Redwood City Planning Commission Meeting - September 6, 2022: Draft EIR for 557 East Bayshore Mixed Use Project

The Redwood City Planning Commission held a regular meeting on September 6, 2022, at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers and via Zoom. The primary agenda item was a public hearing to receive comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed 557 East Bayshore Mixed Use Project, which includes 480 apartment units and a 97,000-square-foot private athletic health club (Villa Sport). No formal action was taken; the commission only accepted public comments. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM.

Consent Calendar

• No items were presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Adrian Brandt (during non-agenda public comment) corrected the minutes from August 16, 2022, stating that the Caltrain line and bus facility running through the transit district make properties more valuable, and suggested developers contribute to matching funds for city projects.
• Chris Witzel (in-person) expressed concern about water consumption by the health club, noting it is not an unlimited supply.
• Jim Crampton (in-person, Bear Island neighborhood co-chair) praised the architectural design but opposed the fitness center, citing existing fitness centers in nearby communities and lack of families with children due to no schools. He requested a significant traffic study given East Bayshore congestion.
• Nancy Crampton (in-person) argued that the water usage assessment in Appendix H of the draft EIR is out of date (base year 2051) and that most water for the fitness center (pools, showers) must be potable. She highlighted a projected water shortfall of 2,619 acre-feet in a second dry year, requiring a 20% reduction from current users under a water shortage contingency plan. She urged rejection of the fitness center.
• Bryan Shields (in-person, NorCal Carpenters Union Local 217) advocated for labor standards, including a livable wage, healthcare, and apprenticeship programs for construction workers.
• Adrian Brandt (Zoom) raised concerns about long-term bike parking being used as storage, urged a balance between long- and short-term spaces, supported increasing EV charging spaces, and agreed there is no need for another fitness center.

Discussion Items

• Staff Presentation: Senior Planner Ryan Kuchenig and Michael Lisenbee (David J. Powers & Associates) presented the project overview and EIR process. The 14.36-acre site at 557 East Bayshore Road currently has a vacant theater and overflow car sales. The project includes 480 units (20% affordable: 5% very low, 5% low, 10% moderate income), two five-story residential buildings, a two-story fitness club, and daycare. The site will be raised 3 feet above FEMA base flood elevation (6 feet from current grade). The 45-day comment period ends September 26, 2022. The EIR identified significant impacts in air quality (construction), biological resources, and vehicle miles traveled (VMT), all mitigable with 24 mitigation measures. Alternatives considered included a residential-only option, which was rejected due to differing general plan land use designations.
• Commissioner Questions: Vice Chair Crnogorac asked about the 3-foot rise and the rejection of the residential-only alternative (staff cited general plan incompatibility). Commissioner Sturken confirmed that the 85 affordable units are 20% before density bonus and asked about applying the city's reach code to increase EV-ready parking (staff said minimum standards apply). Chair Hunter asked about shared parking (staff noted possible TDM measure) and the shoreline band permit (BCDC permit for shoreline improvements).
• Commissioner Comments:
  • Commissioner Bondonno emphasized the single access point for ingress/egress east of 101 and cumulative traffic impact; requested more studies on water usage.
  • Commissioner Chu stressed reducing motor vehicle traffic to combat climate change, suggested alternatives to the fitness center to create a "15-minute city," and urged safe, well-marked walking/biking routes.
  • Commissioner Sturken echoed Chu, supported increasing EV spaces, and noted unsafe bike conditions on East Bayshore.
  • Vice Chair Crnogorac raised concerns about pools near Highway 101 emissions, the missed opportunity of surface parking (could be incorporated into structures for open space), and the need for pedestrian/bike connection to the Bay Trail.
  • Chair Hunter questioned how the Bloomquist extension would affect VMT, asked about sea level rise (13 or 16 feet total), emergency access during construction, and called the TDM plan "weak" – suggested expanded measures like shuttles, last-mile options, shared parking, and reducing total parking.
• Public Hearing: Opened and closed; all comments will be addressed in the Final EIR.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes: The August 16, 2022, minutes were initially approved 6-0, but after Adrian Brandt's correction, the commission voted 6-0 to reconsider and amend the minutes, returning them for approval at the next meeting.
• Draft EIR Comments: No decisions were made. The public comment period remains open until September 26, 2022. The Final EIR is tentatively scheduled for consideration and project entitlement in December 2022.
• Housing Element Update: Staff reported that comments from HCD are being addressed; the next draft is anticipated soon with a short public comment period.
• Upcoming Meetings: September 13 (virtual HRAC interviews), September 20 (HRAC appointments, transit district info session, jobs/housing study session), October 4 (505 East Bayshore draft EIR hearing, Mills Act properties).