Sierra Club Supports Rail Corridor minimum density, park space and green policies

April 18, 2005

The Sierra Club today urged the San Mateo city council to reject a move to undermine

the minimum density requirement in the Rail Corridor Plan. "By focusing homes and

businesses in walking distance of the Caltrain we protect valuable open-space, including

habitat and agricultural land," said Rafael Reyes, spokesperson for the Sierra Club.

"Every extra home in the plan area means workers closer to their jobs and more people

on the train instead of drivers with long commutes degrading our air and water quality.

Maintaining the density is good for pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, good for business

and good for our quality of life."

The Sierra Club also urged the council to maintain the size of a proposed park in the plan.

"The key to making the most of intensive development is to make sure that there is a good

mix of homes shops and offices, and to provide all the best amenities. A great park can

make a good neighborhood into a great neighborhood. San Mateo has a chance to create

a real jewel here," Reyes said.

The Club praised the planning commission's recommendations on plan elements that would

encourage green building, reduce water demand and protect water quality. "Green building

techniques can make huge difference for the environment, often at very low cost. But these

benefits don't happen by accident. It takes care. We were very pleased with the attention

that the planning commission paid to this issue," said Reyes.

# # #