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I : I I I II Helen Johnson, 2006 Roosevelt Avenue, said her main concern was children's safety. She said she lives right across ITom Virginia Avenue and the traffic is so bad it is difficult for her to back out of her garage now. Mrs. Johnson said she hears mothers - talk about how dangerous it is for their children to walk to school. She fought to have traffic lights installed, but they still need crossing guards for children to cross safely. Mrs. Johnson said she opposed the planned development and urged the Council to think about the safety of children. Mary Ward, 821 N. Humboldt, San Mateo, said she is a civil engineer working at Brian Kangas Faulk in Redwood City. Ms. Ward said she could not stress enough "how difficult it is to find moderately priced housing in this area." She said she and her husband had been unsuccessful in trying to find an affordable house close to their work. She said this development would give them the opportunity to buy in Redwood City rather than having to buy in the East Bay. She urged the Council to approve this development. Michael Martin, 1114 Mesa Drive, San Jose, spoke in support of the project "on behalf of Green Belt Alliance, which is endorsing the project. Green Belt Alliance is the Bay Area's leading land conservation and urban planning non-profit organization." Mr. Martin said the organization was dedicated to protecting the region's green belt and open space and making communities better places to live. He said Green Belt Alliance strongly supports the development of high quality housing located in existing urban areas that is affordable; and compact developments create fewer environmental impacts. Mr. Martin said population and traffic are going to continue to increase and - developments such as this urban infill project will help save surrounding green belt areas. He said this development meets the criteria established by Green Belt Alliance to benefit the region by using existing infrastructure and services. He said Classic Communities has an excellent track record in providing single family medium density developments in many Peninsula and South Bay cities. David Stuart, 927 Blandford Blvd., described his involvement with the Planning process for the old Alpha Beta Store development. Mr. Stuart said he is involved in Redwood City 2000 and the School Bond issue. He said, "a lot of great things are happening in Redwood City as we are allowing the communities be heard, and getting them involved. Mr. Stuart said the term blight is disturbing. "There are other alternatives for that property. Redwood Christian Church on Madison Avenue, Grace Bible Church behind the property, and West Bay Christian Academy have formed a coalition." He described the proposal for joint facilities, including class rooms, a multi purpose room and parking to be made available to the public. He said the coalition is looking for property and 2150 Roosevelt would be perfect. He described the proposals made to the developers and the property owners about trading properties and advised they had received no response. Mr. Stuart said the coalition is very serious about acquiring the property and "maintaining the community image... the Church as a proven track record of what they have made available at no cost to the community." - He said he was very active in the passage of the School Bond issue and strongly opposed the idea of portable class rooms. Mr. Stuart said improved schools improve REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE BOOK NO. 55 MAY 5,1997 MINUTES Page No. 299 PAGE 24