Project Homekey Fast Forwarded in RWS!

In mid-July, the state of California made funds available to convert properties to low income housing. San Mateo County completed an application listing Townplace Suites in Redwood Shores as a viable option (even without a sale agreement) on September 29th. The county continued applying in subsequent funding request periods and was awarded funding for two hotels in Redwood City on October 29th, contingent on purchase and closing of properties by December 31st. RSCA was notified of this development at the beginning of November and was able to notify residents about the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors plan to hold a special meeting on November 5th. Despite many questions and comments from the community, particularly about the lack of proper notice about the project, the elected supervisors unanimously approved the proposal. Board President and Fourth District Supervisor (representing Redwood City) Warren Slocum told community members that the board would reply to all questions, but has not yet contacted any speakers or residents who asked questions or commented. Thus, residents throughout San Mateo County continue asking, why are two homeless / low-income sites being acquired in Redwood City. Shores residents want to know what the qualifications and screening process for residents will look like. Concerns about low income residents ability to access transportation, grocery and retail shopping, medical services as well as the site’s proximity to a childcare center, luxury athletic club, and the San Carlos airport have been raised, along with questions about the expenses and potential tax increases resulting from this project. In an effort to seek clarification, RSCA set up a virtual meeting on November 18th for Shores residents to get more information about the project from Michael Callagy (San Mateo County Manager), Ray Hodges (Director of Housing), Ken Cole (Director of Human Services and former Director of the County’s Housing Department) and other San Mateo County and Redwood City officials.

Callagy informed attendees that the criteria for residency in the Townhome Suites location is for adults aged 62 years and older with an income level at 30% of the area median income. Callagy stated that, for the most part, these seniors have outlived their savings living in this very expensive area, have had financial hardships possibly due to health, and this facility will offer a great service for a Peninsula-wide need. The county assured concerned residents that the applicants are screened for criminal charges and no smoking is allowed on the premises. The Townhome Suites makes an ideal location because it already has kitchens incorporated and doesn’t need to be built or renovated, but can house residents quickly (a requirement for the state funding).

The county will own the property and will select a facility operator to manage the lease processes, care of residents and maintenance of the site. The request for proposals (RFP) will be posted for available operators to apply beginning December 1st, and due no later than December 31st. The county seems confident in qualified and able operators in our region such as MidPen Housing and Human Good that operate similar facilities in Foster City and Half Moon Bay. The county has promised to share the draft RFP with RSCA and incorporate community feedback, however it is again a very short timeframe, and will likely have already occured by the time this edition is printed. RSCA has requested that Redwood Shores residents have the opportunity to review the operator interviews and selection process in January and meet with the selected operator in February and at least quarterly for the first year. Townhome Suites residents will begin moving in during February, which is the timeline required by the state funding for the project.

Through November, the San Mateo County and Redwood City officials have only scratched the surface of the questions that have been submitted by the community. Nearly 200 people were on the November 18th community zoom meeting, and the recording can be viewed here.  Over 300 questions/comments were submitted during the call (not including the list of questions submitted in advance, which you can review below). Responses to community questions will be added as they become available.  We are working with the San Mateo County leadership to submit written responses.

In the meantime, please become a member and join our email list for important updates! RSCA membership dues can be paid online via memberplanet.com, or by check with the return card from the recent mailing, or you can email  (please include your Shores address) to be added to our database. If you’re interested in becoming an advocate for Redwood Shores, consider joining our board of directors. We appreciate your help to keep the Shores a great place to live, work, and learn!

For previous information posted on this topic, please see: https://www.rsca.org/homekey/