Battle Brewing over Redwood City Land Use Controversy

[Editor's note: The following was submitted by Save Laurel Way.]

On September 23, 2013, the Redwood City Council is holding a hearing on a pending appeal regarding the proposed Laurel Way 16-home housing development. Area residents are concerned that the proposed Laurel Way Joint Venture (LWJV) project is likely to have multiple adverse effects including an increased chance of landslides, negative impacts on an unnamed creek that runs through the area and into Redwood Creek, and damage to, or wholesale removal of, dozens of mature oak trees.

Construction has already begun on two undeveloped lots located at 3718 and 3724 Laurel Way, just one house away from the proposed LWJV site. Redwood City has received multiple reports of building code and permit violations including: commencing work without a permit, ignoring tree preservation regulations, working on weekends (which is prohibited by ordinance), blocking driveways and traffic, and construction activities that are inconsistent with approved plans with regard to set-backs and approved locations of structural elements.

A group of neighbors and other concerned Redwood City residents have organized under the name Save Laurel Way in an effort to protect this sensitive area from over-development and environmental damage. The group strives to ensure that development along Laurel Way is consistent with all established Redwood City codes, particularly with regard to development on steeply sloped lots.  It has advocated for public safety and protection of habitat and wildlife to be prioritized in evaluating the size and scope of the proposed development, and is urging Redwood City to comply with state requirements for accurate analysis of environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures for the project.

A nearby resident, Nancy Krosse, stated “If the City can’t enforce its own rules with respect to 3718 and 3724 Laurel Way, naturally we’re concerned the same thing will happen with respect to the Laurel Way Joint Venture Project, which is significantly larger and infinitely more complex.” 

The hearing on September 23rd is an opportunity for Redwood City residents to voice their opinions and urge the City Council to respect established zoning codes as well as the City’s own General Plan.

To learn more about the effort to stop this inappropriate development from moving forward, go to www.savelaurelway.org or email info@savelaurelway.org.