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COUNCIL MEMBERS
Rick Bonilla, Mayor
Diane Papan, Deputy Mayor
Amourence Lee
Joe Goethals
Eric Rodriguez
CITY OF SAN MATEO
Special Meeting Minutes
City Council
City Hall
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org
May 23, 2022
In Person and Remote 5:30 PM
Special Meeting
CALL TO ORDER
Roll Call: Mayor Bonilla, Deputy Mayor Papan, Council Members: Lee, Goethals and Rodriguez
PUBLIC HEARING
1. Draft 2023-2031 Housing Element Public Hearing
Zachary Dahl, Deputy Director, provided a presentation to Council which included an explanation of the methodology for estimating development potential for the sites inventory, which is expected to evolve and change. He provided an overview of the quantified objectives, and the public outreach and engagement process, and further explained how public participation helped influence the development of the Draft Housing Element.
He noted Diana Elrod, Housing Consultant, was participating remotely and would be available to answer questions as needed.
Manira Sandhir, Planning Manager, explained additional required components and goals, policies, and actions; she summarized public comments received to date, shared the Planning Commission perspective and reviewed the timeline for the process.
Council asked questions of staff including additional information on the sites inventory methodology, inquired about the consultant’s experience and thanked staff for their efforts on preparing the Draft Housing Element.
Public Comments – Tom Taber supported building more housing and fewer office buildings; Michael from Local 217 Foster City stated encouraged labor standards and well-paying jobs are needed; Ken Abreu from local chapter of the Sierra Club restated elements from submitted letter; Karen Herrel stated concern that there seems to be a desire for the Housing Element to fail and why there is still a push for R1 districts; Lisa Diaz Nash supported the proposed Housing Element; Jennifer Martinez read remarks from Carol Steinfeld noted the history of racial segregation through housing; Noelle Langmack concern that there is no rezoning required to achieve housing numbers; Michael Weinhauer stated trickle down housing does not work; Sean stated concern for green space and parks in the planning; Karyl Eldridge commented on historical racial issues; Jordan Grimes noted deficiencies with lack of rezoning in the element; Justin Alley, One San Mateo, noted the City is not following the law; and Jeremy Levine, Housing Leadership Council, noted two letters provided to the City with their recommendations.
Councilmembers complimented staff on the presentation and follow-up responses to questions, and provided individual comments, which included concerns with Commissioner use of their title when providing individual comments, review of the demographic trends narrative to ensure that historical segregation and displacement were appropriately reflected, the need for more affordable home ownership opportunities, the importance of planning for the housing needs of our ‘silver tsunami’ population and homeless population, the importance of keeping the Housing Element adoption on schedule to maintain funding opportunities and that staff should explore the feasibility of the City achieving a Pro Housing designation from the State.
Staff revisited various comments that were heard to confirm Council consensus on the topics raised, including evaluating minimum residential requirements in mixed-use zoning districts, prioritizing senior housing, evaluating DocuSign Envelope ID: F46F9E8B-450F-44E4-BCC7-0BE6A5CBFB04 7 0
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parking standards for sites near transit, and exploring ways to support non-profits and faith-based organizations that want to produce affordable housing.
ADJOURNMENT – The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
APPROVED BY: SUBMITTED BY:
Rick Bonilla, Mayor Joan P. Diskin, Deputy City Clerk DocuSign Envelope ID: F46F9E8B-450F-44E4-BCC7-0BE6A5CBFB04