WHY DO WE NEED TO COMPROMISE?
Redwood Shores does not control its destiny. We are part of a larger whole that is Redwood City
The Redwood City Council has 7 district members, only one of whom is from Redwood Shores. Just as we hope our council member focuses on Redwood Shores, the other members are concerned about the needs of their districts and the needs of the City.
More affordable housing is the number one priority for Redwood City.
We have seen this movie before; the end never changes.
In 1995, the RSCA (formerly known as RSHOA) opposed the final Westport Plan. They were using the same arguments as the opponents of Redwood Life use today. But they were unsuccessful, and the Westport Plan was approved.
On July 24, 2023, the City Council met to consider repealing the Westport Plan and replacing it with a new plan for Redwood Life. An organized group sponsored by RSCA made an appeal to “Stay with the Westport Plan” and not proceed with the review. The City Council voted 7 to 0 to proceed with the review, rather than keeping the Westport Plan.
Monetary incentives for the city council to vote for the Redwood Life project
Longfellow’s original proposal offered to contribute approximately $85 million in development fees to the City. This included approximately $35 million more than the required amount. If the size of the development is reduced, these fees may also be reduced, but the economic benefits to Redwood City will still be huge.
The primary focus of these fees is to develop affordable housing. Affordable housing does not benefit Redwood Shores, but incentivizes a positive vote by City Council members from other districts.
Wait for the draft EIR
While many questions about the environmental impact of Redwood Life are justified, the answers must wait until the EIR is released. Only then will we have authoritative analysis and data. So far, all the forecasts are purely speculative. While the EIR can identify potential problems,
Longfellow and the City can propose solutions and mitigations. The City Council can ultimately decide what level of risk is acceptable. Remember, Redwood Shores has 1 vote out of 7.
Be part of the plan that best serves our community
The council will certainly vote for the new development; thus, we should compromise to provide input, rather than letting the council and developer decide without us.
What could you do to help?
Join our movement to move back the setback, and lower the height of those buildings facing Marine Parkway, and to eliminate the hotel.
Please sign our petition by clicking here