AgdaPkt 2012-02-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8. B. - Page 159 taking the sign. She stated they are negotiated with the Redwood City Car Wash as this being a possible location for the sign. She noted they hired a signage designer to work on design approaches to integrate the sign. PUBLIC COMMENT Joe Hanson, resident of Redwood City since 1988 and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, stated that he did not want to see this project go the way of Costco in terms of non-local construction. He stated that skilled craftsmen in San Mateo County have lost their jobs, homes and credit. He stated the government of this county and city did not look out for the interests of their citizens. Melanie Roberts, regional portfolio manager with the Prometheus Real Estate Group, member of the Tri-County Apartment Association executive board of advisors and Redwood City homeowner, stated her belief in the project. She stated that the Urban Housing Group had been sensitive and responsive to all concerns and that this new apartment community would address the need for new housing while bringing in new consumers to support the local economy. She noted that she has seen no parking problem that others have worried about and believed that there would be no parking shortage. She asked the Commission to certify the EIR. William Nack, with the San Mateo Builders Trade Council, an umbrella organization for 14,000 construction workers in San Mateo County, stated his support to create a vibrant and sustainable downtown community that will bring many benefits to Redwood City and surrounding communities. He stated the passage of the Downtown Precise Plan told community members that the Commission is concerned about the environment, housing and economic development and the city should ensure that any new housing projects help solve those problems. He stated there are limited opportunities to build sustainable developments. He stated that this project fails to meet the standards that are being promoted for the community by making traffic and air quality worse and not providing affordable housing. He stated the environmental problems would expose residents to toxic air pollution and increase traffic. He stated it would make it less likely the city could have future development, and the proposed EIR glosses over these problems. He stated the EIR should be fixed so it complies with CEQA and in doing so would address these issues in a more meaningful way. He stated it is important that new developments do not change the historical nature of Redwood City, being a community where working families could find a home. He stated the people who work in Redwood City should be able to afford to live there. He stated it should not be a community where working people commute to serve the needs of the more prosperous, and this project only has high priced housing. Brad Speers, public affairs manager for the California Apartment Association, wrote a comment letter in support of the project. He stated that as a result of a recession, housing crisis and modest job growth in the region, there is a supply constraint on housing, primarily rental housing, and rents are going up in a manner not consistent with the economy. He stated Redwood City has not seen this kind of project in ten years. He encouraged the Commission to go forward and certify the EIR. He stated it would be an economic stimulus, a facelift and a beautiful place for 141 people to live. Robert Simmons urged the hiring of local workers and subcontractors operating in the Bay Area. He stated he has had the opportunity to work with this developer Page 9 of 17