Appeal targeting 125-unit Redwood City development

Goolsby claimed the development will bring “significant environmental impacts that have not been studied or mitigated.”

Designed by ROEM Development, the six and seven-story tall development contains a mix of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units for rent as well as 19 affordable units at various income levels. ROEM will also construct a public trail along Redwood Creek with an overlook point and bike racks. The project was granted a Planned Community Permit, density bonus and height concession.

The city deemed the proposal exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, which requires local agencies to identify environmental impacts of proposed developments and mitigate them if feasible.

In his appeal, Goolsby argued that CEQA exception — known as “Class 32” — is not valid because of the “unusual circumstances of the land” on which the project is proposed, including the amount of soil that will need to be transported off the project site and a shallow water table.

He claimed construction will bring significant traffic, air quality and noise impacts, as 6,250 truck loads of soil will be hauled off the site in addition to return trips with clean soil.

Goolsby also claimed soil would be excavated as deep as 15 feet, which may negatively affect groundwater connected to Redwood Creek.

For those reasons and others, he argued the project requires additional environmental review.

According to a staff report, Goolsby's claims are based on an outdated soils report and 2016 conceptual design, which entailed one level of below-grade parking, a design that was later revised. The approved development includes only above-ground parking.

The report also states that excavation will not be as deep as 15 feet, but concedes that construction may reach groundwater level and “dewatering measures” should be studied.

Goolsby also objected to the parking ratios and height of the development, but city staff countered that those concessions are consistent with the state density bonus law.

Nonetheless, Goolsby maintains those concessions negatively impact the environment and violate the zoning code, according to follow-up letters he sent the city. Goolsby could not be reached for comment.

In other business, the council will also consider an inclusionary zoning ordinance; the schematic design of the Veterans Memorial building; a two-hour parking limit near Jardin De Niños Park; and a second reading of an ordinance establishing a new waterfront district and townhome development at 1548 Maple St.

The City Council will meet on Monday at 7 p.m. at 1017 Middlefield Road in Redwood City.

zachary@smdailyjournal.com

(650) 344-5200 ex. 102