Update:Â The appeal was denied by unanimous vote (6:0:1 with CM Howard recused). There were 10+ supporters and only one clear opponent, with another person wishing to see more parking. Council members strongly supported the project – some with full enthusiasm, others with some personal concerns about esthetics, outweighed by the fact that the project meets the city’s policies and goals.
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On Monday night, Redwood City City Council is hearing an appeal of another housing development downtown, a 5 minute walk from the transit center at at 612 Jefferson.
The development is affordable housing from Habitat for Humanity. It would offer 20 affordable units for low-income households (five 1-bedroom units, ten 2-bedroom units, and five 3-bedroom units).
The appeal is concerned that the development is a 6-story building in an area zoned for 12 stories.  Also, the appeal expresses concerns that a new building on a vacant lot in an area with historic buildings will negatively impact the downtown’s historic character.  The city’s expert on historic resources explains that the area has changed greatly since the older buildings were built. Meanwhile, adding affordable housing will help the city preserve traditional economic diversity.
This development is a great fit for the goals of the downtown plan for infill development in a pedestrian-friendly, transit-rich area – and the city’s goals to add affordable housing.
If you support infill affordable housing in Redwood City’s downtown near the transit center following the goals of the downtown plan, come on Monday night – it will be helpful.  The appeal will be heard as the second item of regular business in a meeting that starts at 7pm.
Your blogger’s guess is that it will start at around 7:45/8pm; come by 7:30 to make sure not to miss the beginning. Or, if you live nearby, watch online – this page will have a link to live video when the meeting is in progress and head over when the council is coming to a decision on the previous item.
Here are links to:
