What’s going on with the Peninsula Health Care District and why should people in San Bruno, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Burlingame, San Mateo and Foster City care? The district receives property tax money from those cities, yet plans to use publicly-owned land at the site of the demolished Peninsula Hospital to build market rate housing few people can afford. This is happening despite being the biggest threat to public health and safety: a lack of affordable housing for medical workers and seniors.
Recently, U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo and state Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, wrote letters to the district asking it to hold a hearing to explore affordable housing needs instead of what is planned. Congresswoman Speier wrote, “…it will be a loss to the community if primarily market rate housing is created on district property.” However, at its most recent board meeting, the district appeared to disregard the letters and maintain its course.
On Oct. 9, another letter outlining the legal use of public land was sent to the district by Community Legal Services for East Palo Alto, Housing Leadership Council and Public Interest Law Group. The letter warned that the district may be vulnerable to a lawsuit if it proceeds with a process that is in conflict with state law.
It is essential that the district change its course and work to provide affordable housing for the public good. The next District Board Meeting is scheduled for 6:30 on Thursday, Oct. 25 at Burlingame City Hall. Interested members of the public should attend.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.