One of the Bay Area’s most treasured assets is our access to higher education.  This is one significant reason that our region remains the preeminent location for venture capital firms.  Our three community colleges:  Cañada College, College of San Mateo, San Jose State, the University of California, San Francisco and Berkeley, Stanford University, and a number of other public and private colleges and universities.  This access to these great institutions and the benefits of these colleges and universities are an economic driver for the Peninsula.

Last month, we held a study session with the Planning Commission to hear an update on Stanford University in Redwood City.  In addition to Stanford Hospitals and Clinics, Stanford University owns 33 acres around the former Excite @ Home Campus.  Stanford is proposing to construct 1.5 million square feet of new space in Redwood City.  Proposed uses include:  administrative, business and professional offices, medical professional clinics and offices, research and development facilities, public open space and recreational facilities, and laboratories.

Stanford has been working for the past two years with the neighborhoods immediately next to their proposed project.  Through these community meetings, the initial project proposal has evolved and changed to meet neighborhood concerns.

Over the next 12 months, Stanford in Redwood City will be closely reviewed by staff, the Planning Commission, neighborhoods, interested community members and the Council to determine the appropriateness of the proposed development, and the benefits to Redwood City.  The Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) should be published in early 2011, with public input in the Spring.  Reference documents are available on the City’s website at www.redwoodcity.org .

— Jeff Gee, Redwood City Councilperson