1 From: J. R. Razo
Sent: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:40 PM
To: , City Clerk
Cc: J. R. Razo; J. R. Razo
Subject: Re: Notice of Public Hearing - 2645-2655 FAYETTE DRIVE (APN: 148-016-008 and 148-016-009)
Attachments: Jonathan_Razo_comments for public hearing_Nov_12_2024.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
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Dear City Clerk,
I received a Notice of Public Hearing - 2645-2655 Fayette Drive (APN: 148-016-008 and 148-016-009), which encourages the public to provide comments or written statements to the City Council. I plan to attend the hearing, either in person or virtually, and would like to share my comments, concerns, and questions as a resident of Mountain View.
Please find my written statement attached to this email, which includes my comments, questions, and concerns.
Thank you,
-Jonathan Razo
Long-time Resident of Fayette Drive / San Antonio Rd
1 Written Statement by Jonathan Razo • November 6, 2024 A. Background
I have lived on Fayette Drive at various apartment complexes, beginn ing with the Fayette Apartments in July 1999. I later moved across the street to the Fayette To wnhouses , wh ere I lived for nearly 1 9 years. Currently, I reside at The Prometheus - The Dean Apartments, which is directly across from the proposed apartment complex at 2645-2 655 Fayette Drive, as outlined in the builder's remedy application.
B. Concerns About Overbuilding and Gentrification
B.1 Comment
When I first moved to Fayette Drive in the summer of 1999, it was one of the quietest streets in Mountain View. Over the years, it has transformed into one of the busiest and most gentrified streets in the city. During my time at the Fayette Townhouses (December 2003 - September 2022), which are adjacent to the proposed b uilder’s remedy project at 2645- 2655 Fayette Drive, the abandoned houses on that property were suddenly fenced off with plans to replace them with 29 condo/apartment units (refer to Section C, Reference 1).
After years of inactivity, I recently read in local newspapers (Daily News and Palo Alto Online) that the City Council approved a massive seven-story, 70-unit condo project. According to these reports, the developer appears to be exploiting a loophole, allowing the project to bypass critical city building requirements (refer to Section C, Reference 2):
"The project was submitted at a time when Mountain View was not in compliance with its housing element and qualifies as a builder’s remedy project because it includes 20% of its units as affordable." B.2 Concerns and Questions
While I fully support the need for more affordable housing, I am concerned that most of the proposed units will be studios or one-bedroom apartments, including those designated as affordable.
According to the staff report:
"It is not requiring the developer to comply with certain development standards, like setback, height, and common usable space requirements. It also has acceded to the developer’s plans to limit the affordable units to just studios and one- bedrooms, even though the project includes two- and three-bedroom units." As a head of household with four members, I cannot imagine how my family could live in a studio or one -bedroom unit, even if we qualified as low-income residents. The Bay Area’s affordability crisis, exacerbated by massive layoffs since late 2022, has made the thought of becoming a low -income household—or even homeless—a tangible reality for many, including families like mine. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Council to reconsider the approval of this application.
At The Dean apartments complex, I rent a three-bedroom unit to provide for my family, and most of our household income goes toward rent. Housing costs have more than quintupled since 1999. This drastic increase highlights how developers prioritize profit over affordability. Approving 70 more units under minimal building standards, with affordable options limited to studios and one-bedrooms, is not a meaningful solution for families. Mountain View needs families to build a vibrant community. However, if current trends co ntinue, families—whether middle-income or low-income—will be priced out of the city entirely.
Questions:
1. How does this truly benefit families when the majority of the units are designed for single occupants? 2 Fayette Drive has dramatically transformed over the years, as I highlighted above. Adding another building to this area will make it resemble New York City or San Francisco, with numerous seven-story buildings, further worsening the over- gentrification. This raises additional questions:
2. Has an assessment been conducted on how this new complex will impact traffic, natural resources, utilities, and the environment? (See Section C for the tangible, irremediable impact on historic landmark pine trees on Fayette Drive.)
3. Can the Los Altos School District accommodate more students from Mountain View, given that this block is currently assigned to the Los Altos School District?
C. Preservation of Historic Landmark Pine Tree
Additionally, I am deeply concerned about the historic pine tree slated for removal to accommodate this development. This tree holds significant historic and environmental value for the neighborhood, especially as few pine trees remain in the Fayette area. I urge the City Council to revisit the building plan and explore creative architectural solutions that would preserve this natural landmark. Prioritizing financial gains over preserving a piece of the city’s history is troubling and sets a concerning precedent for future developments.
D. Call to Action
I respectfully request that the City Council reexamine the broader implications of this project and its compliance with building requirements. Mountain View has already become one of the most expensive cities in the Bay Area (refer to Section C, Reference 3). I urge the Council to protect the city’s livability and affordability for long-term residents.
I plan to participate in the public hearing and would like to ensure my comments are included in the meeting’s agenda.
Since this will be my first time participating in such an event, I would appreciate any guidance on the process to help me prepare adequately.
References
1. Builder's Remedy Project: 2645-2655 Fayette Drive: Original Plan PDF
2. Mountain View Planning Commission Supports Seven-Story Builder's Remedy Project: Palo Alto Online Article
3. Mountain View Becomes Priciest Place to Rent in Bay Area: NBC Bay Area Article Thank you for your time and attention.
-Jonathan Razo