Public Meetings - Redwood City, California

The Redwood City Planning Commission held a special meeting on January 31, 2023, at 6:00 PM (adjourned at 7:40 PM) in Council Chambers and via Zoom. The meeting included two major public hearings: a use permit and architectural permit for a rock climbing gym at 801 Willow Street, and a series of General Plan Amendments (including the Housing Element, Safety Element, and Environmental Justice policies) to comply with state law. Both items were approved unanimously. The meeting also included approval of prior meeting minutes and a resignation announcement from a commissioner. Consent Calendar - No items were on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - 801 Willow Street (Item 5A): Glenn Babbitt spoke in support of the project but suggested that the Planning Commission consider a condition of approval requiring a more robust landscaping plan to better tie the project to adjacent Hoover Park. - General Plan Amendments (Item 5B): No public speakers. Discussion Items - 801 Willow Street – Use Permit and Architectural Permit: The applicant, Touchstone Climbing, proposed converting an existing 40,000 sq. ft. industrial building into a rock climbing gym with a 40-foot height increase (using translucent fiberglass panels) and a reduction in required parking from 158 to 99 existing spaces. Key statistics: 20,000 sq. ft. of climbing area, maximum 8 staff, operating hours 6 a.m.–11 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.–6 p.m. weekends; 19% of customers expected in pairs and 44% using alternative transportation. Staff recommended approval. Commissioners expressed strong support, citing the facility's benefits for an under-resourced area, affordable access programs, and the building's design. Vice Chair Crnogorac asked about missing trees along Spring Street and suggested planting two new trees. The applicant agreed. - General Plan Amendments (Item 5B): Senior Planner Rojas presented the update to the Housing Element (2023–2031), Safety Element, Built Environment, Building Community, and Natural Resources Elements. The city’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) is 4,588 units, but the city set a 153% target (approximately 7,000 units) to provide a buffer and qualify for a pro-housing designation. The city received a letter of compliance from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on January 19, 2023—one of only three cities in the ABAG region to do so. The accompanying Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was certified on January 27, 2023. Staff also noted minor corrections to the land use map and language adjustments from the Airport Land Use Commission. Commissioners unanimously praised staff for extensive outreach (over 40 meetings) and the city’s leadership in exceeding state housing requirements. Key Outcomes - 801 Willow Street: Motion (Espinoza/Crnogorac) to approve Resolution 23-01, approving Architectural Permit AP2022-071 and Use Permit UP2022-12, subject to condition that two trees be planted along Spring Street in consultation with the City Arborist prior to certificate of occupancy. Motion passed 6-0. - General Plan Amendments: Two motions (both Crnogorac/Espinoza): 1. Approve Resolution 23-02 recommending City Council certify the Final EIR, adopt CEQA findings, and adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. Passed 6-0 (roll call). 2. Approve Resolution 23-03 recommending City Council adopt the General Plan Amendments (including the Housing Element and other element updates), with the date on the resolution corrected to January 27, 2023. Passed 6-0 (roll call). - Minutes Approval: Minutes of December 6, 2022, and December 13, 2022, were approved 5-0 (Commissioner Espinoza abstained on both). - Commissioner Resignation: Commissioner Bondonno announced his intention to resign from the Planning Commission effective March 2023 due to relocation.

This meeting of the Redwood City Council on January 23, 2023, at 6:00 PM began with recognition of the Lunar New Year and somber reflections on recent mass shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay. The council then conducted a consent calendar, celebrated student achievements in water conservation and adult high school graduation, held a public hearing on a 130-unit housing project at 1330 El Camino Real, received an informational update on a proposed 108-unit extremely low-income supportive housing project at 1580 Maple, approved annual appointments, and heard reports including a storm recovery update. Consent Calendar - The council approved the consent calendar (items 6A, 6C, 6D, 6F, 6G, 6H) by unanimous roll call (7-0). Councilmembers Howard and Aguirre recused themselves from item 6B (speed hump project) due to proximity; item 6B was then approved separately by a 5-0 vote (Howard and Aguirre recused). Items included a resolution to apply for $4,450,000 in grant funds for the downtown parks and bay connectivity project, updates to the city investment policy, continued state of local emergency for hybrid meetings, rejection of a liability claim, approval of previous meeting minutes, and claims/checks. Public Comments & Testimony - Consent and general comments: In-person speakers included Ed Stansel (shared video of family and volunteer work), Kenneth Doe (Carpenters Union Local 217 – urged the city to adopt labor standards for developers/contractors to ensure livable wages and local hiring), and Jimmy Hedges (raised flooding concerns about Cordilleras Creek, noting insufficient clearance under Industrial Road bridge and lack of maintenance for 23 years). - Zoom speakers: Andy Ramroth (Redwood City resident and teacher – described flood damage to his home, insurance claims denied, urged city to maintain creek and consider concrete lining); former Mayor Ian Bain (celebrated Hip Housing calendar and urged support); Greg Biles (G Street resident – criticized city for not clearing creek despite website promise, requested all bridges be upgraded); Michelle Barlow (environmental consultant – stated she maintains her portion of creek but cannot do heavy work, expects city to protect residents through annual clearing); Julio Martell (longtime resident – echoed need for city to clear creek and prevent future floods); Chris White (West Farm Hill resident – reported burglaries, asked for license plate readers/cameras at highway corridors); Denise Kwaji (G Street resident – had flood damage on New Year’s Eve, asked city to coordinate with San Carlos and county). - Public hearing on item 7A (1330 El Camino Real): One in-person speaker (Dylan Finch) expressed strong support for the project, citing housing needs, transit proximity, and limited parking. One Zoom speaker (Brian Shields, Carpenter’s Local 217) emphasized the need for labor standards and highlighted worker abuses on nearby projects. Discussion Items - Item 7A – 1330 El Camino Real Housing Project: The council held a public hearing on a proposal to construct a 6-story, 130-unit rental building (26 below-market-rate units, 20% affordability) at 1330 El Camino Real. The project required a Downtown Precise Plan (DTPP) amendment to remove the Recordman Building from the historic resource list (evaluations and peer review concluded it is not historic). Staff and the applicant (Toby Long, Joshua Jewett) presented the design, which includes underground parking, bike storage, a community garden, and rooftop amenities. The council discussed unit sizes (81% studios), bundled vs. unbundled parking (ultimately unbundled), relocation of existing tenants (state law applies, no local ordinance), and the possibility of prevailing wages. Councilmembers asked about ELI units and union labor. The city attorney clarified the city has no prevailing wage requirement, but an existing policy offers a 25% fee discount for projects using area standard wages. The council voted unanimously (7-0) to approve the resolution, including the DTPP amendment, community permit, tentative map, concessions/waivers, and affordable housing plan. - Item 8A – 1580 Maple Supportive Housing Informational Update: Assistant City Manager Alex Kojikian, along with County Housing Director Ray Hodges and MidPen Housing’s Abby Goldware-Potlery, presented a conceptual plan for a 110-unit (108 studios + 2 manager units) extremely low-income permanent supportive housing project on a 1.5-acre remnant parcel from the 2021 city-county property exchange. The project would serve formerly homeless individuals, with on-site services, all-electric design, solar panels, and a target construction start by Q1 2024 via SB 35 streamlined approval. The council provided feedback on design (requested varied facades, heavy landscaping), community engagement (encouraged outreach to future neighbors and transportation partners), and programmatic items (prevailing wage to be included in ground lease, local preference for Redwood City residents to be written into the agreement, receiving RHNA credit). No vote was taken; the item was informational. Staff will negotiate the ground lease and return to council later. Key Outcomes - Votes: - Consent calendar (excluding 6B): Approved 7-0. - Consent calendar item 6B: Approved 5-0 (2 recused). - Item 7A (1330 El Camino Real): Approved unanimously 7-0. - Item 9A (2023 regional appointments): Approved unanimously 7-0 (with correction that Councilmember Howard is a representative, not alternate, on Redwood City Together Leadership Council). - Directives and next steps: - Staff to hold a neighborhood meeting for Cordilleras Creek residents to discuss maintenance and future options. - City manager will bring an updated emergency operations plan in spring 2023; planning commission recruitment opened through February 28; police chief recruitment underway with community input. - For the 1580 Maple project, staff will negotiate ground lease terms including local preference, prevailing wage, and landscape maintenance agreements; a four-party agreement with Carlisle (adjacent developer) and others will be pursued to coordinate construction timing. - Council to discuss prevailing wage and labor standard policies at the February 11 retreat. - Public encouraged to report storm damage to the county for potential state/federal assistance.

The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for January 17, 2023, at 6:00 PM was cancelled. No agenda items were discussed, and no actions were taken. The meeting notice indicated the cancellation in the agenda packet. No public comments, presentations, or votes occurred.

The Redwood City Council met on January 9, 2023, to address the ongoing winter storm emergency, appoint a planning commissioner, and receive a progress update on the 2021 City Equity Plan. The meeting included public testimony, council discussion, and several unanimous votes. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent calendar unanimously, including: annual self-insured assessment fee; final acceptance of California Water Tank project; agreement with San Mateo County for core agency services at Fair Oaks Community Center (FY2022-23 through FY2024-25); final map for 955 Woodside Road; stormwater treatment maintenance agreement for the Navigation Center; fiber optic installation agreement with Mobile LLC; vehicle equipment contract with Western Truck Fabrication ($246,932); five-year fire equipment maintenance contract with High Tech Emergency Vehicle Service Inc. (total up to $500,000); resolution declaring continued state of local emergency and allowing hybrid/virtual meetings (AB 361); acceptance of impact fee report; minutes of December 12, 2022; and claims and checks through January 23, 2023. Public Comments & Testimony - General Public Comment (before storm item): - Dionisia Barrera Garcia (in-person, Spanish): Described flooding on Saturday (Dec 31) at 1903 East Bay Shore, slow 911 response (over 25 minutes), and lack of shelter or assistance for evacuated elderly residents. Thanked Chris and Lizeth for visiting. - Marcelina Luna (in-person, Centennial neighborhood): Thanked public works for storm response. Noted flooding from Cordilleras Creek and clogged bridge at Stafford and Old County (Caltrain). Asked city to address private creek maintenance by Sequoia High School District. Emphasized need for infrastructure investment. - Greg Biles (via Zoom, G Street resident): Called for a new city policy on Cordilleras Creek (currently private property). Reported evacuations and hundreds of thousands in damages from Dec 31 flood. Thanked Councilmember Stirkin for visiting. - Sahari Espinosa Salamanca (via Zoom, Dreamers Roadmap founder): Criticized city and county response at mobile home park; no Spanish-speaking staff on site for five hours; evacuation center at Veterans Memorial Senior Center had no staff or food. Thanked fire department for evacuating two seniors. - Tanya Soleil (via Zoom, Docktown resident): Cited deferred maintenance on storm drains, still flooded at low tide. Asked city to designate flooding streets publicly and clarified docks in Docktown are unsafe. - Public Comment on Storm Update (Item 8A): - (Same speakers as above re-stated or supplemented their earlier comments.) - Public Comment on Planning Commission (Item 8B): - Adrian Brandt (via Zoom, applicant): Expressed willingness to serve, highlighted technical experience with Caltrain and transit, and support for housing and sustainability. - Public Comment on Equity Plan (Item 8C): - Jim Recker (in-person): Supported equity plan but urged cost-effective bike path designs. Noted $460,000 for three blocks seemed excessive. - Clara Jackal (via Zoom): Praised equity plan, especially sidewalk repair program, anti-displacement strategy, and youth programs. Expressed concern about police presence in youth programs potentially deterring participation. Discussion Items - 8A – Winter Storm Update and Emergency Proclamation: - City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz presented: The Dec 31 storm was an atmospheric river event with tides over 8 feet. City opened EOC Dec 31. Fire responded to over 232 calls (6x normal); police dispatch handled 3x normal calls; public works received 85 calls (6x normal). Over 5,000 sandbags distributed Dec 31–Jan 1, total 16,000 this winter. Bayfront Canal (nearly complete) helped reduce flooding. City provided 20 unsheltered people with county shelter placements; 25 households accessed services. Emergency proclamation issued Jan 5 to bypass purchasing rules and enable resource sharing. - Council discussed language barriers in outreach, need for proactive multilingual communication, and improved coordination with mobile home park owners and state regulators. Vice Mayor Espinoza Garnica stressed equity in storm response; Councilmember Geary called for preventive planning and CERT training in flood-prone areas. Councilmember Howard suggested mobile home park managers join CERT. Councilmember Stirkin asked about language assessment protocols. Chief Moholland detailed translation resources (bilingual officers, dispatcher, phone lines). Councilmember Martinez Saballos inquired about damage reporting process; building official noted only six properties reported as of Jan 9. - Vote: Unanimous approval of resolution ratifying local emergency proclamation. - 8B – Planning Commission Vacancy: - City Clerk presented: The seat, term expiring June 30, 2026, became vacant when Councilmember Stirkin was elected. Four candidates from a previous applicant pool (Adrian Brandt, John Marini, David Thomas, Steve Sujisaka) confirmed interest. - Councilmember Eakin requested reopening recruitment, citing lack of cover letters and desire for broader, more inclusive process. Councilmembers Howard, Stirkin, and Martinez Saballos expressed support for a special expedited recruitment rather than waiting until June. City Manager noted challenges in recruiting diverse applicants and recommended proceeding with regular spring recruitment. - Motion by Councilmember Geary, seconded by Councilmember Martinez Saballos: to reopen the recruitment with an expedited timeline. All council members voted yes. Direction: City Clerk and City Manager to design a special recruitment timeline; council members will help promote. - 8C – 2021 City Equity Plan Update: - Assistant City Manager Michelle Pochet and Equity Officer Brianna Evans presented: The plan adopted Oct 2021. First full year of implementation (2022). Three core goals: clarify commitment, demonstrate action, institutionalize equity. Key achievements: People’s Budget participatory pilot (1,759 voters, $1M allocated to four projects); 73 equity impact statements included in staff reports (May–Dec 2022) for policies like anti-displacement strategy, minimum wage, budget, Vision Zero; geographic equity index (Healthy Places Index) used for ADA transition plan; policy reviews (fire department tattoo policy to reduce barriers, library material policy to amplify diverse voices); departmental equity commitments (all departments made progress, with 2023 commitments refined). Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) launched July 2021: BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Women, AAPI, Disability; 10% of staff participated; 100% of surveyed participants reported increased sense of belonging. - Council discussion: Councilmember Geary asked about measuring outcomes beyond completion; staff acknowledged need for data-driven SMARTIE goals and continuous improvement. Vice Mayor Espinoza Garnica suggested prioritizing high-impact, time-sensitive initiatives. Councilmember Stirkin asked about ERG participation and shift workers; staff noted flexible timing and one-on-one support. Motion to receive the update (unanimous). Key Outcomes - Storm Emergency Proclamation Ratified (unanimous) – confirmed local emergency, enabling resource sharing and expedited purchasing. - Planning Commission Recruitment Reopened (unanimous motion) – staff directed to conduct a special, expedited recruitment for the vacant seat; timeline to be determined, with council outreach for applicants. - 2021 City Equity Plan Update Received (unanimous) – staff will integrate equity reporting into future annual budget documents. - Council heard reports on conferences attended (Vice Mayor Espinoza Garnica attended International LGBTQ Victory Institute conference in Washington, D.C.) and city manager updates on upcoming police chief recruitment and housing element submission (final public review ends Jan 13, 2023, pending state submittal).

The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for December 20, 2022, was cancelled. No agenda items were discussed, and no minutes or transcript are available. The meeting notice indicated a 6:00 PM start time, but the city's cancellation was posted in advance. No public comments, discussions, or decisions occurred.

The Redwood City Planning Commission held a special meeting on December 13, 2022, at 6:00 PM (adjourned at 8:30 PM) to consider a major mixed-use project at 557 E. Bayshore Road and a focused General Plan Update Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Housing Element. The meeting included a continuation of a separate item (801 Willow Street), public testimony, and two unanimous votes on the Bayshore project. Consent Calendar - No items were on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 5B (557 E. Bayshore Road): Multiple residents spoke in opposition, citing concerns over traffic impacts, water usage (five swimming pools), aircraft noise from San Carlos Airport, lack of access for bicycling, and the perceived lack of need for additional fitness centers. Speakers included Jim Crampton, Nancy Crampton, Carol Irvine, Jonathan Dunn, Mark Bosler, Kathy Miller, Brian Irvine, Gloria Cohn, and Adrian Brandt (via Zoom). - Supporters: The Redwood City Education Foundation spoke in favor, noting the project would fund mental health programs and add 85 below-market-rate housing units. Connie Guerrero supported the project for employment opportunities for the Casa Circulo Cultural community. Ken Chan (Housing Leadership Council) supported the affordable housing component. Adrian Brandt expressed conditional support, suggesting a protected bike lane and noting concerns about water usage. - Item 5C (Housing Element EIR): No public comments were received. Discussion Items - Item 5A – 801 Willow Street: A motion to continue the item to a date uncertain was made and passed unanimously (5-0). - Item 5B – 557 E. Bayshore Road Mixed-Use Project: - Staff (Senior Planner Kuchenig) presented the project: 480 rental units (85 affordable), a 97,101 sq ft two-story private athletic club (Villasport), a daycare, and a cafe. The project exceeds open space requirements and raises the site three feet above FEMA requirements. The EIR (presented by Michael Lisenbee) identified 24 mitigation measures reducing all significant impacts to less-than-significant levels. - Applicants (Glenn Ceridono, Mike Fassler) highlighted design, community benefits, and the public Paseo connecting East Bayshore Road to the Bay Trail. Commissioners questioned emergency response, materials, day passes, LEED certification, unit dispersal, and childcare hours. - Assistant City Attorney Beyers clarified that the Housing Accountability Act treats the entire project (housing + fitness center) as one housing development, preventing denial or density-reducing conditions without specific health/safety findings. - Commissioner Chu noted market forces could address pool viability; Commissioner Bondonno acknowledged public concerns but cited state law constraints; Vice Chair Crnogorac defended the pools as a public recreational resource; Chair Hunter expressed support, urging the applicant to work with the city on Bay Trail access and all-day childcare. - Item 5C – Focused General Plan Update EIR (Housing Element): - Principal Planner Francis summarized the Housing Element update, RHNA goals (4,600 units; planning for 7,000 at 150%), and the required EIR for associated general plan amendments. Consultant Ray Pendro from MIG explained that the program EIR found significant but mitigable impacts in air quality, biological resources, noise, and transportation (VMT-based). Transportation consultant Charlie Coles described modeling using the CCAG VTA model. - Commissioners discussed VMT methodology, the environmentally superior alternative (RENA + 15% buffer), and state law on overriding considerations. Commissioner Chu raised health concerns about traffic exposure near highways. No decision was made; the public comment period remains open until January 6, 2023. Key Outcomes - Item 5B Motions: 1. Resolution 22-14 – Certify the Final Environmental Impact Report, adopt CEQA findings, and adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan. Passed 5-0 (Bondonno/Koch). 2. Resolution 22-15 – Approve the Architectural Permit, Use Permit, Vesting Tentative Parcel Map, and Affordable Housing Plan for the 557 E. Bayshore Road project, with modifications to Conditions of Approval 46 (sewer laterals limited to two) and 32 (San Carlos Airport disclosure). Passed 5-0 (Bondonno/Chu). - Next Steps for Item 5C: Written comments on the Housing Element EIR will be accepted through January 6, 2023. The Commission will hold a study session in February 2023, with adoption anticipated in early-to-mid spring 2023.

On December 12, 2022, the Redwood City Council held a regular meeting that served as the final meeting for outgoing Mayor Giselle Hale and Vice Mayor Diana Reddy, who completed their four-year terms. The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, recognized outgoing members with tributes and gifts, swore in newly elected Councilmembers Kaya Eakin and Chris Sturkin (via a ceremonial oath by his father) and re-elected Councilmember Diane Howard, and selected a new mayor and vice mayor following a staff-recommended rotation policy. Consent Calendar - 6A: Declaration of results for the November 8, 2022 general election based on the County of San Mateo Chief Elections Officer's certificate of final official canvas. - 6B: Investment report for the period ending September 30, 2022. - 6C: Resolution declaring a continued state of local emergency and affirming hybrid/virtual meetings under AB 361. - 6D: Historic preservation agreement (Mills Act contract) at 1417 Middlefield Road. - 6E: Acceptance of FY2021 FEMA SAFER grant ($3,630,607 over three years) for fire and emergency response staffing. - 6F: Award for the 2020–2021 Sanitary Sewer Replacement Project. - 6G: Water supply assessment for a mixed-use development at 557 East Bayshore Road. - 6H: Approval of minutes from December 5, 2022 city council meeting. - 6I: Approval of claims and checks from December 12, 2022 through January 9, 2023, and usual and necessary payments through January 9, 2023. Public Comments & Testimony - Amy Buckmaster (San Mateo County Chamber) thanked outgoing Mayor Hale for her leadership and collaborative spirit, presenting her with a heart-shaped token. - Rona Gundrum urged that item 8C (selection of mayor/vice mayor) should precede 8B (swearing-in) to allow the current council to vote on procedural changes, citing Section 1F of the selection policy and flaws in seniority rotation. - Jeff Strobowski raised concerns about traffic impacts from transit center and Sequoia station projects, and criticized bike lane safety on Whipple Avenue overpass. - Jim Crampton expressed concerns about drought and water availability, questioning the water supply assessment for a development that includes five new swimming pools and hot tubs. - Edward Stansel (via Zoom) argued that the city is trying to evict him from property on Steinberger Slough, not Redwood Creek, and requested a 90-day reprieve. - Several speakers from the public and elected officials (including representatives from Assemblymember Mullin, Senator Becker, Congresswoman Speier, and former mayors) thanked Mayor Hale and Vice Mayor Reddy for their service, highlighting work on childcare, mental health, homelessness, and housing. - Dylan and others welcomed new Councilmember Chris Sturkin and expressed optimism for the council's future. - During the selection of mayor/vice mayor, Rona Gundrum and Tom Leinbarger questioned the staff recommendation and suggested that council should decide based on qualifications rather than strict rotation. Discussion Items - Climate Action Subcommittee Report: Delivered by Councilmember G (outgoing). The subcommittee met December 8 and received updates on microgrid work plan for city facilities (including evaluation matrix and case study at Fire Station 9) and on sea level rise vulnerability assessment beginning in Q1 2023. - Recognition of Outgoing Council Members: Mayor Hale and Vice Mayor Reddy each received proclamations, street signs, and gifts from staff and council. Members highlighted their work on the Safe RV Parking Program, the Navigation Center, equity initiatives, mental health consortium, childcare advocacy, and regional partnerships. - Swearing-In of New and Re-elected Council Members: Mayor Hale administered oaths for Councilmember Kaya Eakin and re-elected Councilmember Diane Howard. Councilmember Chris Sturkin was sworn in by his father Alan Sturkin. Incoming members delivered brief remarks emphasizing collaboration, housing affordability, climate action, support for renters and LGBTQ+ community. - Selection of Mayor and Vice Mayor: Staff presented the rotation policy adopted in 2019, recommending Councilmember Jeff G as mayor and Councilmember Lissette Espinosa Garnica as vice mayor for two-year terms through December 2024. After public comment and council discussion noting that the policy was transparently developed, the motion carried unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved unanimously (7-0). - Councilmember Jeff G installed as mayor and Councilmember Lissette Espinosa Garnica as vice mayor, each for a two-year term through December 2024, by unanimous vote (7-0). - Council directed staff and the governance subcommittee to evaluate and potentially amend the mayor/vice mayor selection policy, including clarifying treatment of appointed members and aligning terms with even-year election cycles. - Ceremonial oaths administered to new/re-elected council members, concluding the council reorganization.

The Redwood City Planning Commission held a regular meeting on December 6, 2022, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a public hearing on the Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (DSEIR) for the Downtown Precise Plan (DTPP) amendments and a public hearing on a proposed six-story, 130-unit residential project at 1330 El Camino Real, for which the Commission recommended approval to the City Council. Two sets of meeting minutes were approved, and no consent calendar items were presented. Consent Calendar - Approval of the Draft Minutes from November 1, 2022: Moved by Vice Chair Crnogorac, seconded by Commissioner Chu. Motion passed 4-0 (Commissioner Bondonno abstained). - Approval of the Draft Minutes from November 15, 2022: Moved by Vice Chair Crnogorac, seconded by Commissioner Koch. Motion passed 4-0 (Commissioner Bondonno abstained). Public Comments & Testimony - Adrian Brandt (Item 5A): Expressed support for rooftop entertainment and proposed covering the two-acre flooding retention pond with an active-use roof to maximize land use in the transit district. - Glenn Babbitt, HRAC Member (Item 5A): Asked whether historic resource impacts in the DSEIR apply only to specific structures on the landmarks list or also include spatial areas like Stambaugh-Heller. He requested a concrete example to clarify the abstract language. - Adrian Brandt (Item 5B): Applauded the applicant's decision to switch from bundled to unbundled parking, calling it more enlightened and equitable, and expressed support for the project overall. Discussion Items - Item 5A: Draft Subsequent EIR for Downtown Precise Plan (DTPP) Plan-Wide and General Plan Amendments - Senior Planner William Chui presented the background on the gatekeeper process, development assumptions (including a potential boundary extension and a 10% contingency for office and residential), and the DTPP amendments (e.g., small office capacity increase, parking ratio changes, allowances for R&D lab uses and rooftop structures). - Karl Heisler, ESA CEQA Consultant, explained the CEQA process, noting that the DSEIR identifies new or more severe impacts in shadow, noise, air quality, greenhouse gases, utilities/infrastructure, and historic resources. Four impacts were conservatively deemed significant and unavoidable: air quality criteria pollutants (cumulative), greenhouse gas emissions, and historic resources. - Commissioners asked clarifying questions about open space conversion (Little River Park/901 El Camino), VMT calculation boundaries, noise sources (vehicle traffic, building equipment), and sensitive receptors. Commissioner Chu emphasized comparing emissions to a scenario where people live elsewhere, noted that shadow can be an amenity (shade), and supported reduced VMT to lower noise health impacts. Vice Chair Crnogorac stressed preserving Little River Park's open space and habitat. Chair Hunter expressed concern about the jobs/housing ratio (estimated 6.1:1 shortfall) and recommended the altered land use mix or reduced development alternatives, and questioned whether mitigation measures address supply/capacity for utilities. - No action was taken; the public comment period ends December 29, 2022. - Item 5B: 1330 El Camino Real – DTPP Amendment, Tentative Parcel Map, Downtown Planned Community Permit, and Affordable Housing Plan - Staff Planner Brendan Northart presented the project: demolition of existing buildings (including the Recordman Building, determined not historic), construction of a six-story, 130-unit residential building (26 affordable units, 20% affordability) with 110 parking spaces (using stackers), 22+ bicycle parking spaces, and amenities including a community garden, gym, and rooftop terrace. - The project requires a DTPP amendment to remove the Recordman Building from the historic resource list, and several design deviations (e.g., a 40-degree daylight plane instead of 45 degrees, stoop height of 18 inches, use of fixed/casement windows). The Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC) recommended approval after two reviews. - Applicant Toby Long and architect Joshua Jewett presented the design, emphasizing Mediterranean style with vibrant colors and described the terraced edges as non-accessible stormwater planters. - Commissioner discussion: Commissioner Chu praised the design and unhappiness about parking but acknowledged constraints; asked if terraces could be accessible. Commissioner Koch requested bike repair amenities. Vice Chair Crnogorac supported the project and suggested future-proofing EV charging in the parking stackers, and urged city enforcement of parking regulations in the neighborhood. Commissioner Koch also asked about relocation assistance for displaced businesses; the applicant stated no coordination was planned. - The Commission voted to recommend approval to the City Council with a modification to Condition of Approval No. 5 to require unbundled parking (the applicant voluntarily committed to this change). The motion passed 5-0 (Commissioners Espinoza and Sturken absent). Key Outcomes - Item 5A: Public hearing held; no action taken. The public comment period for the DSEIR remains open until December 29, 2022. Staff will prepare final SEIR with responses to comments, and the Planning Commission will hold a future study session on the DTPP amendments in early 2023. - Item 5B: The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval to the City Council of the 1330 El Camino Real project, including the DTPP amendment, tentative parcel map, downtown planned community permit, and affordable housing plan, subject to the modified condition requiring unbundled parking. - Future meetings: A special meeting on December 13, 2022, and regular meeting on January 17, 2023. The City Council approved the Transit District and the second reading of REACH codes on November 28, 2022.

Date: December 6, 2022, at 6:00 PM The Planning Commission held a public hearing to receive comments on the Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (DSEIR) for the Downtown Precise Plan (DTPP) Plan-Wide Amendments and General Plan Amendments, and held a public hearing to consider a recommendation for approval of a 6-story, 130-unit residential building at 1330 El Camino Real. The Commission also reviewed and approved the minutes from previous meetings. Consent Calendar - No items were listed on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 5.A (DSEIR for DTPP Amendments): A written public comment from Cary Bloomquist, a retired civil servant, opposed the DTPP amendments. The commenter argued that California faces water shortages and inadequate sustainable energy supply, and that further development should not be supported. The commenter stated that global climate change necessitates limiting new development. - Item 5.B (1330 El Camino Real project): Tina Kyriakis, a property owner at 163 Madison/803 Adams, expressed concern about parking impacts, stating that the neighborhood already has severe parking shortages. She argued that the proposed 110 parking spaces for 130 units is insufficient and that bundled parking would exacerbate the problem. She also noted that tenants often own multiple cars. Adrian Brandt submitted a comment urging the Commission to deny the request for bundled parking, citing the inequitable effects of bundling parking into rent and noting the project's proximity to transit. He also requested more secure bicycle parking. Discussion Items - 5.A – Draft SEIR for DTPP Plan-Wide Amendments: Staff presented the DSEIR, which analyzes potential environmental impacts of increasing office capacity by 1,167,100 sq. ft. and residential capacity by 830 units within the DTPP, as well as other amendments. The DSEIR identifies significant and unavoidable impacts related to cultural resources, air quality, and climate change, and proposes mitigation measures for other impacts. The Planning Commission held a public hearing to receive comments; no action was taken. The public comment period runs through December 29, 2022. - 5.B – 1330 El Camino Real Project (RWC Discovery): The project proposes a 6-story, 130-unit residential building (105 studios, 14 one-bedrooms, 8 two-bedrooms, 3 three-bedrooms) with 110 parking spaces (via stacker) and 22 bicycle spaces. The project includes 26 affordable units (13 moderate, 6 low, 7 very low-income) and requests a density bonus concession for additional height (6 stories/64 feet) and a waiver of the daylight plane standard. The project also seeks a DTPP amendment to remove the historic resource designation for the existing Record Man building at 1322 El Camino Real, which the Historic Resources Advisory Committee (HRAC) determined is not a historic resource. The Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC) recommended approval with seven guideline deviations. Staff recommended approval. Key Outcomes - Item 5.A: The Commission received public comments on the DSEIR. No action was taken. The comment period remains open until December 29, 2022. - Item 5.B: The Planning Commission adopted Resolution 22-13, recommending that the City Council approve the DTPP Amendment, Downtown Planned Community Permit, Tentative Parcel Map, State Density Bonus Law concession and waiver, and Affordable Housing Plan for the 1330 El Camino Real project. The Commission also determined that environmental review is complete under CEQA Sections 15168 and 15183. The vote was unanimous (6-0). The project will proceed to the City Council for final action.