Redwood City Council Special Meeting: Housing Project and Proclamations - July 15, 2024

The Redwood City City Council held a special meeting on July 15, 2024, at 6:00 PM (listed in the agenda as 2:00 PM UTC, but the city meeting began in the evening). The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, a lengthy informational public hearing for a proposed 100% affordable housing development at 112 Vera Avenue, committee reports, and a closed session regarding labor negotiations. No formal action was taken on the housing project, which was presented under state law SB 35/SB 423.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent calendar (items 6A-6B, 6D-6I) with a unanimous vote, excluding item 6C.
• Item 6C (benefit assessments for River Shores Landscape Maintenance District) was approved separately with six votes (Mayor G. recused).
• Items approved included: amendments to service agreements with True North Compliance, West Coast Code Consultants, and TRB and Associates; contract award to CRATUS Inc. for the Redwood City Recycled Water Project Phase 2C-1; benefit assessments for Seaport Boulevard Landscape Maintenance District; resolution authorizing the display of the Disability Pride Flag from July 16–26, 2024; agreement with Hinderliter de Lamas & Associates (HDL) for cannabis program technical support; amendments for the Veterans Memorial Building Senior Center YMCA project; approval of June 24, 2024 minutes; and approval of claims and checks through July 22, 2024.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Comment on Pensions (Todd Freeman): Expressed concern about the city's CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, arguing it shifts market risk to the city and suggesting a transition to defined contribution or hybrid plans.
• Comment on Business License Tax (Amy Buckmaster, Chamber of San Mateo County): Supported moving away from a gross receipts model and urged that any per-employee tax modernization include reasonable rate increases, a cap, and a phased-in approach.
• Comment on Labor (Nels D. Lander, field representative of Carpenters Local 217): Urged that the Vera Avenue project use a responsible general contractor that employs apprenticeships, provides health care, and pays living wages.
• Public Comment on 112 Vera (John Davey, reading on behalf of Alberto and Lourdes Romero): Opposed the project's density, noting the neighborhood is already overdeveloped and that the scale (178 units replacing 10) would burden residents.
• Public Comment on Trees (Philip Cernukoritz): Requested preservation of four mature London plane trees in front of the property, noting the project's lack of landscaping.
• Email Comments: Included opposition citing parking impacts (Tina Kyriakis, Maria Berisific, MJ Davy, Liza Bizarro), support from housing advocacy groups (YIMBY Law, SAMCEDA, Housing Action Coalition, Housing Leadership Council), and detailed concerns about parking and neighborhood quality.

Discussion Items

• Disability Pride Month Proclamation: Mayor G. read a proclamation declaring July 2024 as Disability Pride Month, honoring the disabled community. Angela Fiazza, a local advocate, accepted the proclamation and expressed appreciation, noting the flag raising ceremony would take place on July 16th at 5:30 PM at Courthouse Square.
• 112 Vera Avenue Affordable Housing Project (Informational Public Meeting): Staff presented details of the proposed 100% affordable housing project, which includes 178 units (25 studios, 153 one-bedroom units) on 0.6 acres. The project is a 7-story, 78-foot-tall building with six surface parking spaces. It would serve households at 30-70% of Area Median Income (AMI), with rents ranging from $913 to $2,365. The project is fully funded ($96 million) via federal and state tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, and developer equity, with no local funding. The developer (Corporation for Better Housing/Integrated Community Development) discussed design, amenities, and transit-oriented principles. Council members raised concerns about parking, height, unit mix, and community outreach, while also recognizing the need for affordable housing.
• City Manager Update: Reported that a petition for additional rent control and just cause eviction limits did not qualify for the ballot; welcomed new Engineering and Transportation Director Tanisha Warner; and reminded about the household hazardous waste program on July 27.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the consent calendar (unanimous for most items; 6-0 for item 6C).
• Hold an informational public meeting only; no formal action was taken on the 112 Vera project. The applicant will file a streamlined ministerial review application under SB 35/SB 423.
• The city will aim to process the application within 90 days for consistency review and 180 days for final decision.
• The council will hold a disability pride flag raising ceremony on July 16, 2024, at 5:30 PM at Courthouse Square.
• Councilmember Howard indicated he would write to state senators about the unintended consequences of state housing laws.
• The council will consider tenant protection measures early next year, as part of the anti-displacement strategy.
• The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for July 22, 2024.

Closed Session

• The council convened into closed session to discuss workers' compensation and labor negotiations pursuant to California Government Code Sections 54956 and 54957. No reportable action was expected.

Meeting Adjourned in Memory of Leah Ezra

• The meeting was adjourned in memory of Leah Ezra, beloved mother of Rabbi Nat Ezra, who passed away on July 3, 2024, at age 91. Councilmember Howard read a tribute.