3B Public Hearing 2009 0720 - Laserfiche WebLink

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where people live and how they get around, we will simply not be able to reduce dangerous greenhouse gas emissions. Westlake and BRIDGE Housing have created a vision for San Leandro Crossings that draws from the City's TOD Strategy and reflects many of the community's concerns. Thanks to extensive and thorough public input, the proposed development now has two public paseos, childcare planned on- site, space for a community garden, revised garage entry locations, additional street -level units, and enhanced architectural articulation. Numerous public and private meetings, workshops, and tours have helped local residents understand the kinds of suggestions they could make and the opportunity offered by the new development. As you know, ours is one of the least affordable regions in the country. The vast majority of teachers, nurses, retail workers, and police officers cannot afford to live where they work—resulting in longer and longer commutes and worsening air quality and quality of life for us 211. It is vital that the City of San Leandro support this development particularly because it provides 100 new affordable homes for families of modest means. BRIDGE Housing has a wonderful reputation for providing high-quality affordable developments that are safe, clean, attractive, and professionally maintained. Low-income residents are less likely to own and drive cars and more likely to ride transit, so placing new affordable homes near BART is a wise investment sure to boost ridership. Some would claim that affordable housing threatens to harm property values or decrease the character of an area, but in fact, research reveals that affordable housing does not lower property values and in some cases has been known to increase them. Providing compact, mixed -income development here just makes sense—it's about making the most of a great opportunity. In closing, I urge the Planning Commission and City Council's enthusiastic support for the San Leandro Crossings project. It is projects like this one that will help us grow sustainably and equitably as a region. Best, Marla Wilson Sustainable Development Associate CC: hathleen Livermore Page 2 of 2