FAQs
What is the homeshare program?
The Human Investment Project (HIP) administers a Shared Housing Program that matches, through a careful interview process, those wishing to provide affordable housing in a shared situation with those seeking affordable housing in a shared situation. Homeowners providing housing is benefited by the rental income received and the companionship provided. Renters are benefited by a reduced rent amount and by companionship as well. For more information, contact HIP at (650) 348-0660.
Is there any assistance for home rehabilitation or repairs?
The San Mateo County program for home rehabilitation loans has been suspended. For information on other home repair and home rehabilitation programs, follow this link http://housing.smcgov.org/housing-repair-programs
Where and how can I apply for a Landscape Water Use Audit?
If you are interested in scheduling a Landscape Water Use Audit for your home or your irrigation area, send an e-mail to LandscapeAudit@fostercity.org or call the Public Works Maintenance Water Division at (650) 286-8140, and we will arrange an appointment between you and our irrigation expert. For more information, please visit the Landscape Water Use Audit page.
Where do I enroll for landscaping classes?
The Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) offers free Landscape Education Classes in the spring and fall of each year. To register for a class or for more information on the landscape classes, please visit BAWSCA's Landscape Classes page.
What’s wrong with the current Recreation Center? Why make changes now?
The current Recreation Center is over 40 years old and has undergone multiple major renovations. The facility requires significant roof work. An inspection in early 2020 identified the cost to replace the roof and all the subsequent HVAC systems would require substantial investment. Those investments would not account for the design or layout of the building and would put off the inevitable reality that the building needs to be replaced if it is to meet the needs of the community. Furthermore, it may not meet the expectations of the community in its capacity as an emergency shelter. The building spaces have served the City well but may not be flexible enough to meet the future recreation needs of a changing Foster City demographic.
Why is it important to address this project now?
The rising cost of materials and the labor shortage is driving up the cost of construction. Meanwhile, the City’s investments and savings are not able to keep pace with inflation. These two factors coupled with the fact that the existing roof is expected to have a less-then five-year life is exacerbating the problem. The longer the project is delayed, the more expensive the project will become. The City will have less purchasing power, and there is the risk of a roof failure which will result in more spending on a lost asset.
How much will the improvements/change to the center cost?
The project cost is yet to be determined. The City is engaged in an outreach process gauging the community’s interest, and data gathered will dictate the recommended next steps. Potential options could include renovation or expansion of the existing facility, a complete rebuild of the facility in Leo Ryan Park or other alternatives. The cost of the project will be forecasted as the scope of the project is studied and decided.
How will the project be funded? Will this affect my taxes?
Available funding mechanisms will be identified when costs are better understood. Any direct assessment to taxpayers will be approved by voters as required by law.
How long will the project take? Is there a project timeline?
Phase I (needs assessment and outreach) was conducted through February 2017. The project was included in the Capital Improvement budget in Fiscal year 2017-2018. A Conceptual Design was developed in Fiscal Year 2018-2019. The pandemic halted City efforts on advancing the plan and set into motion the need to seek additional community engagement. Staff plans to go to the City Council at the end of the 2021 calendar year with options and anticipated next steps. Future phases will be defined based on the City Council's direction for the project.
How will the residents or businesses of Foster City be impacted during the construction process? Noise? Traffic?
There are always impacts associated with construction activities. Until the scope of the project is defined, the extent of disruption cannot be determined.
How will normal recreation activities (classes, programs, services etc.) be affected?
Continuity of Recreation programming will be a high priority for the City regardless of the scope of the project. Comprehensive community input and engagement is being sought the remainder of the 2022 calendar year. The results of that multi-pronged community engagement plan will be brought back to the City Council for consideration and next steps. Continuity plans will be developed when the scope of the project is finalized.
What are the proposed changes to the Recreation Center?
There are no specific plans for changes to the Recreation Center, because no decision has been made. Any potential changes would need to be approved by the City Council, following a comprehensive community outreach process. All residents and Foster City businesses are encouraged to be part of that conversation, which is expected to continue through the end of the 2021 calendar year.
Will I get a say in any changes?
The goal of the current Recreation Center Replacement Plan is to gather information about the future trends in Recreation services and the needs of the community for Recreation programming. There will be plenty of opportunity to engage in surveys and provide feedback. In addition to community feedback staff will also be seeing feedback from our corporate partners. We encourage all residents and stakeholders in and outside Foster City city limits to be part of the conversation that will define what changes are recommended for the City Council to consider.
Where can I learn more about the project?
Visit www.fostercity.org/parksrec/project/recreation-center-master-plan-project-cip-301-678 for more information.
Can I get FCTV, the City's Government Access Channel, if I am not a cable subscriber?
On your TV, no. Online, yes! FCTV is only available to Comcast and AT&T subscribers. Satellite providers (like DirecTV or DISH) are not obligated under federal law to carry local public, educational or government (PEG) access channels. Cable operators, however, are required under local or state-issued franchises. As such, only Comcast and AT&T (currently) offer FCTV in Foster City. That being said, if you have a high-speed internet connection (like DSL or cable), you can watch FCTV streaming from our website.
Who do I call regarding new cable service or cable service complaints?
Foster City currently has two cable television providers, Comcast and AT&T. To sign up for new service, call them directly at (800) 945-2288 (Comcast) or (800) 288-2020 (AT&T).
If you need customer service or support on your cable service, you should call (800) 945-2288 (Comcast) or (800) 288-2020 (AT&T).
If you are having trouble getting adequate customer service and wish the City to assist you in getting the problem resolved, we can help you by contacting us at (650) 286-3506 or cabletvhelp@fostercity.org.
How can I submit my photos of Foster City for FCTV bulletin board's Picture Corner?
You are welcome to send your personal photos related to Foster City for FCTV's review. Keep in mind that creative composition & framing, proper exposure, and suitable subject matter will all be factors when determining if the photo will be utilized.
Your name, telephone number and written consent granting use of the photo(s) are required. This gives the City of Foster City and FCTV unrestricted rights and permission to use at its discretion for programming or posting associated with the City's website and FCTV.
Submissions can be mailed to: FCTV, 610 Foster City Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404. Or, if you are able to send digital files via email, please do so at fctv@fostercity.org. Original copies will be accepted, however, we encourage you to send duplicates since submissions will not be returned. Please note that not all photo submissions will be utilized.
Where can I write or call about my comments or questions concerning FCTV?
You can write to: FCTV, 610 Foster City Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404. Email us at fctv@fostercity.org, or call us at (650) 286-3215.
Can I borrow or buy a copy of an FCTV program?
To purchase a personal copy of a Foster City City Council Meeting or Planning Commission Meeting, please fill out the form that is linked below. There is a fee for this service.
What are the program hours for FCTV?
FCTV operates 24/7 with replays of City Council meetings and Planning Commission meetings generally on Tuesdays, Fridays Saturdays and Sundays. Our Bulletin Board operates at all other times.
Where is FCTV currently available?
In Foster City, if your cable is provided by Comcast, you are able to watch FCTV on channel 27. If your cable provider is AT&T, you can find us on channel 99. You can also watch a live stream or access recorded meetings on our website.
When can I see the Parks and Recreation Committee meetings on FCTV?
Parks and Recreation meetings are held every 1st Wednesday of the month. The meetings are not aired on Foster City TV, although they are open to the public.
When can I see the Planning Commission meetings on FCTV? When do they replay?
Live Planning Commission meetings take place every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. The meeting replays on the following Friday of the meeting at 1:00 pm and Sunday at 5:00 pm. Live Study Sessions of the Planning Commission occur every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. The Study Sessions replay on the following Wednesday at 1:00 pm and Sunday at 5:00 pm (following the Regular Meeting replay, if applicable).
When can I see the City Council meetings on FCTV? Are they replayed?
Live City Council meetings take place every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 pm. Replays can be viewed the following day at 1:00 pm and the following Saturday at 5:00 pm. City Council Meetings are also available on demand here.
Where can I find the schedule for FCTV?
The weekly schedule of programming is posted on our Foster City TV Program Schedule page. In In addition, the Foster City Islander publishes a new weekly schedule every Wednesday.
