Housing for farmworkers moves ahead in Half Moon Bay

San Mateo County is working together with the city of Half Moon Bay on the development, with the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approving an $11.5 million contract to start construction work and allocating $6 million to buy and install the 47 manufactured homes that will house community members. 

Approving the project — which could begin move-in for families as soon as March or April 2025 — would be a win for the community and an opportunity to move forward from the tragedy, Supervisor Ray Mueller said during the meeting. 

“If you look back where we started two years ago, and the event that led to this moment, it’s been a hard two years as a county supervisor to watch. I love Half Moon Bay, I love the people here so much, and there’s been far too many stories about a shooting and substandard conditions,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to telling a different story.” 

The project team, which obtained an emergency coastal development permit in December 2023 so work could begin as soon as possible, has completed demolition of remnant nursery structures, tree removal and water distribution and sewer collection systems. 

The undergrounding of utilities and creation of a joint trench for Pacific Gas and Electric, Comcast and AT&T utilities is still in progress. Work with PG&E remains a significant roadblock to completion, Assistant City Manager John Doughty said. 

“PG&E is an equal opportunity challenge for affordable projects and public projects as well as private projects. The county and their team are working on trying to get expedited construction for infrastructure,” he said. “Utilities are in the ground, but there’s still final work to be done.” 

The project will have three parcel lots: one for the Stone Pine Cove development itself, one for the corporation yard and wildlife corridor and one for the Pilarcitos Creek riparian corridor, Doughty said. 

As part of conditions of approval for the project and, based on previous community concerns, traffic calming — including new signs and potentially a new crosswalk — will be implemented. A public park will be put in place where a basketball court would have originally stood, Doughty said. The court was removed from the plans due to nuisance concerns. 

One resident, Parks and Recreation Vice Chair Paulette Eisen, expressed concerns that children living in the development needed adequate space to play and get their energy out. Commissioner Rick Hernendez also asked that the city consider increasing open space for recreation on the development. 

Rounding out potential apprehensions for Stone Pine Cove was a line of questioning from Commissioner David Gorn, who asked if the project had an adequate emergency services plan in case of future flooding or nearby dam breaks. He also questioned how far above the 100-year flood zone boundary the development would be. 

“It’s pretty clear we’re approving this project. I would ask that the city make sure residents are helped in case of an emergency and there is a plan in place,” Gorn said. “Government moves slowly. It’s very impressive how quickly we’ve gotten here and I’m grateful, and I’m sure the families are too.” 

The decision for approval was unanimous, with Chair Margaret Gossett and Vice Chair Hazel Joanes absent.