The latest campaign referencing opposition to the various redevelopment projects slated for our City has been something I have not seen in Foster City before. First of all, I have tremendous faith in the residents of this City in their ability to recognize the proverbial “smoke and mirror” information being passed around as tainting the real facts.
When I became Mayor, I addressed the fact that change was inevitable in our community and that change was necessary in preparation for the community’s future. Needs evolve and trends change. If a community does not address any change, it ceases to thrive economically.
The trend toward smart growth is patterned around sustaining our environment and providing ease of accessibility to live and work places as well as recreation and leisure services. Foster City has been a successful community because of the visionary planning it has taken to continue the standards that we enjoy.
I have always been a proponent of encouraging the exchange of differing opinions for the purpose of generating new ideas to achieve an end. I think this type of process is very informative and yields positive results for all. I respect opinions when they are couched with alternatives to be discussed. I draw the line, however, when opinions translate through information that is intended to mislead.
The information being passed around is meant to muddy the water and to deceive. I am disappointed in those who are trying to mock the planning and development process of which residents are welcomed and encouraged to participate in. This information being circulated can be compared to yelling “fire’ in a crowded room. It is unconscionable!
The City has a web site for all residents to check on any project being proposed. Planning Commission meetings as well as Council meetings are televised on Comcast Channel 27 or AT&T Channel 99 for the public’s convenience. These redevelopment projects have been the topic of discussion for a while and will take time to be finalized and constructed. Nothing happens overnight. The City is doing its job evaluating the pros and cons of each project.
Environmental impact reports are important to the Commissioners as they help establish the best plan for our community. In the case of the Mirabella project, we are being fiscally responsible by leasing this public land in the center of town. This key element provides a constant revenue stream which will benefit all of us.
As for some of the information that is circulating there are two specific items that I feel are very misleading. They are the following:
1) “millions of Taxpayer dollars to wealthy developers”…The Foster City Community Development Agency Housing Fund monies can only be spent on affordable housing as it has done for other projects in the City. The assistance in the case of Mirabella’s 70 affordable units includes purchase of 1.0 acres from the city, payment of fees for parks, building permits, utility connections and financial contributions to upgrade fixtures and amenities in common areas to the same standard as will be used in the CCRC.
2) “Private Housing for wealthy seniors”…This is a ridiculous claim because what constitutes a wealthy senior? Many the individuals who have signed up for the lottery list for a unit at Mirabella live in Foster City. This obviously puts a disclaimer on another issue about our property values. Many of the residents who are coming into their senior years are thrilled with the fact that they can downsize and still live in the community they enjoy and have all the amenities close by.
A big concern regarding the scope of these projects is traffic impact. In anticipation of this issue, we have organized an Ad Hoc Public Transit Committee to address this concern. Foster City needs a dependable public transit system that will connect residents within our City as well as connect them to other modes of transit around the County.
This plan is meant to encourage people out of their cars for the environment’s sake and reduce traffic impact as we travel in and out of town. I believe that the reason so many large corporations as well as small companies have rooted their operations in Foster City is a testament to the continued successful growth and management of this city.
I know there will always be dissident voices heard in our community expressing opposition without alternatives, finding fault but never favor, perceiving gloom at every turn and with the literature I’ve seen, seeking influence without responsibility.
The City’s web site will address your questions and answer these misleading allegations. It is important for all residents to look at accurate information and render your opinion from the real facts. Take the time to watch the study sessions and offer your input. Be a part of what makes this process work. I hope you will take the time to evaluate the truth from those who really know what’s going on.
I look forward to your comments on this and other issues by emailing me at lkoelling@fostercity.org.
print 