AgdaPkt 2012-02-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

8. B. - Page 165 been work involved on what might or should be for Redwood City on this. He stated that at this point there is no city-wide ordinance or requirement for affordable housing but it can be negotiated for in certain circumstances. He noted that there are those mechanisms for affordable housing but at this point those are the conditions, and he stated that the applicant shouldn't be penalized now for following all the rules as laid out in the General Plan and zoning ordinances. Commissioner Radcliffe stated that affordable housing is important in the community and there are many upcoming projects that have that component. She stated that Redwood City has the highest percentage of affordable housing within the city limits than any other city in the county. She stated it's important for a healthy city to have market rate housing but also higher priced housing for people that will remodel, that will go to the restaurants, that give jobs and that go to the shops. She stated that not having affordable housing on this project will not be a detriment, and in fact they are taking care of the bookstore on EI Camino and improving storefronts which will all be beneficial. Commissioner Bondonno stated that this will increase overall housing stock within the community, which is a big point in addressing the supply and demand and by itself will contribute to improving the housing jobs imbalance. He stated it is high density, transit oriented, and a number of those things increase improvements to pedestrian bicycling. He stated that the applicant followed the rules and has brought forward a beautiful and well thought out design, something the city hasn't seen for a decade. He stated he would hate to see another decade go by before the city can produce something tangible, meaningful and beneficial to the community. Chair Borgens stated that there was a lot of paperwork tonight and when things come in last minute they're read last minute. She quoted a statement from Adams, Broadwell, Joseph and Cordozo: "If the Planning Commission approves this project without requiring the proper studies it will be putting the health of Redwood City residents in jeopardy." She stated that she believes every project in Redwood City goes through a very proper EIR and just because the study doesn't agree with another expert's study doesn't mean it's wrong. She stated that the parking meets the zoning ordinance, and this process was the same as for every other project. She stated that she would like to have this project local hire, not just union hire but anyone local. She encouraged the developers to hire locally. She was sorry that some residents didn't feel they were notified and that may be something the Commission needs to work on. She stated this isn't a new process, there have been meetings and most of those in the room know the process and have been very respectful. She asked if the demolition on this project will be any different than other demolitions on the community. She stated that she saw nothing in the EIR that indicated a huge potential danger to society from the building. Ms. George replied that even the asbestos and lead-based paint are still quite common because they weren't outlawed until around 1980. She stated this will be a standard demolition and that's why mitigation is standard. Vice Chair Schmidt asked about the Hetch-Hetchy easement that crosses. He asked if the 35 parking spots will be inside the garage area, and how many will be guest parking. Ms. Riordan replied that there would be 35 guest parking spots in the garage. Vice Chair Schmidt asked if those could be possibly rented out. Page 15 of 17