From: Norma Prado
To: x-City Clerk"s Office
Subject: Additional Charles Armstrong Feedback
Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 2:45:48 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Good afternoon, this is my second letter regarding the expansion of Charles Armstrong School. I spoke to staff at Armstrong and my initial concerns regarding the field use limitations have been allayed. I support the expansion of the school. I understand construction will be disruptive but have no doubt Armstrong will manage the project appropriately. I also appreciate their proactive communication to the neighbors.
Best Regards,
Norma Prado and Thomas Tomacci
Desvio Way residents
From: Barry Lake
To: Planning Comm
Cc: City Council
Subject: Charles Armstrong School
Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 2:54:26 PM
Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
To the members of the Belmont planning Commission:
I am writing to express my displeasure, disappointment and frustration at your very poor and unfortunate scheduling. The proposed major expansion of the Charles Armstrong School is an issue of vital importance to my neighborhood and community. If it were to proceed as currently designed, the harm to our neighborhood would be gigantic and irreparable.
Yet you have seen fit to schedule a crucial meeting regarding this topic at a time when you will be guaranteed to get the least amount of community involvement, the day before Thanksgiving. Shame on you! I thought you were all Belmont residents…my *neighbors*… and that you cared about the quality of life in every Belmont neighborhood.
It is shocking how quickly this project seems to be barreling forward. I received an initial informational packet from the school only in early October. And already you have scheduled TWO meetings since then. It feels like the decision to approve this excessive expansion at CAS has already been made and that now you are simply going through all the proper legal motions to push it through, while at the same time shutting out the voices of the members of the community who will be most affected by the massive development at a commuter school on a dead end street.
Consider this to be my official protest. If I weren’t traveling, I would be at tonight’s meeting and I would speak to you in person. Alas, that won’t be possible.
I do wish you all a wonderful holiday. But I implore you, going forward, please at least attempt to make an effort to at gathering a diverse set of community input about this project before you rubber stamp it.
Thanks for your consideration.
Barry Lake
1720 El Verano Way
Resident and home owner since 1996
From: Hetal Vasavada
To: x-City Clerk"s Office
Subject: Comments for 11/25 meeting
Date: Monday, November 24, 2025 4:41:33 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Good evening. My name is Hetal Vasavada, and I’m a Belmont resident living in the McDougal neighborhood, right across the street from Armstrong’s entrance on Solana Drive.
Armstrong has been an exceptional neighbor. They genuinely care about our community and the families who live nearby. Daniel, who manages traffic at the school, looks out for all of us.
Every day, he makes sure my daughter Elara stays safe while she waits to be picked up for her own school, and as a parent, that means a lot.
Armstrong has been part of this neighborhood since the 1980s, long before many of us moved here. When my family bought our home across the street, I was fully aware of what that meant: traffic during pick-up and drop-off, kids outside playing, and the sounds of a school day. Those are simply part of living near a school, and to me, that is the price you pay to be part of a vibrant, connected community. What I did not expect, though, was how much of a community we would actually find with Armstrong, through their kindness, collaboration, and genuine care for everyone around them.
I know traffic and safety are often concerns, but we have not experienced major issues from Armstrong. Their staggered dismissal system works smoothly, and when there are backups, they are usually in co junction with other nearby schools like Carlmont, Central, and Notre Dame.
My family benefits from having Armstrong as a neighbor. We use their playground and blue basketball court regularly. Belmont does not have enough public basketball courts, so Elara’s team has limited practice options. Being able to walk across the street and use Armstrong’s courts has been such a gift, and the school has always welcomed us.
What stands out most to me is how Armstrong fosters a genuine sense of inclusion. Even though my child does not attend the school, we have been invited to their musicals and events.
It is clear they want to connect with the neighborhood, not just coexist beside it.
And it is not just us. Our contractor, who helped us build our dream home, went to Armstrong, as did the realtor who sold us our home. That says a lot about the school’s long-standing impact and its deep roots in this community.
As a baker, I have even had Armstrong staff volunteer to taste-test my new recipes. Every time I am on campus, it feels joyful and full of positive energy.
Research consistently shows that schools are the beating heart of a neighborhood. Studies in Science, the European Journal of Psychology, and the American Institutes for Research show that when schools and neighbors support one another, communities become safer, stronger, and more connected. Armstrong has proven that by looking out for my family, our home, and our community.
Armstrong does incredible work supporting kids with learning differences, and I fully support their new building plan. Expanding their campus means they can reach and help even more children. That is something Belmont should be proud to stand behind.
Thank you!
From: Kara
To: x-City Clerk"s Office
Subject: Fwd: Letter of support for the Charles Armstrong school campus expansion Date: Monday, November 24, 2025 6:20:45 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Leslie Chiaverini <[email protected]>
Date: November 23, 2025 at 9:24:08 AM PST
To: Kara Adamis <[email protected]>
Subject: Fwd: Letter of support for the Charles Armstrong school campus expansion
,
---------- Original Message ----------
From: Leslie Chiaverini <[email protected]>
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Date: 11/23/2025 9:14 AM PST
Subject: Letter of support for the Charles Armstrong school campus expansion
To Whom It May Concern in the city of Belmont,
This is a letter in support of the Charles Armstrong School campus expansion being considered by the city of Belmont.
My husband and I have lived in Belmont on Altura Way since 1987. Charles Armstrong has always acted as a good
neighbor by sending quarterly newsletters with their key school dates and campus events, inviting the public to many of these events throughout the year, allowing school property access after hours to use their playground, basketball courts, parking lots and bathrooms to name a few. They always have faculty directing traffic at the beginning and end of school during student drop off and pick up and events to facilitate ease of traffic flow and I might add always with a friendly smile and wave to the neighbors driving by.
We have known many families who have had children attended this school. These are children who started in other public and private schools which couldn't provide the necessary tools to educate students with dyslexia and related learning
differences. After graduating from Charles Armstrong those we have know have continued on with their high school and
college education with extreme success.
We are hoping the city of Belmont will approve the Charles Armstrong project expansion so they can continue with the wonderful work they do in education of students all around the bay area.
Sincerely,
Leslie and John Chiaverini
1536 Altura Way
Belmont
From: City of Belmont
To: City Manager
Subject: Municipal Code to Protect Renters
Date: Friday, November 21, 2025 1:14:20 PM
Message submitted from the <City of Belmont> website.
Site Visitor Name: Valerie Vijil
Site Visitor Email: [email protected]
Hello Asfhin:
I noticed that Project Sentinel will be speaking at the Council Meeting on Tuesday. I wanted to inquire how the city can implement an ordinance or muni code for tenant rights related to temporary displacement due to capital improvements at an apartment building. As a resident, I am not finding any protections that the City of San Francisco or City of San Mateo have implemented and this is disappointing. I am willing to speak more about my situation. I can be reached at 415-218-4675.
Thank you,
Valerie Vijil
From: achyut sh
To: x-City Clerk"s Office; Julia Mates - Mayor; Robin Pang-Maganaris - Vice Mayor; Gina Latimerlo; Thomas McCune; Cathy Jordan
Cc: Subba Prasad Shrestha
Subject: Public Comment 11/25/2025: Certificate of Compliance (CoC) exemption on Belmont HRO2 Lots with merger APN: 043042740 & 043094040
Date: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 1:04:53 PM
Attachments: 3300_LowerLock_Approved_Project.png
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important City Council
City of Belmont
Belmont, CA
Dear Respected Mayor Mates, Vice Mayor Pang-Maganaris and City Council Members, Good Afternoon
Thank you for the opportunity to this Public Comment and to include this in the record at today's 11/25/2025 Belmont City Council Meeting to request for the exemption on CoC for my two Belmont Lots 043094040 (Lower Lock Avenue) & 043042740 (Bartlett Way).
I also had the opportunity to speak during the Public Comment of the previous couple of Belmont Planning Commission Meeting requesting this matter. I would like to share some details of the cross street Parcel (attached) of a neighbor, which is also HRO2 zoned and has CoC, an Approved Project and earlier had an Approved Building Permit. Our land and this 3300 Lower Lock Ave, Belmont were previously owned by the same Owner and had the Notice of Merger on these Lands around the same time.
Please kindly review these Parcels (neighbor's with CoC APN: 043-192-210 and ours APN: 043094040 & 043042740 attached Screenshot) and Please kindly provide CoC exemption to our Land, as our Land has the Notice of Merger and is similar with all the information that the neighboring Lots has. Please kindly review and provide us the Certificate of Compliance (CoC) so that 800 square feet House as per HRO2 can be built at our Lower Lock Avenue Land. Thank you. Thank you for your time and consideration. Wish You A Very Happy Thanksgiving.
Neighboring Lots information below:
HRO2 zoned Parcel cross street on same Lower Lock, Belmont APN: 043-192-210 with Approved Project: PA2024-0025 and Building Permit: B2025-0232 Project #PA2024-0025
https://belm-trk.aspgov.com/etrakit/Search/project.aspx?activityNo=PA2024-0025 2024.08.30_3300 Lower Lock Civil Plan.pdf
https://belm-trk.aspgov.com/etrakit/viewAttachment.aspx? Group=PROJECT&ActivityNo=PA2024-0025&key=JSUN%3a240830102824121 Building Permit: B2025-0232
https://belm-trk.aspgov.com/etrakit/viewAttachment.aspx? Group=PERMIT&ActivityNo=B2025-0232&key=CAH%3a2506170815410164 Sincerely- Achyut Shrestha | [email protected] | Ph: 602-529-2255 | https://www.linkedin.com/in/achyut-shrestha |
From: Bluestein, Eric
To: x-City Clerk"s Office
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Public Comment from Eric Bluestein: Charles Armstrong School expansion- 2024-0050 Date: Friday, November 21, 2025 8:53:05 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Hello, my name is Eric Bluestein. Below is the public comment that I am submitting to City of Belmont and Carlos de Melo:
City Council and Carlos, thank you for your time to listen to this public comment about the Charles Armstrong School improvement project.
In 2015, when my daughter was in first grade, she attended an excellent school with outstanding teachers and small class sizes. Socially, she was a typical child, yet every night she cried because she felt unprepared for second grade. School had become debilitating due to her very slow processing in reading, listening, and writing. As her father, it was incredibly difficult to witness. After comprehensive testing, she was diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.
When we learned about Armstrong, I asked her, “What if there were a school where all of the children share your same challenges?” The very next day at school, she told her friends she was leaving.
Parents began calling us, and we realized she had made this decision herself because she knew it was exactly what she needed. She attended Armstrong from second through eighth grade, graduated last year, and is now thriving in high school.
Armstrong is the only school of its kind in our area and has helped thousands of students like my daughter not only succeed academically but also grow personally. The school meets students where they are, helps them build confidence, and empowers them to become strong self-advocates. Along the way, they form deep bonds with peers who share similar challenges. For our family, Armstrong has been truly life-changing.
Unfortunately, due to space constraints and a limited Conditional Use Permit (CUP), Armstrong has been forced to turn away many children like my daughter. This is an ongoing concern for families, teachers, and the Board. The proposed building project is an opportunity to support more students with dyslexia and other learning differences, who have no other appropriate school options. The intent is to create a more well-rounded school environment with the additional classrooms required for specialized instruction, as well as a gym and a multipurpose room that will not only allow the students to have a normal and active school experience, but will also benefit the broader community.
We began this process three years ago and conducted a thoughtful, comprehensive survey of teachers and staff to enhance the educational experience for current students while enabling the school to serve more of them. A central objective is to limit disruption for students, teachers, and neighbors throughout planning, construction, and ongoing operations. From a planning and commercial real estate perspective, the proposed buildings are tasteful, efficient, and well-placed, representing a logical and seamless addition to the campus.
We respectfully ask for your support and approval so Armstrong can deliver this vital education to more students with dyslexia. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Eric Bluestein
Eric Bluestein
Executive Managing Director, Life Sciences
NEWMARK
258 High Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
t650-688-8547
m 415-948-9516
[email protected]
CA RE License #01720416
nmrk.com
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From: Jennifer Yang Weedn
To: x-City Clerk"s Office
Subject: Public comment on Charles Armstrong construction (public meeting 11/25) Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025 10:04:51 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important To the Belmont City Council,
I am writing as a long-time homeowner and concerned neighbor living at 656 Dartmouth Avenue in San Carlos, directly adjacent to the Charles Armstrong School yard. Our backyard shares a fence line with the school property, so any changes to the site have an immediate and significant impact on our home and daily life. After receiving the notice regarding the proposed major construction project—specifically the 11,000-square-foot Athletic Building—we want to share our strong concerns about the project as currently planned.
Because of our proximity, the scale and location of this new building would dramatically affect our household. A large gym situated directly against residential property will inevitably produce substantial noise pollution— including whistles, sports activities, and large groups of children— occurring throughout the day. We already experience increased noise from the recently added play structures placed close to our fence; introducing a full-scale athletic facility in the same area would amplify this disruption significantly.
We are also deeply concerned about the reported possibility of a kitchen being incorporated into the Athletic Building. Food facilities typically increase the risk of attracting rats and other pests, which would pose additional problems for residents whose homes border the school grounds.
These impacts would meaningfully diminish the peaceful environment that homeowners along this fence line rely on and value. Our backyard is an important part of our daily life—we regularly spend time outdoors, and the current proposal threatens to alter the character, tranquility, and property values of our homes.
We want to be clear: we support the students’ need for a gym and understand the school’s desire to improve its facilities. However, we strongly urge the Council to ensure that any new construction—especially a building of this size and purpose—be placed farther away from the residential property line and thoughtfully designed to minimize noise, environmental, and quality-of-life impacts on nearby homeowners.
We respectfully ask that you give full consideration to the interests of the families who live along the school boundary, particularly those directly adjacent to the proposed construction site. Your attention to the concerns of affected residents will help ensure that development is balanced, responsible, and compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful review.
Best,
Jen and Rob Weedn