Redwood City submits for conservation designation

The Association of Bay Area Governments created the Priority Conservation Area program in 2008 to support local jurisdictions’ goals to create recreation opportunities, reduce the urban heat island effect, and support climate resilience, Principal Planner John Francis said at the City Council meeting June 9. 

A priority area will be categorized under five designations, including natural lands, agricultural or working lands, urban greening, recreation or climate adaptation. 

The nomination of both the Redwood Shores area and the Bair Island and Westpoint Slough area for the designation are based on their Bayfront locations with many coastal recreational and open spaces. Redwood City and the Association of Bay Area Governments identify these areas as valuable space that will play a “critical role” in the city’s long-term efforts toward climate resilience. 

Three public comments and multiple councilmembers spoke to the threat of sea-level rise, and the need to prioritize infrastructure and development improvements to address the Bayfront. 

“This is an essential first step to address the most pressing issue of our time, adaptation to sea level rise,” Kristin Mercer said in a written public comment. 

The greater downtown and southeast area was also nominated, even though it is a highly urbanized space, because of its need for urban greening and recreation, Francis said. 

The area is considered to lack sufficient parks and is also deficient in “urban street canopy” as compared to other areas of the city, Francis said. This area is also at risk for flooding events, and is designated as an “equity priority community” by the Association of Bay Area Governments, Francis said. 

Councilmember Isabella Chu said she was “incredibly gratified” to see the urban area included, stating that many parts of her district do not have access to parks or play structures. 

The Association of Bay Area Governments will confirm what areas will be designated as priority conservation areas in July, Francis said. Should any of the areas be selected, development and planning proposals for projects aligned with the city and region’s goals will be eligible for grant applications, he added. 

The regional organization will be taking project proposals for grant funding later this year, which may be the first time Redwood City could apply if they are awarded the designation.