In a column entitled, “More Housing at Health Care District Development,” Jon Mays brought attention to the town hall being convened by Congresswoman Jackie Speier on Saturday, May 18, at Skyline College. A central focus of this town hall was the current development plan for the parcel of public land at the north end of Burlingame that is under the jurisdiction of the Peninsula Health Care District. Editor Mays was correct in observing that current housing plans for the land focus on fulfilling the needs of the “elite.”
The town hall involved a panel of elected officials including Congresswoman Speier, Sen. Jerry Hill, Assemblymember Kevin Mullin and county supervisors Don Horsley and Dave Pine. Together they challenged the current development plan, questioning why, at a time when the community and its residents are under such severe pressure from skyrocketing housing costs, the land was not being used to address the affordable housing need. Congresswoman Speier pointed out that the PHCD is a public agency whose activities are funded by the taxpayers and that government has an obligation to serve the needs of the broader community.
Clearly the idea that a public agency would overlook the needs of lower-income residents in favor of housing the “elite” was beyond troubling to her and other members of the panel. Thanks to Congresswoman Speier and our other elected representatives for helping to raise the banner on this issue and for bringing attention to the inappropriateness and injustice of the current plan. As they obviously understand, this land is an opportunity for affordable housing that we cannot let pass by.
Karyl Eldridge
Burlingame
The writer is a longtime member of Faith in Action Bay Area and vice chair of One San Mateo.
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