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Todd Adair, representing the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA), said their Board reviewed and unanimously supports the project as high- quality, helping to offset the jobs-housing imbalance. He noted it includes voluntary improvements to the storefronts of adjacent stores, and works closely with the Grand Boulevard Initiative. He requested that Council uphold the project. Victor Torreano, a resident and representing sheet metal workers in San Mateo County, asked Council to uphold the appeal and to not certify EIR for the project. He opined that people are looking for standards from Council for development, housing, and a level playing field for contractors in the community. He said they want fairness in process. David La Velle, president of BKF Engineers in San Mateo County, spoke in favor of the project and rental housing for young employees. He opined this is a quality project and should be rewarded with approval and support for the work they have done with the community. Being a union employer he spoke against any further delays when there is not enough work. He urged support to help the community gain 200-300 jobs. Douglas Wilson, a Local 104 sheet metal worker, said he has lived here for ten years, and his family has been here since the early 1950s. He said 90 percent of his income goes to local stores in the City. He opined that it would be a great opportunity if he could work here and urged Council to consider the sheetmetal and other union workers whose lives depend on these types of jobs. Craig Gomez, born and raised in Redwood City, spoke about how 28 years ago Sequoia Hospital tried to build a medical building, but the project was stopped, and how since that time Sequoia Hospital has been diligent in letting people accept their vision. He feels there is no time clock on environmental concerns and he advised that if there are any questions or doubts these need to be taken into account. Gita Dev, representing the Sustainable Land Use Committee of the Sierra Club, said they are strong supporters of the Downtown Precise Plan, the General Plan amendments, and the Grand Boulevard Initiative. She commented that they had heard staff and the Planning Commission's hands are tied because Redwood City does not have anything regarding affordable housing in the zoning code. She explained it is a concern because seniors and low income folk are the most likely to use transit and there should be support, with higher density and higher zoning, to include affordable housing as one of the benefits for public giving. David Crabbe, representing the Substantial Land Use Committee of the Sierra Club, said they believe the developer is trying to do a good project. He opined that they try to get more people to use more transit, but this project's parking code is basically suburban, not appropriate on EI Camino Real, the Grand Boulevard, and he detailed why. He spoke in favor of 15 percent affordable housing and opined that more is needed in this community, and that all housing should be affordable CITY COUNCIL February 13, 2012 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 11 MINUTE BOOK NO. 64 Page No. 44