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Letters from the Public

San Jose City Council
November 19, 2024

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Letters from the Public
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November 19, 2024
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San Jose City Council
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FW: 10.1 A&B please redact personal info
From City Clerk <[email protected]>
Date Tue 11/19/2024 8:02 AM
To Agendadesk <[email protected]>
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10.1 Land Use.pdf;

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10.1 Land Use
A) liquor sales as collectibles near a social services center like zeypher and BHB Is a concern due to requirements of a signage that may attract youth and other at risk individuals.

After engaging with Spanish speaking underrepresented businesses in the area using a survey in Spanish. I believe there is a need to include all communities especially those with language barriers to be informed about projects in their communities especially since revenues are generated through taxes
B) emergency shelters do not solve the issue. It’s a temporary fix that causes more problems. Safety and security concerns and increased traffic of cars being driven without catalytic converters adds more noise and adds to trauma especially victims of abuse or other PTSD. These types of shelters and “Navigation centers” without substance use treatments.

Confusing language in the zoning laws and requirements prevent or cause barriers to applications of projects.

The rejection of the bernal site was a mistake. If a thoughtful planning process was carried out, a more collaborative approach, and more community engagement.

Unintended consequences could have been avoided.

Care court and involuntary and potentially misdiagnosed mental health disorders will impose more costs and strain on the courts.

The incoming administration might affect the projects that have been exempted from cequa.

I propose this item be deferred until assessments can be made

1 security guard per 6 individuals is costly but neccassary. At least 1 to 10 with proper and trauma informed training such as per support programs.

There are some other concerns with youth and families should be adressed.

And the migration of people who will be coming from other areas to seek refuge or “Free housing”
Increases in climate related and also natural disasters.

After collecting survey data there are a number of students and young adults willing to dedicate time into helping homeless individuals. Which of coordinated in a way that’s meaningful, this could create new innovative and effective solutions.

Omar Torres last council actions have left this city undersrepresented and this has caused division and the need for all stakeholders to share data and asses the effectiveness of services and long tern impacts of local entities.

This causes strain on medical workers and lowers quality care of services Adds to pedestrian related events and public safety and will not catch up with the 2040 plan or Vision 0.

We can avoid declaring a state of emergency if we work hard and include the public B) 0.1 Land Use
A) Liquor Sales Near Social Services Centers
The establishment of liquor sales as collectible items near social service centers like Zephyr and BHB raises concerns due to signage that may inadvertently attract youth and at-risk individuals. This can lead to unintended negative consequences for vulnerable populations in the area.

Proposed Action:
• Prioritize multilingual community outreach, particularly engaging Spanish-speaking underrepresented businesses and residents.
• Conduct inclusive surveys and workshops in multiple languages to inform all community members about proposed projects and collect feedback, especially as these projects contribute to tax revenue.

B) Emergency Shelters and Navigation Centers
While emergency shelters provide temporary relief, they often lead to new challenges, such as:
• Safety and security risks.
• Increased traffic, including vehicles operating without catalytic converters, exacerbating noise pollution and trauma for victims of abuse or individuals with PTSD. • Lack of integrated substance use treatments, making them less effective.

Zoning Law Issues:
• Confusing language in zoning laws creates barriers to project approvals and applications.
• The rejection of the Bernal site exemplifies how poor planning and lack of community engagement lead to missed opportunities and unintended consequences.

Recommendations:
• Defer decisions on projects until proper assessments and community feedback are conducted.
• Establish clear zoning language to avoid barriers and foster collaboration among stakeholders.
• Ensure shelters include trauma-informed care and substance use treatment programs.

Security Measures:
• Implement security protocols with at least one trained guard per 10 individuals.

Guards should have trauma-informed training, including peer support approaches, to ensure safety and support for shelter residents.

Broader Concerns

1. Youth and Family Impacts:

Projects must consider the safety and well-being of youth and families, addressing concerns about the migration of individuals seeking housing or services and ensuring the neighborhood environment remains safe.

2. Climate and Natural Disasters:

With increasing climate-related challenges, plans should account for the potential displacement and migration caused by natural disasters.

3. Community Involvement:

Survey data suggests a significant number of students and young adults are willing to dedicate time to addressing homelessness. Coordinating these efforts could yield innovative solutions and empower the community.

4. Impact on Medical Services and Public Safety:
• Strain on medical workers reduces the quality of care. • Increased pedestrian-related incidents jeopardize public safety. • These trends may hinder progress toward long-term goals like the 2040 Plan and Vision Zero initiatives.

Policy and Administrative Considerations
• Care Court Concerns:

Care courts for individuals with potentially misdiagnosed mental health disorders could impose significant costs and strain the judicial system. • CEQA Exemptions:

Projects exempt from CEQA under the incoming administration may face changes, requiring further assessment.
• Collaboration Needs:

Previous council actions, such as those under Omar Torres, have left parts of the city underrepresented. Increased collaboration among stakeholders is essential to share data, evaluate service effectiveness, and avoid divisive outcomes.

Conclusion and Call to Action
Deliberate, inclusive, and community-centered planning is vital to avoiding a state of emergency. By involving all stakeholders and leveraging local resources like student volunteers, we can develop meaningful and sustainable solutions to address homelessness, improve land use policies, and ensure public safety. Delaying action to conduct proper assessments and foster collaboration is a necessary step toward long-term success.

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