Children September 9, 2019 The Honorable Ian Bain, Mayor City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road Redwood City, California 94063 RE: Support for a Child Care Center included in the South Main Mixed -Use Project (6reystar V) Dear Mayor Bain, l� Child Care CoordinAng Council We are writing to support child care co located on the development of the South Main Mixed -Use Project. 6reystar has reached out to our Initiative, Build Up for San Mateo County's Children, http://wvvw.buildupsmc.org, for advice on including a quality, sustainable child care center in the development that would meet pressing community needs. Our understanding is that they are able to provide this amazing community benefit within their current proposal that conforms to the City's current zoning/density requirements. We are pleased the proposed project makes it economically feasible for them to provide space for child care and affordable housing units. Housing and child care costs combined can make up more than half of the average family's household budget in San Mateo County. It will be important for the child care center build -out and occupancy to be affordable so an operator can provide some much-needed infant/toddler care and scholarship spaces, while ensuring a high- quality experience for the children, parents and their valued teachers. The issue of child care intersects with community development and the needs of Redwood City's residents in several ways, High-quality affordable child care and preschool, conducted in appropriate facilities, Is a critical support to working families. Furthermore, high quality early childhood education has been shown to improve the school readiness of children, allowing them to do better in school and potentially close achievement gaps. Lastly, child care and early learning are a steady source of employment for workers in our community and early learning programs contribute to the economic vitality of the area. Prioritization for the development of an affordable, high-quality child care facility as a public benefit to be included in the South Main Mixed -Use Project development would be a critical support to address the community needs. If you would like further information on Build Up or the need for child care and preschool facilities, please contact Build Up for San Mateo County's Children, at 650.517.1436 or cpadillapsanmateo4cs.org. Sincerely, C wzy � Pty"too Christine Padilla Director, Build Up for SMC's Children CC: Councilmembers, City of Redwood City Planning Commissioners, City of Redwood City mi) David Fleishman Executive Director, 4Cs of San Mateo Sobra to Center for Nonprofits 1 330 Twin Dolphin Drive, Suite 119, Redwood City, CA 94065 650.517.1436 lbuildupsmc@sanmateo4cs.org I www.buildupsmccom