High-rise housing officially up for vote

Having the measure on the November presidential ballot rather than a special election could save the cash-strapped city up to $100,000, said Mayor Jeff Ira.

A quick decision also opens the door for the city to focus on other planning issues in downtown or - if the project fails - new ideas for the city's Bayfront.

"We just want to get it over with. It has polarized people and puts the city in a limbo for future planning so we're anxious to get it done and move forward," Ira said.

That's fine with the newly-formed opposition group People For Housing Not High Rises, said its organizer Ralph Nobles.

"All things being equal, it is better sooner than later. But different people have different strategies," Nobles said.

Voter turnout is typically stronger at general rather than special elections. Aside from cost, Ira said turnout is key in deciding a date.

"If we are truly trying to get the pulse of the people it is logical to do it when there is the most voter turnout," Ira said.

The City Council will decide Thursday night what its game plan will be on how to proceed on the controversial project. The council unanimously endorsed a 20-year plan that is far from the sprawling, 30-tower design presented years ago. Members of People For Housing Not High Rises, however, said it is still too tall and could damage the environment. They claim it will change the wetlands, hurt birds that will fly into the towers and cause increased traffic.

The design includes a number of towers, including a 21-story building which will become the tallest in the city. The 43-acre village just west of the Port of Redwood City also includes 1,900 residential units, 25,000 square feet of retail space and 150,000 square feet of office space.

The group quickly mobilized to gather more than the 3,209 signatures needed to challenge it. The San Mateo County Elections Office found the names valid and delivered them back to City Clerk Patricia Howe just shy of 5 p.m., said Elections Manager David Tom.

Ballot language

Depending on its decision, the council doesn't have much time to act. If it wants the ordinance on the Nov. 2 ballot it must vote in favor of doing so Thursday. Councilmembers will then begin crafting the ballot language - the next hurdle for Nobles. He wants to ensure the referendum is clear and does not confuse voters by asking them to vote yes rather than no to show their disapproval. A similar tactic was used in the early 1980s during an election battle over Bair Island, he said.

"It was very confusing and we don't want to see the same thing happen," Nobles said.

Regardless, Nobles remains positive.

"Whatever they decide, if it is lemons we're going to make lemonade out of it," he said.

Ira asked the city attorney to bring ideas about the language Thursday although he is not certain if it will be adopted.

Public outreach

While the Marina Shores project is classified as a battle over planning, density and affordable housing, the process also illustrates the disconnect between the City Council and some residents.

The council's vote capped four years of re-designs, public hearings and a vote by the Planning Commission. Yet Nobles said most signing his petitions said they knew little or nothing about the project and its expected impact.

The lack of knowledge is frustrating, Ira said.

"We think we do everything we can to notify people, but the number who say they don't know is surprising. I don't understand how we can better get the news out," Ira said.

Residents are now relying on information put forth by each camp, including developer Glenborough-Pauls. The company is mass mailing residents with brochures and backing another citizens group, "Know All the Facts."

The city must remain neutral in the battle but individual councilmembers and commissioners are free to share their own opinions.

Not every city official believes the distinction is so black and white.

Torn between two positions

When asked about the project, Planning Commissioner Chair Hilary Paulson feels trapped between a rock and a hard place. The official position of the commission is a rousing endorsement of the controversial high-rise project; Paulson, though, personally finds the development wrong for Redwood City.

"It's difficult for me if I do speak because I am a member of the public and the Planning Commission but I am also the chair. If someone asks, I have to give two opinions," Paulson said.

Paulson could not back the changes to Bair Island and was the lone holdout when the Planning Commission approved the project 6-1.

Paulson may hold her tongue but will be active. She attends meetings of the opposition group and often discusses the issue with neighbors. The grassroots group would like to get as many recognizable backers as possible - such as Paulson - as the vote looms. But Nobles said it isn't mandatory.

"I am so convinced that the rank and file voter will be on our side that we don't think there is reason to need them," Noble said.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 104. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com