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Mayor Aguirre thanked all those present especially on a rainy night. She announced that Mr. Ekern, Director of Community Development, will present the staff report and then the Redwood City Local Housing Committee appellant will address the City Council followed by the developer who will then have five minutes to make comments. The second appellant, Redwood City Residents for Responsible Development, will then address the City Council for five minutes, and then the developer will have five minutes to make comments. She announced that if at this point there are specific questions, Council may ask them. She noted that there would be no ceding of time. Council Member Foust announced she will recuse herself from this discussion because an executive of the applicant sits on the Executive Committee of her employer. She made comments about the state legislature not being held to the Brown Act. Council Member Foust left the dais and the Council Chambers recusing herself from this matter. Mr. Ekern said his goal was to set the stage for the discussion tonight. He noted this was approved by the Planning Commission and the EIR (Environmental Impact Report) has been certified. He commented that this project is consistent with the General Plan, and the Mixed Use Corridor Designation within the Zoning Ordinance. Furthermore, Mr. Ekern explained the City has no negotiation or opportunity to require affordable units but the developer has offered up five affordable units. On the CEQA (California Environmental Quality Control Act) challenges/appeal, he noted that generally the areas of "concern" or "issues" are traffic, air quality, sewage plant, and a few others. He believes staff has addressed the issues satisfactorily. He also noted the consultants were available to respond to questions. Mayor Aguirre clarified that the Council has read all the documents submitted by both parties and has reviewed all the additional materials presented. Mayor Aguirre asked speakers to emphasize points of significance and to not repeat items already on the record. Diana Reddy, appellant with Redwood City Local Housing, said she believes this development is not a good fit for the neighborhood. She acknowledged that this is a self-serving appeal because there are people in this organization who live in the area. She then provided statistics on socio-economic demographics of Redwood City. She does not support 100 percent market rate developments along priority development areas like EI Camino Real. She noted that according to the San Mateo County Department of Housing Statistics, Redwood City currently provides 13 percent of the affordable housing stock in San Mateo County. She opined that she was raised in a community where the main axioms were to support our workers, housing, and the environment. Elaine Breeze, Urban Housing Group, addressed the Council and provided details about the project which asks for no variances, no concessions and no exceptions CITY COUNCIL February 13, 2012 MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 MINUTE BOOK NO. 64 Page No. 40