Item 8 Public Comments — Palo Alto City Council, March 4, 2024

From: Thomas Agramonte
To: Council, City
Subject: Agenda Item #8 March 4th meeting
Date: Sunday, March 3, 2024 11:01:48 PM
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Hello Palo Alto City Council,
On behalf of the Agramonte Family, a four-generation Palo Alto family and landowners of 2951 El Camino Real (ECR) and 470 Olive Avenue. We are writing regarding Agenda Item 8 of the March 4th City Council Meeting. We ask the City Council to extend the Housing Focus Area to the East Side of ECR and to collaboratively work with landowners, developers, the planning department and the community to find a balance for the City of Palo Alto that respects the desperate need for housing by making guidelines that support economically viable multifamily residential development. I am 30 years old and grew up in this community playing sports and I do not have a single friend or teammate that still lives here. We need more housing to allow to the people who work in this community, grow up in this community, provide for this community a place to live in this community.

Below are points we would like to convey to the City Council and ask that you make decisions for the betterment of our community.

1. We request the City of Palo Alto implement a Housing Focus Area on the East side of El Camino to promote high-density multifamily development, which would include 2905 El Camino, 2951 El Camino, 2999 El Camio, and 470 Olive (the “Project”). Implementing this Focus Area supports the City of Palo Alto’s Housing Element objectives, including high- density multifamily housing located along transit corridors, within ½ mile of Caltrain, and on underutilized sites.

2. We request the City mirror the East Side Focus Area’s zoning standards, including a maximum height of 85’ and Floor Area Ratio of 4.0. However, a 35’ height transition zone must be no greater than 75’. A transition zone of greater than 75’ would render this and other projects unfeasible. Of note, Palo Alto City Planning Staff and expert consultants supported a 75’ transition zone for the Housing Focus Areas, due to similar feasibility concerns.

3. The proposed Project would provide affordable housing units at 50% of AMI, allowing local teachers, first responders and city staff who serve in the community, to live in community.

4. We strongly recommend the City of Palo Alto implement a Housing Focus Area for the East side of El Camino, including this Project, in support of the Housing Element objectives to create over 6000 new housing units by 2031.

Thank you!
Best,
Thomas Agramonte
From: Kristi Bascom
To: Clerk, City; Council, City
Cc: [email protected]; Sharlene Carlson; Julie Baskind Subject: Request/comment on Agenda Item #8, PACC mtg on 3/14/2024 Date: Sunday, March 3, 2024 7:57:44 PM
Attachments: image001.png
PAR Proposed Amendments to PAMC Section 18.16.040.b.docx PAR Proposed Amendments to PAMC Sec 18.16.060 Dev Stds.docx Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important
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Honorable City Councilmembers,

This correspondence is related to Agenda Item #8 on the 3/4/2024 City Council agenda and is provided on behalf of the Palo Alto Redwoods Homeowner’s Association. PAR is requesting that the City Council direct Staff to consider the zoning amendments suggested by PAR, and supported by the City Council at the November 13, 2023 meeting, during the upcoming fiscal year.

At the City Council meeting on November 13, 2023, the City Council unanimously supported a request from PAR to consider specific amendments to the City’s Zoning Ordinance, and directed Staff to review the amendments that PAR proposed. The proposed amendments were written to ensure that higher density housing constructed on properties zoned for commercial uses are buffered from impacts created by commercial neighbors such as noise, reduction in access to daylight, and impacts to privacy. These are the protections that are provided to residentially- zoned properties throughout the City. In a letter to the City Council dated November 7, 2023, I outlined PAR’s request and provided the specific text amendments proposed for PAMC Sections

18.16.040(b) and 18.16.060 (attached to this email for reference).

Earlier this month, we inquired of the Planning Director when PAR’s proposed amendments were going to be reviewed by Staff and moved forward for consideration, as supported by the City Council. Mr. Lait responded that “Based on available long range planning staff resources and competing Council priorities, I do not anticipate this item being recommended for the upcoming year.” Mr. Lait suggested that if PAR would like to see the proposed amendments completed in the next fiscal year, that we should ask the City Council to direct this be included in the FY 24-25 Planning and Development Department work plan.

PAR’s proposed zoning ordinance amendments are minor in nature, are already drafted, and can simply be included in one of the Zoning Ordinance amendments already identified as a Council priority to be undertaken in the next fiscal year. PAR isn’t asking for a separate, additional Council priority to be identified or a special action to be taken. We hope that this can be simple and straightforward and folded into another housing-related amendment being processed by the Planning Department. PAR is asking for the Council’s support to direct that this be done.

We are happy to discuss PAR’s request further or provide any additional explanation as to why this is important. I plan to attend the City Council meeting and make this request during public comment on this agenda item. As always, PAR greatly appreciates the Council’s ongoing support and consideration.

Kind regards,
Kristi Bascom

On behalf of the PAR HOA
Board Members Julie Baskind, Anne Mason, and Sharlene Carlson

Kristi Bascom, AICP
Urban Planner
Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP
396 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA 94102-4421
office: 415/552-7272 x 202 | direct: 925/872-6327
www.smwlaw.com
| A San Francisco Green Business

From: Palo Alto Forward
To: Council, City
Subject: Council Priorities - Agenda Item #8 on 3/4
Date: Sunday, March 3, 2024 6:32:48 PM
Attachments: Housing Priorities Support Ltr (03.03.24).pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.

Please find our letter to Council (related to agenda item #8 on the 3/4) attached. --
Amie Ashton
Executive Director, Palo Alto Forward
650-793-1585
March3, 2024
SUBJECT: AgendaItem#8- Council Priorities, El CaminoHousingFocusArea HonorableMayor StoneandCityCouncil,
Thankyoufor prioritizingpoliciesthat will result inadditional housingunitsbeingbuilt inPaloAlto. Inparticular, expansionof theHousingFocusAreaonEl CaminoReal couldprovecriticallypowerful inmovinghousingprojectsforward. Weknowtheregulationsbeingconsideredwill leadtoeconomicallyviableprojectsinareasnear jobs, transit, schools, andlocal retail. Manyof theprojectssubmittedunder Builder’sRemedyprovisions(wearenowat2,000+units) haveheightsandfloor arearatios(FARs) that areclosetothosebeingconsideredaspart of theHousingFocusArea; thus, provingeconomicviability.

WithregardtotheHousingFocusArearegulations, weurgeyoutoalsoadopt the3-storyheight transitionzoneof 75feet (asamaximum) fromR-1neighborhoods, asoriginallyrecommendedbythePlanningDepartment. The100-foot transitionzonebeingcontemplated(theequivalent of twosingle-familylots) isincrediblyonerousgiventhegenerallylimitedwidthofmanylotsfacingEl CaminoReal. If thegoal of theEl CaminoHousingFocusAreaistobuildhousing, thenweneedtoremovebarrierstoconstructionandadopt the75-foot setback, asoriginallyrecommendedbythePlanningDepartment.

Insupport of other prioritiesbeingconsidered, housingcanbeasolutionandhelpmakethemhappen. Frommeetingour climategoalstoprioritizingparkandinfrastructureimprovementstosecuringtheeconomicfutureof our fragilelocal retail centers. Housingnear transit, jobs, andservicescanhelpusmeet our goalswithreducedvehiclemilestraveled(VMT); millionsof dollarsfor parks, roads, andutilityupgrades; andthousandsof newcustomers.

PleasemoveforwardasquicklyaspossiblewiththeHousingFocusAreaexpansion. Allowourcitytodemonstrateitscommitment tofacilitatinghousinginadvanceof the3rddraft of theHousingElement beingsubmittedtotheStateDepartment of HousingandCommunityDevelopment.

Sincerely,
AmieAshtonExecutiveDirector, andonbehalf of theBoardof PaloAltoForward

From: Kathleen Curran
To: Council, City
Subject: Allocation of Grant to AbilityPath
Date: Friday, March 1, 2024 7:02:10 PM
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Dear Honorable Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council Members,
I am writing to express wholehearted support for a grant to AbilityPath from the City of Palo Alto
to offer programs and services for people with
developmental disabilities and the Palo Alto community at large on the ground level of Mitchell Park Place, an exciting project to provide much- needed inclusive programs to our community. As we collectively strive for progress, this initiative stands out as a testament to your commitment to uplifting the lives of community members of all abilities.

The services offered by AbilityPath within Mitchell Park Place are all transformative. Here’s why they matter:

1. Exercise, Mindfulness, and Wellness Programs:
o Nurturing physical and mental well-being, these
programs empower participants to lead healthier
lives.

2. Career Development Services:
o Equipping individuals with skills, confidence, and
opportunities to thrive in the workforce.

3. Independent Living Skills Services:
o Empowering individuals with the practical skills
needed for independent living. From daily routines
to self-advocacy, these services foster autonomy
and confidence.

4. Education Initiatives:
o Lifelong learning is essential. These initiatives foster growth, curiosity, and a sense of achievement.

5. Financial Literacy Workshops:
o Empowering financial independence and responsible
decision-making.

6. Art Classes and Music Classes:
o Creative expression knows no bounds. These
classes unlock hidden talents, provide joy, and
help individuals communicate their thoughts and
feelings.

7. Computer Training:
o Digital literacy opens doors to communication,
education, and independence.

8. Services for Stroke and Brain Injury Clients:
o Compassionate care for those navigating unique
challenges.

9. Office Space for Social Services:
o A hub where individuals can access vital resources, connect with others, and receive personalized
support.

By supporting AbilityPath’s work at Mitchell Park Place, you are investing in a future where everyone has a seat at the table. Our community thrives when we embrace diversity, celebrate abilities, and create spaces that uplift everyone.

Thank you for championing this cause. Together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Palo Alto.

Sincerely,

Kathleen (Cassy) Curran
185 Union Avenue #53
Campbell, CA 95008

Kathleen (Cassy) Curran
(she/her/hers) Learn more about pronouns.

Case Manager
Cell: 650-509-2455 | Office: 650-259-0157
350 Twin Dolphin Dr., Suite 123, Redwood Shores, CA 94065 abilitypath.org

Via Services is now affiliated with AbilityPath, thriving together to provide a lifetime of opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Learn more at abilitypath.org/affiliationFAQ.

From: Nancy Parker
To: Council, City
Subject: Grant Proposal to AbilityPath
Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024 7:17:22 PM
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February 29, 2024
Dear Honorable Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council Members,

I am writing to express wholehearted support for a grant to AbilityPath from the City of Palo Alto to offer programs and services for people with developmental disabilities and the Palo Alto community at large on the ground level of Mitchell Park Place, an exciting project to provide much-needed inclusive programs to our community. As we collectively strive for progress, this initiative stands out as a testament to your commitment to uplifting the lives of community members of all abilities.

The services offered by AbilityPath within Mitchell Park Place are all transformative. Here’s why they matter:

1. Exercise, Mindfulness, and Wellness Programs:
o Nurturing physical and mental well-being, these
programs empower participants to lead healthier lives.

2. Career Development Services:
o Equipping individuals with skills, confidence, and
opportunities to thrive in the workforce.

3. Independent Living Skills Services:
o Empowering individuals with the practical skills
needed for independent living. From daily routines to
self-advocacy, these services foster autonomy and
confidence.

4. Education Initiatives:
o Lifelong learning is essential. These initiatives foster growth, curiosity, and a sense of achievement.

5. Financial Literacy Workshops:
o Empowering financial independence and responsible
decision-making.

6. Art Classes and Music Classes:
o Creative expression knows no bounds. These classes
unlock hidden talents, provide joy, and help
individuals communicate their thoughts and feelings.

7. Computer Training:
o Digital literacy opens doors to communication,
education, and independence.

8. Services for Stroke and Brain Injury Clients:
o Compassionate care for those navigating unique
challenges.

9. Office Space for Social Services:
o A hub where individuals can access vital resources, connect with others, and receive personalized support.

Thank you for championing this cause. Together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Palo Alto.

Sincerely,
Nancy Cutter Parker
Former Board President of Abilities United
From: Ellen Turbow
To: Council, City
Subject: AbilityPath
Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024 2:32:17 PM
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Dear Honorable Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council Members,
I am writing to express wholehearted support for a grant to AbilityPath from the City of Palo Alto to offer programs and services for people with developmental disabilities and the Palo Alto community at large on the ground level ofMitchell Park Place, an exciting project to provide much- needed inclusive programs to our community. As we collectively strive for progress, this initiative stands out as a testament to your commitment to uplifting the lives of community members of all abilities.