Pete's Harbor condominium plan advances
Carl Nolte
Updated 10:12 p.m., Wednesday, October 31, 2012
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The tenants who live aboard boats at Pete's Harbor in Redwood
City were trying to figure out Wednesday what to do next, after their
attempt to halt a big development that would force them to move was
turned down by the city's Planning Commission.
The commission voted unanimously late Tuesday to approve a 411-unit condominium development at the landmark marina. Unless they win an appeal to the City Council or a possible public vote, more than 50 people who live in floating homes will have to clear out by mid-January.
The commissioners listened sympathetically at a public hearing to the pleas of the residents of Pete's Harbor, who said the condo development would mean the end of a pleasant way of life that has been part of the Redwood City bayfront for more than 50 years. They have received eviction notices effective Jan. 15.
But in the end, the planning board determined that the proposed development meets Redwood City zoning requirements and the requirements of the city's general plan. The vote was 7-0.
"There was not one of the commissioners who didn't feel sympathetic" to the problems of the tenants who live in the marina, said Ernie Schmidt, the commission's chairman.
But he said the commission only has the authority to consider planning matters. "We have a very defined role," Schmidt said, "and these other matters are not in our purview."
In sometimes emotional testimony, the tenants argued that Pete's Harbor offered rare affordable living space, and that they have no other place to go.
Alison Madden, a spokeswoman for the tenants, said the group would appeal the decision to the City Council. All Planning Commission decisions may be appealed within 15 days.
If the council allows the development, she said, the tenants may decide to circulate a petition to require a public vote on the issue. A much larger development proposal - for a 1,900-unit condo complex - was turned down by Redwood City voters in 2004.
Pete's Harbor was constructed by Pete Uccelli in 1958. Uccelli died in 2005 and his widow, Paula, now owns the harbor. The development would be built by Pauls Corp. of Denver.
The commission voted unanimously late Tuesday to approve a 411-unit condominium development at the landmark marina. Unless they win an appeal to the City Council or a possible public vote, more than 50 people who live in floating homes will have to clear out by mid-January.
The commissioners listened sympathetically at a public hearing to the pleas of the residents of Pete's Harbor, who said the condo development would mean the end of a pleasant way of life that has been part of the Redwood City bayfront for more than 50 years. They have received eviction notices effective Jan. 15.
But in the end, the planning board determined that the proposed development meets Redwood City zoning requirements and the requirements of the city's general plan. The vote was 7-0.
"There was not one of the commissioners who didn't feel sympathetic" to the problems of the tenants who live in the marina, said Ernie Schmidt, the commission's chairman.
But he said the commission only has the authority to consider planning matters. "We have a very defined role," Schmidt said, "and these other matters are not in our purview."
In sometimes emotional testimony, the tenants argued that Pete's Harbor offered rare affordable living space, and that they have no other place to go.
Alison Madden, a spokeswoman for the tenants, said the group would appeal the decision to the City Council. All Planning Commission decisions may be appealed within 15 days.
If the council allows the development, she said, the tenants may decide to circulate a petition to require a public vote on the issue. A much larger development proposal - for a 1,900-unit condo complex - was turned down by Redwood City voters in 2004.
Pete's Harbor was constructed by Pete Uccelli in 1958. Uccelli died in 2005 and his widow, Paula, now owns the harbor. The development would be built by Pauls Corp. of Denver.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Pete-s-Harbor-condominium-plan-advances-3998682.php#ixzz2AzeoMaJP
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