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5 <br />City Council Special Meeting Minutes <br />May 25, 2023 <br /> <br />Councilmember Schmidt said that the individual who wanted to contact HCD, if the <br />housing element is not approved, we lose all control. That means that we lose the authority <br />to say no. We are all really working on this together and we want this to be a good project. <br />Please consider that we are trying to make this as transparent and positive as possible. <br /> <br />Mayor Swan said that in Redondo Beach, a builder’s remedy project came in for 2500 <br />condo units and the Council and the Planning Commission said they couldn’t stop them due <br />to state law. We are working as hard as possible to prevent that from happening here in Los <br />Altos Hills. <br /> <br />Vice Mayor Mok said that we are all in this together and we cannot stand separately on this <br />issue. The State of California has elected officials that have enacted over three dozen <br />housing laws since 1990. If we do not get certified, we would still be subject to the <br />builder’s remedy. <br /> <br />Councilmember Tankha echoed what other Councilmembers have said. She added that we <br />have all lived in this town for many years and understand where everyone is coming from. <br />The state has changed the rules and has taken over the mantle of what is good for the town. <br />It is in our best interest to take a step back and see what this council is attempting to do. We <br />are trying to limit the damage that could happen. <br /> <br />The Mayor opened up the floor for additional public comment at one minute per speaker. <br /> <br />Michael Grady, Los Altos Hills, said that everyone is in agreement that hundreds of units <br />along Arastradero are not what anyone wants. The best way to ensure that hundreds of units <br />don't go on Arastradero is not to rezone. Once you rezone you create a degree of <br />entitlement. <br /> <br />R.K. Anand, Los Altos Hills, he said it sounds like we are held hostage to the May 31st <br />deadline. He expressed surprise that in a year and a half, the town cannot think of a better <br />strategy. <br /> <br />Kathy Liccardo, Los Altos Hills, thanked the Council for this meeting and hearing the <br />public and said that it is an emotional issue. If there is one lesson to be learned, it is better <br />communication. <br /> <br />John O'Connell, Los Altos Hills, suggested removing the property that was added on <br />Arastradero and only zone lots 4, 5, and 6. <br /> <br />Harl Sankar, Los Altos Hills, questioned the decision to place all the housing on just three <br />lots. The plan lacks creativity and fairness. <br /> <br />Junaid Quarshi, Los Altos Hills, said the issue has been around for a year and a half and <br />expressed surprise that the Town didn't come to the residents to ask for help. We live in <br />Silicon Valley and have the smartest people in the world living here.