The official public comment period is now open to gather input on the environmental impact of a major life science campus development proposed in Redwood Shores that has already drawn considerable public criticism throughout its planning stages.
Plans for the Redwood Life project, which were downscaled from the original proposal, include redeveloping the 84-acre site between Belmont Slough and Marine Parkway into a life science campus with 12 total buildings, including a community amenity center and a 104-room hotel, and four parking garages.
Residents in nearby neighborhoods have raised concerns over the feasibility of the large development and impact on the area.
In March, the Redwood City Council and its Planning Commission agreed to study “Alternative 2,” a proposal 13% smaller than the original, in the environmental impact report. This alternative proposed 2.731 million square feet of life science buildings that can reach up to six stories tall, a five-story hotel and 42.5 acres of open space.
Although opponents said they would support the scaled-down proposal, they still have concerns. During the public comment period at the Redwood City Planning Commission meeting Sept. 2, about a dozen individuals shared their dissatisfaction for the huge development.
Despite appreciation for a small-sized development, the project would still “adversely affect the existing visual character and quality of Redwood Shores,” said Earl Aiken, a 32-year-old resident of Redwood Shores.
“This is an aesthetics issue,” Aiken said.
A no-build option will also be studied alongside the alternative proposal.
The report will consider the development impact on the project site, which used to be a landfill and has raised concern from residents over the potential harm done to the area during construction. This, as well as light, noise and air pollution during and after the project will be studied.
The application by proposed developer Longfellow Real Estate Partners was initially submitted in 2022. In July 2023, the Redwood City Council initiated a process to prepare a precise plan and environmental impact report, conduct community engagement and analyze benefits offered as part of the proposed development. The length of the development process is projected up to 25 years.
The conservative turnout at the Planning Commission meeting was surprising, considering how controversial the Redwood Life project has been, Commissioner Maggie Cornejo said.
“I would think it would be a room full of residents,” Cornejo said. “I just want to remind everyone we want to hear as many voices as possible during such a large project.”
The public review period will end by approximately 5 p.m. Sept. 22. Until then, residents can email Margaret Netto at mnetto@redwoodcity.org to provide written public comment on the environment impact report.
A draft environmental impact report is expected by early summer 2026, and a final version with response to comments by late fall 2025. Certification of the impact report will likely not occur until early 2027.
Note to readers: This article was updated to clarify that the original, larger plan submitted by developers will no longer be studied. The "Alternative 2" proposal is the only proposal that will be studied.
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