Redwood City Planning Commission Regular Meeting - August 19, 2025
Redwood City Planning Commission Regular Meeting - August 19, 2025
The Redwood City Planning Commission held a regular meeting on August 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at 1017 Middlefield Road, with remote observation via Zoom. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM and adjourned at 9:20 PM. Commissioners present: Bhat, Finch, Hunter, Robinson, Vice Chair Koch, and Chair Crnogorac. Commissioner Cornejo was absent. Staff included Assistant Community Development Director Susan Exline, Consultant City Attorney Rick Jarvis, Associate Planner Evelyn Garcia, Senior Planner Ryan Kuchenig, Assistant City Manager Patrick Heisinger, Housing Leadership Manager Alin Lancaster, and others. The meeting covered four public hearings: approval of two advisory committee work plans, an Affordable Housing Incentive Program, and a mixed-use development at 1201 Main Street.
Consent Calendar
- No items were on the consent calendar.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Michael Arruza (Peninsula for Everyone) spoke in support of the proposed Affordable Housing Incentive Program, citing a Berkeley Terner Center study showing that high inclusionary zoning rates can reduce overall housing production and that a temporary 15% rate strikes a better balance.
- Justine Nielson (IQHQ) submitted an email in support of the Affordable Housing Incentive Program, noting that the Alco Yards project's residential parcels are under contract to a developer who would benefit from the proposed temporary relief.
Discussion Items
5.A. Review of Proposed Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC) Work Plan for FY 2025-26 & FY 2026-27
AAC Chair Niles Tanakatsubo presented the work plan, which includes reviewing large projects (3+ stories or 35+ feet), providing input on design updates to the Greater Downtown Precise Plan, and enhancing recruitment. The committee emphasized balancing design quality with economic feasibility. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the AAC's thorough review and unanimous consensus on projects. The motion to recommend City Council approval passed 6-0.
5.B. Review of Proposed Historic Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC) Work Plan for FY 2025-26 & FY 2026-27
HRAC Chair Jon Goldman presented the work plan, highlighting priorities: updating the Historic Preservation Ordinance (last updated in 1980), increasing awareness of the Mills Act program, and lowering barriers for homeowners to pursue historic designation. Discussion included enforcement of Mills Act contracts, outreach via utility bills, and the need for a landscape architect on the AAC. The motion to recommend City Council approval passed 6-0.
5.C. Affordable Housing Incentive Program (AHO Temporary Reduction)
Assistant City Manager Patrick Heisinger presented the proposal, which temporarily reduces Affordable Housing Ordinance (AHO) requirements by 25% for eligible pipeline projects that obtain entitlements by June 30, 2026, and building permits by June 30, 2027. The city is behind on its RHNA goal (4,588 units; only 831 units as of December 31, 2024). The program targets 7 projects with 1,253 units (234 affordable), but would result in 57 units becoming unrestricted. Commissioners expressed mixed views on timing and community input, but the motion passed 5-1 (Commissioner Robinson opposed). Robinson cited concerns about insufficient outreach to housing advocates and the Housing and Human Concerns Committee.
5.D. 1201 Main Street Mixed-Use Project (Architectural Permit, Tentative Map, Use Permit, Density Bonus)
The project proposes demolition of a vacant structure and construction of a 6-story, 89-foot-tall building with 96,982 sq. ft. of office and 32 residential units (16 studios, 16 one-bedrooms), including 4 affordable units. The applicant, Mecca Ventures, seeks a density bonus and waivers for height, permeability, and daylight plane. The project was previously approved in 2023 but revised to add height and units. Commissioners discussed parking (123 spaces, two subterranean levels), TDM measures (unbundled parking, bike parking, showers), and landscape improvements. A commitment was made to use 24-inch box trees on the street. The motion to approve the project (Resolution 25-05) passed 6-0.
Key Outcomes
- Approved Minutes: June 17, 2025, minutes approved with an amendment to add subject matter (6-0).
- AAC Work Plan: Recommended City Council approval (6-0).
- HRAC Work Plan: Recommended City Council approval (6-0).
- Affordable Housing Incentive Program: Recommended City Council approval (5-1, Commissioner Robinson dissenting).
- 1201 Main Street Project: Approved (6-0).
- Next Meeting: September 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM.
Meeting Transcript
We're good. Yes. Okay. We're all yeah, Maggie can't make it today. Oh, right. So she's she's sick. Good evening, and thank you for joining our August nineteenth, twenty twenty-five planning commission regular meeting. As a reminder, items will be taken in the order that are listed on the agenda. Before we get started, I wanted to briefly go over public comment procedures for the meeting for those who may be joining us for the first time. Comments on other agenda items will be taken only when that item is called. We're continuing to offer in-person and remote options for a planning commission meetings. However, due to the continued recent disruptions during public comment at open meetings throughout our region and state, we've modified our public comment procedures. The city welcomes public comments on topics within the city's subject matter jurisdiction. And this can be provided in person during the meeting or by email ahead of the meeting. At this time, we're temporarily suspending public comment provided by Zoom. We want to ensure that the city can continue to conduct the city's business in a manner that allows all residents to participate. And we will continue to evaluate a public comment procedures. Our public comment procedures are as follows. Public comment will be taken in person during the meeting during the meeting or in advance via email to PC at rebocity.org org. In person speakers must turn into speaker card to our admin or staff liaison at the dais uh to be recognized to speak. Um comments that were emailed to PC at Reboe City by 5 p.m. today may be read into the record by staff liaison and will be made part of the final meeting record. Both in-person and emailed comments are subject to the three minute time limit. I will now turn it over to staff for the role present. Commissioner Cornejo is absent. Commissioner Finch? Here. Commissioner Hunter? Here. Commissioner Robinson? Here. Vice Chair Koch? Here. And Chair Swinnagaratz. Here. And for the purposes of this meeting, I'm Sue X Line. I'm the Assistant Community Development Director and Staff Liaza to this commission. Other city staff that are attending this evening. Include Evelyn Garcia, associate planner, Ryan Kuchenek, Senior Planner, Patrick Heisinger, Assistant City Manager, Elenn Lancaster, Housing Leadership Manager, James Dotson, Assistant Planner, he's attending virtually. Rick Jarvis is our consultant city attorney. And Christina Mateo is our administrative secretary and meeting host. Thank you. No? All right. Seeing none. Were there any public comments received by email? No, there were none. Okay. None. If there's no objection, I will now close the public comment.
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