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and that as a parent, there is the potential that when her children grow up, they can have housing locally to start their own families. Glenna Vaskelis, president of Sequoia Hospital, stated her appreciation for City staff and Mr. Powers for their educational outreach as they prepare to rebuild the hospital. She stated that they have over 1,000 employees and about 400 -450 physicians. She suggested that they may be able to fill up all 796 housing units, cut green house gases with shorter work commutes, and some could possibly bike to work too. She stated her support for the project with housing being so hard to find and her hope that the project can move forward. Eric Biland, an 11 -year resident of Redwood City, commended Council and staff for good public service and government. He stated that bringing these types of projects to Redwood City has an impact on multiple generations, echoing the sentiments of an earlier speaker. He stated his support for the project and envisioned enjoying the waterfront with his future grandchildren. Frank Bartello, a 21 -year Redwood City businessman, stated this project has been thoroughly scrutinized, analyzed, modified, and examined by the City's planning staff and recently approved by the Planning Commission. He stated that this project addresses the needs of the community in making Redwood City a more vibrant place for people to live and work. He urged Council to vote for approval on the project. Don Gibson, a Redwood City resident and Sequoia Union High School Board Member, stated his support for the project. He stated that from a school board perspective, housing is needed, and that they lose teachers, administrators, staff, and sometimes cannot hire because people cannot afford to live in this area. He stated that we need these people for our long- term community and that this project is well planned out and an asset. Keith Bautista, who has lived in Redwood City most of his life and is a licensed architect, commented on two aspects of the project: the aesthetics and citizen access to the bay front. He stated that the project's aesthetics would create a distinguished bay front facade and would bring Redwood City recognition amongst the community. He stated that the project would have varied heights and shapes, varied views, rich textures, and allow people to enjoy safe and easy access to the bay front by foot or bike with the improved pathway directly under 101 and the bridge directly over 101. Darlene Cowan, a Redwood City resident, stated that she has attended many workshops and Planning Commission meetings and she complimented these processes. She stated her support for the project as planned and her JOINT CITY COUNCIL /REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 17, 2007 MINUTES PAGE 9 MINUTE BOOK NO. 61 Page No. 539