Fantasy world

The only problem the new law solves is how to make corporate real estate developers more money.

I live in a Transit-Oriented Development zone that was created years ago. A couple of developers built high-density housing at Hayward Park with the same promise SB79 now makes to reduce congestion.

But traffic has only gotten worse because there’s not enough parking and not enough retail within walking distance.

Though many might walk to CalTrain, many more drive to the station. Free street parking is packed and by rough estimate, half the cars in the CalTrain parking lot are for those who go to the WeWork building nearby. (That building’s garage is more expensive and who knows if CalTrain checks their parking meters.)

Although buildings in this zone were slated for multiple retailers, only Beach Hut Deli ever came and that one closed up shop last year. So how do residents here get the basics they need? By car.

Yet SB79 makes no requirement for on-site parking or retail space. Unless developers build housing with abundant parking and multiple retailers onsite (and how about some much-needed green space?), SB79 is guaranteed to build more housing and more traffic.

Dennis Bogusz

San Mateo