From: christie Posnak
To: Council, City; Switzer, Steven
Subject: Re: 25PLN-00130 - 332 Forest Avenue (“Forest Commons”) Date: Monday, August 11, 2025 12:00:23 PM
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Letter Opposing the rezoning of 332 Forest Avenue, Palo Alto Dear Members of the Palo Alto City Council and Mr Switzer, I am writing to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed building project at 332 Forest Avenue. This development would significantly impact the quality of life of every resident of our neighborhood, and on a personal note the health of my elderly mother, who has Parkinson’s disease and lives at home under 24-hour care.
Our condo is directly across the fence from where the proposed eight-story “Forest Commons” would be built. My mother carefully planned her retirement to ensure she could enjoy her later years in the comfort of her home and the proposed construction threatens her cognitive health and overall well-being.
I am not sure if the Council is aware that approval of this project would mean cutting down deeply rooted Redwoods protected by the Tree Ordinance Protection. If this plan is approved not only would you be setting a precedent for overriding long-standing zoning protections, but would remove protection of our Redwoods which provide environmental benefit and are a source of community pride.
Development must not come at the expense of the residents who are the foundation of this community. I urge you to reject this proposal and uphold protections that preserve the character, safety, and well-being of our neighborhood. Our community’s fragile peace and the health of its most vulnerable residents should remain a priority over short-term monetary gains for builders.
Thank you for your careful and compassionate consideration. I trust you will make the decision that best safeguards the spirit and health of our neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Christie Posnak
707 Bryant St., Apt #303
[email protected]
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From: Clerk, City
To: Council, City
Subject: 332 Forest Ave Public Comment
Date: Monday, August 11, 2025 11:59:30 AM
Attachments: 332 Forest Ave 1.pdf
332 Forest Ave 2.pdf
332 Forest Ave 3.pdf
332 Forest Ave 4.pdf
Hello City Councilmembers,
Please find the attached public comment letters.
Thank you,
City Clerk’s Office
1 Bissell, Nicole
From: Humphrey Yang <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 8, 2025 5:09 PM
To: Switzer, Steven
Subject: 332 Forest Avenue - Support Letter
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Steven,
I wanted to write a letter to voice my support of the development project at 332 Forest Avenue. As a recent downtown Palo Alto resident, I was able to spend the majority of my day within walking distance of everything I needed, including the Hasset Hardware, the Post Office, Stanford Campus, and plenty of restaurants.
This project is a win for sustainable urban living. The building’s scale makes sense in its location, since it is so close to everything Palo Alto has to offer in its downtown and near other bigger buildings. I urge you to approve this development to enhance Palo Alto’s walkable, pedestrian-focused future.
thank you,
Humphrey
1 Bissell, Nicole
From: CARTER WILLIAMS <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, August 9, 2025 11:08 AM
To: Switzer, Steven
Subject: Item #2: 332 Forest Avenue project
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Dear Palo Alto City Council,
I'm a current resident of downtown Palo Alto and I’m writing in strong support of the proposed housing project at 332 Forest Avenue.
I love being part of the downtown — everything's here and walkable (so nice!) — but actually finding a place to live downtown was incredibly difficult. There just isn’t enough downtown housing.
I walk by 332 Forest often and have looked at the building illustration on the sign many times.
It looks like it belongs and fits in well with the neighborhood.
Thank you and I hope you’ll support this project.
Sincerely,
Carter Williams
1 Bissell, Nicole
From: Karen White <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, August 9, 2025 4:09 PM
To: Council, City
Subject: Support for 332 Forest Ave. Development
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Hon. Members of the Palo Alto City Council:
My husband and I are writing to you in support of the proposed development at 332 Forest Ave. This support comes with a strong caveat that the number of non-resident parking permits in zone 5 be reduced by at least 50%.
First, the proposed structure would blend in well with the tall rental buildings that are very close to the proposed development. We agree that we need more housinging in University South and appreciate the number of parking spaces that the developers have provided.
However, to pay the very high rent in University South (we have been homeowners for 30+ years), you usually need two jobs and two cars. The construction of these apartments and the new residents will require dozens of additional parking spaces in the University South area.
Our home is within a few hundred yards of the development, and we have two cars and only one parking space, so one must park on the street. It is usually hard to find a space, as the restaurant patrons and the nonresident/employee permit holders park it all up.
So, please approve this building, but recommend that the authorities reduce the number of non-resident parking permits in zone 5. There are lots of spaces a few more blocks away that are often unused. We believe that property owners should have a better chance of finding a parking space in their own block.
Respectfully,
Karen White and Patrick Butler
700 Block of Ramona Street, University South
1 Bissell, Nicole
From: BPA membership <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, August 10, 2025 11:10 PM
To: Switzer, Steven
Subject: 332 Forest
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Dear Steven Switzer,
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed development at 332 Forest Ave.
The City Packet for 332 Forest goes into detail how the proposed plan needs exemptions for many codes. These exemptions are detrimental to the adjacent structures (ex. 707 Bryant - incorrectly labeled 707 Forest in the City Packet).
There is no need to have the exemptions on such a large property. The owner/builder has space to work within the expected guidelines.
Two parking entrances ( 707 Bryant & proposed 332 Forest) located close together and near the Bryant corner are a danger for bikes, pedestrians & cars.
Since Giovannotto owns Casa Real & 332 Forest, there are many ways to make this project compatible with neighboring structures.The project can be altered to limit adverse impact on the small density neighbors & limit new safety issues.
Possible changes:
1. Lower level areas ( Lobby, community room, lounge, townhome units) can be placed on the side of 707 Byrant. This has less adverse impact on 707 Byrant neighbors.
2. Locate driveway/parking entrance adjacent to the Casa Real Driveway ( not adjacent to 707 Bryant). This is safer for the Bryant Ave Bike Blvd. Also this has less adverse impact on 707 Bryant.
2 3. Locate areas of open space to be adjacent to 707 Bryant. Casa Real/ 332 Forest ( note pool removed from Casa Real) have many areas of proposed open space.
Lisa Landers
707 Bryant
From: Judith Swope
To: Council, City; Switzer, Steven
Subject: 332 Forest Avenue
Date: Monday, August 11, 2025 9:39:14 AM
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I am very concerned about proposed construction of an apartment building at 332 Forest Avenue. I live in a three story condo next door to the proposed building. I met the developer (from New York) a few years ago when he was trying to cut down the three large Redwood Trees that border our properties. He could care less about the concerns of the residents of our beautiful city. Money was his only motivation.
We got the city involved and they denied his request.
The zoning standards should not be exempt on this project. Other projects in our downtown neighborhood have obeyed the zoning standards. This is not NewYork City. The owners of our condos will be subjected to two plus years of noise, dirt, and construction plus the loss of sunlight, views, and privacy.
I will be at the meeting tonight with many of the condo owners.
Thank you,
Judith Swope
707 Bryant Street, Unit 207
Sent from my iPad
From: Clerk, City
To: Council, City
Subject: FW: Yes to 332 Forest Avenue
Date: Monday, August 11, 2025 8:00:10 AM
Good morning City Council,
Please see the below public comment letter.
Thank you,
City Clerk’s Office
From: Melanie Bentley <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 8, 2025 4:01 PM
To: Switzer, Steven <[email protected]>
Subject: Yes to 332 Forest Avenue
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Dear Project Planner,The pressing need to support Palo Alto’s essential workers, particularly in healthcare, drives my enthusiastic endorsement of the proposed housing development at 332 Forest Avenue. As a nurse at Stanford Hospital, I work grueling shifts—often exceeding 80 hou i
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CGBANNERINDICATOR
Dear Project Planner,
The pressing need to support Palo Alto’s essential workers, particularly in healthcare, drives my enthusiastic endorsement of the proposed housing development at 332 Forest Avenue. As a nurse at Stanford Hospital, I work grueling shifts—often exceeding 80 hours a week—with residents, fellows, and doctors-in-training alongside me, sometimes managing only 12 hours off between marathon schedules. Living in Redwood City, I rarely have the energy or time to enjoy Palo Alto’s vibrant downtown, like grabbing a meal at Reposado or catching a yoga class at Yoga Source, both of which are just blocks from the 332 Forest Avenue site. I noticed the development sign while parking to visit a friend, and it sparked hope that housing in this prime downtown location could be possible.
This project could allow so many people, including healthcare workers like myself and coworkers, to live closer to Stanford, reducing punishing commutes and enabling us to enjoy Palo Alto more frequently. I urge you to advance this initiative swiftly to address our critical housing shortage.
Sincerely,
Melanie Bentley
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From: Clerk, City
To: Council, City
Subject: FW: Support for 332 Forest Avenue Development
Date: Monday, August 11, 2025 7:54:34 AM
Good morning City Council,
Please see the below public comment.
Thank you,
City Clerk’s Office
From: Brad Ehikian <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, August 7, 2025 3:29 PM
To: Switzer, Steven <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for 332 Forest Avenue Development
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Hi Steven,I wanted to write an email to express my support for the 332 Forest Avenue Development. Palo Alto is a great place to work and live, and DOWNTOWN sites like 332 Forest Avenue, which have the scale to create meaningful housing units, are incredibly rare. As a city which i
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CGBANNERINDICATOR
Hi Steven,
I wanted to write an email to express my support for the 332 Forest Avenue Development.
Palo Alto is a great place to work and live, and DOWNTOWN sites like 332 Forest Avenue, which have the scale to create meaningful housing units, are incredibly rare. As a city which prides itself on being both pedestrian and bike friendly, 332 Forest Ave delivers. This project will be a great addition to Palo Alto. I hope you can recommend positive feedback for 332 Forest Ave.
Thank you,
--
BRAD EHIKIAN Partner
dre license #01736391
539 ALMA ST PALO ALTO, CA 94301
DIRECT: 650 / 618-3001
MAIN: 650 / 618-3000
FAX: 650 / 618-3009
www.premierpaloalto.com
Nothing in this message (or any attachments thereto) should be interpreted as an offer to enter into a lease, contact, or other legally binding agreement nor shall this email (or any attachments thereto) constitute a digital or electronic signature that can be used to execute, accept or authenticate a document, contract, or offer.
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From: Clerk, City
To: Council, City
Subject: FW: Strong support- From a long term resident of Palo Alto Date: Monday, August 11, 2025 7:53:40 AM
Good morning City Council,
Please see the below public comment.
Best,
City Clerk’s Office
From: Patrick Foy <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 8, 2025 11:44 AM
To: Switzer, Steven <[email protected]>
Subject: Strong support- From a long term resident of Palo Alto
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Dear Mayor and City Council of Palo Alto,I encourage you to advance the project proposed at 332 Forest Avenue because we critically need it. I grew up in Palo Alto and I still live here, but I’m the exception – most of my classmates from Palo Alto now live in other cities. They t i
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CGBANNERINDICATOR
Dear Mayor and City Council of Palo Alto,
I encourage you to advance the project proposed at 332 Forest Avenue because we critically need it. I grew up in Palo Alto and I still live here, but I’m the exception – most of my classmates from Palo Alto now live in other cities. They tell me that lack of housing is almost always the reason, because they would prefer to live here.
We keep losing the special Palo Alto culture when the people that grew up here are not able to raise their own family here. It’s really important that this project keeps moving forward and gets built.
Thank you,
Patrick Foy
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From: BPA membership
To: Council, City
Subject: 332 Forest Concerns
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025 10:47:23 PM
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Dear Mayor Lauing and Council Members:
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed development at 332 Forest Ave.
The City Packet for 332 Forest goes into detail how the proposed plan needs exemptions for many codes. These exemptions are detrimental to the adjacent structures (ex. 707 Bryant - incorrectly labeled 707 Forest in the City Packet).
There is no need to have the exemptions on such a large property. The owner/builder has space to work within the expected guidelines.
Two parking entrances ( 707 Bryant & proposed 332 Forest) located close together and near the Bryant corner are a danger for bikes, pedestrians & cars.
Since Giovannotto owns Casa Real & 332 Forest, there are many ways to make this project compatible with neighboring structures.The project can be altered to limit adverse impact on the small density neighbors & limit new safety issues.
Possible changes:
1. Lower level areas ( Lobby, community room, lounge, townhome units) can be placed on the side of 707 Byrant. This has less adverse impact on 707 Byrant neighbors.
2. Locate driveway/parking entrance adjacent to the Casa Real Driveway ( not adjacent to 707 Bryant). This is safer for the Bryant Ave Bike Blvd. Also this has less adverse impact on 707 Bryant.
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3. Locate areas of open space to be adjacent to 707 Bryant. Casa Real/ 332 Forest ( note pool removed from Casa Real) have many areas of proposed open space.
Lisa Landers
707 Bryant
From: [email protected]
To: Council, City; Switzer, Steven
Subject: Proposal for 332 Forest Avenue
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025 7:13:26 PM
Dear Palo Alto City Council and Planning Department,
I am writing to you regarding the proposal the City of Palo Alto is considering to rezone the property at 332 Forest Avenue. I own a unit in the three-story adjacent condominium building(707 Bryant Street).
The proposed plan would allow the construction of an 8-story, 82-unit apartment complex.
I am very concerned that this project would dramatically change the character of our residential neighborhood, block views from our building and others, and create significant impacts in terms of traffic, noise, privacy, and parking congestion.
We want to ask that you do not allow a building that is taller than other apartment buildings already on our block, such as the one at 360 Forest, the neighboring property.
Sincerely,
Cherry LeBrun and Forrest Warthman
707 Bryant Street, Unit 202
Palo Alto, CA 94301
From: Robin Farmanfarmaian
To: Council, City
Subject: Proposed building at 332 Forest Ave, Palo Alto Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025 5:32:30 PM
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Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am a resident of 360 Forest Ave, directly adjacent to the proposed development at 332 Forest Ave. I strongly oppose this project due to the severe and lasting impact it will have on my health, my quality of life, and the livability of our neighborhood.
The proposed height and density are far outside the scale and character of this area. An 8-story structure will:
1) Block sunlight entirely on one side of our building, depriving many apartments of natural light and contributing to poorer physical and mental health for residents. 2) Eliminate long-standing views, replacing open space with a wall of concrete and glass. 3) Set a dangerous precedent for allowing oversized developments in established residential neighborhoods.
4) As someone who works from home full-time, I am deeply concerned about the multi-year construction process. The constant, high-decibel noise will make working from home nearly impossible. I don't have the choice to go to an office, because the company I work for doesn't have a physical office. I don't know what I would do if I can't work from home anymore.
5) Many residents here, including myself, are partially disabled or live with severe chronic illnesses. For us, prolonged exposure to loud noise, vibration, and dust is not just an inconvenience, it is a serious health risk. My healthcare providers have cautioned me that this type of long term construction could cause me to have multiple hospitalizations. I can have my healthcare professionals write letters if that is helpful. 6) Our building is over 50 years old, with original windows that offer no sound insulation and have large gaps that allow air (and dust) to pass through even when closed. Demolition and construction will release toxins into the air, which will easily infiltrate our homes.
For those of us with respiratory and autoimmune conditions, this could trigger hospitalizations.
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7) Parking is already challenging in this area. During construction, the influx of large vehicles will make parking for residents and visitors, including my nurses and other vital medical care providers, extremely difficult, potentially delaying time-sensitive medical treatments. To be clear, my life could be at risk.
8) Beyond the construction period, adding 82 new units in this location will overwhelm parking and increase traffic congestion on narrow neighborhood streets. This level of density will fundamentally change the character and safety of our community. 9) For those of us tenants with disabilities, cancer, and chronic diseases like myself, moving would be an extreme hardship. Staying would also be an extreme hardship.
I urge you to reject this project to preserve the livability, safety, and health of the residents who already call this neighborhood home.
Please help us keep the area habitable, healthy, and in harmony with the existing community Thank you for considering everyone who lives and works in the area, Robin Farmanfarmaian
15-year resident of (since 2010):
360 Forest Ave, Apt 506
Palo Alto, CA 94301
415-994-2138
From: [email protected]
To: Council, City
Subject: 332 Forest
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025 12:35:43 PM
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!
Dear Mayor Lauing and council members,
I just got a letter from our board president alerting residents but also saying this project would dramatically change the character of the neighborhood.
This not my perspective living in one of 3 large adjacent buildings but also I go on alert whenever I hear character of the neighborhood.
I wrote back to owners and residents explaining where DTN fits into the city's housing goals and other background omitted in the first letter.
But I imagine you may hear more of this from residents who themselves enjoy the convenience and accessibility of living near DTN.
I again hope you give positive feedback to the owner as we thi kind of housing and location meet so many city goals and, as yet there are few if any large proposals for the DTN area.
Stephen Levy
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From: Brigham Wilson
To: Council, City
Subject: Support for rezoning 332 Forest Ave
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025 8:26:30 AM
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I am writing in support of rezoning 332 Forest avenue into PHZ in order to allow for the construction of 82 units. Our city needs new housing. A larger building matches the size and density of the properties next door and across the street. This is the type of development that is perfect for downtown to help there continue to be residents that keep the neighborhood lively and retail having customers who can walk to their stores. We need more developments like this!
Brigham Wilson
9yr resident of Palo Alto
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From: Karen White
To: Council, City
Subject: Support for 332 Forest Ave. Development
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025 4:09:12 PM
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Hon. Members of the Palo Alto City Council:
My husband and I are writing to you in support of the proposed development at 332 Forest Ave. This support comes with a strong caveat that the number of non-resident parking permits in zone 5 be reduced by at least 50%.
First, the proposed structure would blend in well with the tall rental buildings that are very close to the proposed development. We agree that we need more housinging in University South and appreciate the number of parking spaces that the developers have provided.
However, to pay the very high rent in University South (we have been homeowners for 30+ years), you usually need two jobs and two cars. The construction of these apartments and the new residents will require dozens of additional parking spaces in the University South area.
Our home is within a few hundred yards of the development, and we have two cars and only one parking space, so one must park on the street. It is usually hard to find a space, as the restaurant patrons and the nonresident/employee permit holders park it all up.
So, please approve this building, but recommend that the authorities reduce the number of non-resident parking permits in zone 5. There are lots of spaces a few more blocks away that are often unused. We believe that property owners should have a better chance of finding a parking space in their own block.
Respectfully,
Karen White and Patrick Butler
700 Block of Ramona Street, University South
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From: Fred Kohler
To: Council, City
Cc: pdsdirector
Subject: 332 Forest Prescreening
Date: Friday, August 8, 2025 3:29:23 PM
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To Palo Alto City Council:
Several corrections to the Planning Department Analysis for the prescreening of the 332 Forest project which are important for the review at the 8/11/25 City Council meeting. 1) The project covers both the 332 and 350 Forest lots, not just 332 as marked on the map. 2)
Therefore, the proposed project adjoins the Weatherly condo building (315 Homer) as well as the 707 Bryant condo building (misidentified in the report as 707 Forest. 3)
Daylight plane and setback analysis must be performed for 315 Homer as well as 707 Bryant.
In addition, we saw that the proposed project specifications were compared to the current zoning for the site. There is a paragraph on the State Bonus Density
Law Alternative which
indicates that the proposed project far exceeds the number of units required by the law.
However, there is no further analysis of what would comply with the state law. Given the support for housing projects in the downtown area, this could well be a critical point in the analysis of this project.
Regards,
Fred Kohler
Kuo-Jung Chang
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From: Richard Mager
To: Council, City; Switzer, Steven
Subject: Rezoning Proposal for 332 Forest Avenue: City Meeting Aug 11 Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025 1:29:39 PM
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Dear Planning Department,
I am writing to you as the City of Palo Alto is considering a proposal to rezone the property at 332 Forest Avenue. I live in the three-story adjacent property (707 Bryant Street).
It looks like the plan would be to allow the construction of an 8-story, 82-unit apartment complex. No other apartment building in our neighborhood comes close to the scale and size of this building and
I fear that this project would drastically change the character of this quiet neighborhood, block views, and create significant impacts in terms of traffic, noise, privacy, and parking congestion.
Someone said that parking would be above ground on the first few floors. The noise created by this would be very disturbing to the residents on that side of our building.
Please try to keep any project reasonable in scale and have the parking underground.
Sincerely,
Richard and Shari Mager
Apartment 302
Palo Alto, CA 94301
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From: Ardan Michael Blum
To: [email protected]; Veenker, Vicki; Burt, Patrick; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Lu, George; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Council, City
Cc: Ah Yun, Mahealani
Subject: All too often, ambitious project visions eclipse essential details that can lead to unintended, lasting impacts.
Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025 11:30:54 AM
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Dear Members of the Palo Alto City Council,
I am writing as a concerned resident of Palo Alto to advocate for a more thorough and comprehensive review process for building and development proposals. My comments focus on the proposed eight-story housing project at 332 Forest Avenue, part of the South of Forest Area (SOFA) Coordinated Area Plan (CAP) Phase 2.
While I commend the city's commitment to addressing our housing shortage, I urge greater scrutiny of project details to ensure they align with the community's long-term well-being.
All too often, ambitious project visions eclipse essential details that can lead to unintended, lasting impacts. In the case of 332 Forest Avenue—located near the library and City Hall—this development would adjoin the existing tall Casa building but disrupt a neighborhood that has maintained a charming blend of smaller structures, with only occasional taller ones, for many decades.
Introducing another large-scale "monster building" would irrevocably alter the area's character and, for residents at nearby addresses like 345 Forest, permanently obstruct southward views.
Moreover, the demolition and construction phases of such projects impose significant burdens on surrounding residents, a factor that warrants more attention in approvals.
These activities generate excessive noise, dust, and traffic disruptions, which can be intolerable for those in adjacent rental units—often leading to involuntary displacement among financially vulnerable households.
To mitigate health risks, I strongly recommend mandating a comprehensive pre-demolition inspection for hazardous materials, including asbestos and lead, in the building's basement and foundation.
Though I have no specific knowledge of contaminants at this site, proactive testing is crucial given its proximity to hundreds of residents.
Looking ahead, Palo Alto must prioritize sustainable community development beyond mere housing expansion. This includes fostering public dialogue on rent control to stabilize housing for many residents. I suggest incorporating a clause in this project—and all future ones—stipulating that, should rent control legislation be enacted, properties built beforehand would retroactively comply with its provisions.
Additionally, I request greater transparency from the applicant regarding project specifics. For example, the plans reference studios and an on-site gym; the Planning Department should require explicit clarification on whether this amenity will result in higher rents for those units.
I do not oppose progress, but I believe it must be equitable, thoughtful, and inclusive. I respectfully ask the City Council and Planning Department to adopt a more rigorous evaluation framework that balances broad goals with granular details affecting residents' daily lives.
Thank you for your attention to this vital issue.
Sincerely,
Ardan Michael Blum
From: Clerk, City
To: Council, City
Subject: FW: Letter Regarding 332 Forest Avenue Proposal (25PLN‑00130) Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025 8:36:14 AM
Attachments: Opposition Letter to 332 Forest Avenue Rezoning.pdf Good morning City Council,
Please see the attached public comment.
Thank you,
City Clerk’s Office
From: Doron Noyman <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 6:27 PM
To: Switzer, Steven <[email protected]>
Cc: Donna Noyman <[email protected]>
Subject: Letter Regarding 332 Forest Avenue Proposal (25PLN‑00130) CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mr. Switzer, Attached is my letter regarding the proposed development at 332 Forest Avenue. I will not be able to attend the meeting on Monday, August 11, but I would like to ensure that my comments are taken into consideration as part of the public record.Thank you for your
CGBANNERINDICATOR
Dear Mr. Switzer,
Attached is my letter regarding the proposed development at 332 Forest Avenue. I will not be able to attend the meeting on Monday, August 11, but I would like to ensure that my comments are taken into consideration as part of the public record.
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
Doron Noyman
Doron and Donna Noyman
707 Bryant St #305
Palo Alto, CA 94301
From: Clerk, City
To: Council, City
Subject: FW: Topic: 332 Forest Avenue
Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025 8:34:15 AM
Good morning City Council,
Please see the below public comment.
Thank you,
City Clerk’s Office
-----Original Message-----
From: Ardan Michael Blum <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 6:27 PM
To: Switzer, Steven <[email protected]>
Subject: Topic: 332 Forest Avenue
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Honorable City Council Members, Members of the Planning Department, and To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing as a concerned resident of Palo Alto to advocate for a more thorough and comprehensive review process for building and development proposals. My comments focus on the proposed eight-story housing project at 332 Forest Avenue, part of the South of Forest Area (SOFA) Coordinated Area Plan (CAP) Phase 2.
While I commend the city's commitment to addressing our housing shortage, I urge greater scrutiny of project details to ensure they align with the community's long-term well-being.
All too often, ambitious project visions eclipse essential details that can lead to unintended, lasting impacts. In the case of 332 Forest Avenue—located near the library and City Hall—this development would adjoin the existing tall Casa building but disrupt a neighborhood that has maintained a charming blend of smaller structures, with only occasional taller ones, for many decades.
Introducing another large-scale "monster building" would irrevocably alter the area's character and, for residents at nearby addresses like
345 Forest, permanently obstruct southward views.
Moreover, the demolition and construction phases of such projects impose significant burdens on surrounding residents, a factor that warrants more attention in approvals.
These activities generate excessive noise, dust, and traffic disruptions, which can be intolerable for those in adjacent rental units—often leading to involuntary displacement among financially vulnerable households.
To mitigate health risks, I strongly recommend mandating a comprehensive pre-demolition inspection for hazardous materials, including asbestos and lead, in the building's basement and foundation. Though I have no specific knowledge of contaminants at this site, proactive testing is crucial given its proximity to hundreds of residents.
Looking ahead, Palo Alto must prioritize sustainable community development beyond mere housing expansion. This includes fostering public dialogue on rent control to stabilize housing for many residents. I suggest incorporating a clause in this project—and all future ones—stipulating that, should rent control legislation be enacted, properties built beforehand would retroactively comply with its provisions.
Additionally, I request greater transparency from the applicant regarding project specifics. For example, the plans reference studios and an on-site gym; the Planning Department should require explicit clarification on whether this amenity will result in higher rents for those units.
I do not oppose progress, but I believe it must be equitable, thoughtful, and inclusive. I respectfully ask the City Council and Planning Department to adopt a more rigorous evaluation framework that balances broad goals with granular details affecting residents' daily lives.
Thank you for your attention to this vital issue.
Sincerely,
Ardan Michael Blum
From: Doron Noyman
To: Council, City
Cc: Donna Noyman
Subject: Letter Regarding 332 Forest Avenue Proposal (25PLN‑00130) Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 6:33:32 PM
Attachments: Opposition Letter to 332 Forest Avenue Rezoning.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.
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Dear Council Members,
Attached is my letter regarding the proposed development at 332 Forest Avenue. I will not be able to attend the meeting on Monday, August 11, but I would like to ensure that my comments are taken into consideration as part of the public record.
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
Doron Noyman
Doron and Donna Noyman
707 Bryant St #305
Palo Alto, CA 94301
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