AgdaPkt 2020-08-10 Special Joint SA PFA

Browse Search

7.A. - Page 16 of 25 Subject: Gatekeeper process - 651 EI Camino Real (American Legion) From: Kris Johnson Sent: Wednesday, July 8, 2020 8:45 AM To: GRP -City Council <council@redwoodcity.org> Cc: Subject: Gatekeeper process - 651 EI Camino Real (American Legion) Dear City Council, I understand that a housing project being proposed by the American Legion Post #105 will be coming before you soon as part of the Gatekeeper process. The project in question is located at 651 EI Camino and currently houses the American Legion and I fully support their plans for the creation of high-density housing at this location. The American Legion Post is walking distance from my house and I have attended many social events there over the years and have had the pleasure of meeting some of their members -- currently headed by Romie Bassetto. While there is no questioning the long-standing commitment of the American Legion to our community and their members, their facility is very dated and is in desperate need of an upgrade. There are many reasons why I support this project: • It is conveniently located near Downtown and transit and is precisely the type of high-density housing that our General Plan envisioned. • The inclusion of 68 units (22.5%) of affordable housing. The American Legion Post is committed to providing a higher percentage of affordable housing than required and it's at the Low affordability level - a category that has been underserved in Redwood City. • The myriad of on-site services that include counseling and social services for our veterans and the preference given to them for the affordable housing units. • The inclusion of a large social space that can be rented back to the community for events and offered to youth groups and other non -profits at no cost or discounts similar to what they currently do. The enhanced use of this space could provide jobs for vets. • This project, even though it's just outside the DTPP, conforms to standards and guidelines of the DTPP. They are not asking for special exemptions other than increased density. • The local residents and members of the American Legion Post would benefit from the facilities and its amenities. This is not an out-of-town corporation building market -rate housing for tech workers. In closing, while you will have many projects before you as part of the Gatekeeper process, I strongly believe this project should be put at the top of your list. Regards, Kris Johnson