May 8, 2025
Dear Chair Faria and South San Francisco Planning Commissioners, On behalf of the San Mateo County Central Labor Council, I am writing to express our support for the proposed updated Master Plan in South San Francisco.
As the San Mateo County organization of 103 affiliated unions representing over 95,000 hardworking members and their families, the San Mateo County Central Labor Council is committed to advancing policies that promote economic development, protect good union jobs, and support the long-term vitality of our communities. The update aligns with these goals by enabling strategic growth and reinvestment in South San Francisco’s life sciences sector, one of our region's most critical economic engines.
We recognize that the proposed update involves the privatization of DNA Way — a public street that has long served as a thoroughfare in the east of 101 area. While we do not take any move to privatize public assets lightly, we also acknowledge this plan's unique context and importance. With careful consideration, we believe the rezoning can be accomplished to ensure continued access, public safety, and transparency while allowing for responsible and innovative development that will create high-quality union construction jobs, expand career opportunities, and increase the city’s long-term tax base.
We urge the Planning Commission to proceed with the rezoning application while continuing to work closely with stakeholders to address community concerns, maintain public benefits, and ensure that South San Francisco remains a city where both businesses and working families can thrive.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration of this critical matter.
Sincerely,
Julie Lind
Executive Secretary-Treasurer
San Mateo County Central Labor Council
Opeiu 29 AFL-CIO 174
The Building &
Construction
Trades Council
of San Mateo
County
1710 S. Amphlett Blvd.,
Suite 306 San Mateo CA,
94402
Affiliates
ㅡ
Heat & Frost Insulators No.
16 Boilermakers Local 549
Brick Tile & Allied
Craftworkers 3
DC16 Painters & Allied
Trades Local 913, 12, 718
IBEW Local 617
Elevator Constructors No. 8
Ironworkers Local 377
LiUNA Local 261, Local 67
Operating Engineers No. 3
Plasterers & Cement
Masons 300
UA Plumbers & Pipefitters
467
Roofers No. 40
SMART 104
Sign & Display 510
UA Sprinkler Fitters 483
Teamsters No. 853
UA Local 355
12 MAY 2025
Chair Sarah Funes-Osturk
Library, Parks & Recreation Bldg., Council Chambers
901 Civic Campus Way
South San Francisco, CA
RE: GENENTECH UPDATED MASTER PLAN
Dear Chair Funes-Ozturk & South San Francisco Planning Commissioners, On behalf of the San Mateo County Building and Construction Trades Council, I am writing to express our support for the proposed rezoning of DNA Way.
As the representative body for ten thousand skilled union construction workers across San Mateo County, our mission is to advocate for responsible development that brings high-road jobs, strengthens local economies, and builds a better future through the career pathways of apprenticeship for workers and their families. The proposed updated Master Plan presents such an opportunity — one that will allow for thoughtful growth and continued investment in South San Francisco’s thriving life sciences corridor.
We understand that this update involves the sensitive issue of privatizing a public roadway. While we believe public assets must be handled with great care, we also recognize that in this case, the potential benefits — including enhanced infrastructure, improved site planning, and the creation of quality union construction jobs — merit serious consideration. With strong oversight and a clear commitment to public access, safety, and transparency, we are confident that the city can strike the right balance.
Our members stand ready to build the next generation of facilities that will drive innovation and opportunity in South San Francisco while ensuring that those projects are built to the highest standards by a skilled and trained, local union workforce.
We respectfully urge the Planning Commission to approve the updated Master Plan and to do so with a continued focus on equity, partnership, and long-term community benefit.
Sincerely,
Bart M. Pantoja
Business Manager | Financial Secretary-Treasurer
P: 650.358.9977
[email protected]