Sent: April 16, 2005 To: 'jepstein@cityofsanmateo.org'; 'jlee@cityofsanmateo.org';'slempert@cityofsanmateo.org'; 'groom@cityofsanmateo.org';'jmatthews@cityofsanmateo.org' Subject: Corridor Plan Densities Dear Council members: Thank you for your important efforts to support a rail corridor plan which will lead to rich livable neighborhoods for the community. However, it has come to our attention that a proposal may come before the Council to remove the minimum development density from the plan. This would seem ill timed given forthcoming opportunities to get input on the Bay Meadows specific plan. It would further seem ill advised given the benefit of focusing homes and services around the rail corridor. We encourage you to reject any move to remove the minimum density from the development plans. The Peninsula's current housing situation not only makes it prohibitively expensive to afford a home for many but forces people to live in distant suburbs increasing automobile use. This pattern leads to loss of habitat and agricultural lands and degrades water and air quality. In addition, EPA studies have shown that traffic on highways increases with this development pattern. Providing more residences on the peninsula eases its severe jobs-housing imbalance, especially when placed near transit alternatives. Personally, as with many others, I appreciate the accessibility of Caltrain and the residential retail in easy walking distance from my north-central San Mateo home. We look forward to your continued support of the minimum density policy in the development plans. Rafael ReyesSierra Club - Loma Prietahttp://lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/