Loma Prieta Chapter, 3921 E. Bayshore Rd., Ste. 204, Palo Alto, CA  94303

July 30, 2004

Office of Assembly Member Gene Mullin

State Capitol, Room 2170

Sacramento, CA  94249-0019

Via Fax: (916) 319-2119

Re:  AB 269: Redevelopment-San Mateo County

Dear Assembly Member Mullin:

On behalf of the Sierra Club, I am delighted to express our strong support for

 AB 269: Redevelopment-San Mateo County as a means to expedite transit oriented development along the Caltrain corridor throughout San Mateo County.  

We believe that this bill will contribute to our Challenge to Sprawl campaign (http://www.sierraclub.org/sprawl/) by providing funds and governmental support to increase affordable housing and transit usage in a county suffering from the duel plagues of a lack of workforce housing and debilitating traffic congestion. 

By allowing the pooling of  low and moderate-income housing funds by the county’s redevelopment agencies and investing them on property provided by the San Mateo County Transit District within one-third mile of the Caltrain right-of way, which greatly parallels  El Camino Real, we foresee an increase in both commuter rail and bus transit

The Sierra Club would like to be of assistance in ensuring the passage of this bill.  Please keep our chapter office informed as to how we can help.

Sincerely,

Irvin Dawid

Chair, Sustainable Land Use Committee

CC:  Michael J. Scanlon/ Executive Director, San Mateo County Transportation            Authority

         Bill Allyaud, Sierra Club California