At the July 24th City Council of Redwood City meeting, the Council will include a Public Hearing for matters pertaining to the Redwood LIFE office project at 800-3400 Bridge Parkway. The council will be initiating a review to consider the repeal of the Westport Specific Plan in favor of a different Precise Plan Study, which would allow redevelopment of the area.
Those who have taken interest in this matter or would like more information are encourage to attend or remotely stream this hearing.
REDWOOD CITY COUNCIL MEETING
July 24, 6:00 p.m.
https://redwoodcity.zoom.us/j/99481825639
Meeting ID: 994 8182 5639
Dial-in audio: (669) 900-6833
More information about the Redwood LIFE proposal can be found on the Redwood City website:
https://www.redwoodcity.org/city-hall/current-projects/development-projects?id=113
Many in Redwood Shores have expressed concern with RSCA about this project, given that land developer Longfellow does not, at this time, have an approved plan for these changes to be considered.
Some may ask, what is a “Specific Plan,” and why is this topic important to Redwood Shores residents?
A Specific Plan acts as a detailed zoning and design code that regulates land use and development within that area. This Westport Specific Plan defines codes for the area known as Redwood LIFE, which is on Marine Parkway and connects to the Belmont Slough here in Redwood Shores. Originally drafted in 1995, the Westport Specific Plan included safety protocols restricting building and construction methods on this property, since the area includes 45acres of capped old landfill. Toxic materials are known to be sealed inside the barrier over this landfill. This material has been safely sealed with a clay cap, and the Westport Specific Plan regulates building designs and construction to make sure any developments on this property meet building standards to keep this cap intact. Changes to the Specific Plan would change how this carefully-regulated property is used.
There is concern about whether the City should approve moving forward with change consideration of the Westport Specific Plan without a concrete proposal plan to consider. The Council needs to understand the severity of problems which would occur if the Specific Plan were changed.
If you share these concerns over changing the Westport Specific Plan, please plan to attend the meeting on July 24th and voice your concerns.