The September 5, 2024, Redwood LIFE development's Community Workshop #2 drew a crowd of around 75at the Redwood Shores Library, filling the room with anticipation. Attendees listened intently as the consultant presented, although murmurs rippled through the audience when key concerns were brushed aside.
When the session opened to questions, resident voices were raised, challenging the format. Without open dialogue, many felt unheard, as if the workshop mirrored previous developer-led meetings where community input seemed unwelcome. Concern was expressed at residents being asked to provide design input in the absence of answers or information about concerns that had been raised in the past community meeting. In addition, the consultant's claim that participants may be "too intimidated" to express support of the development sparked skepticism.
The landfill’s instability, flooding risks, toxic contamination and biosafety concerns in proximity to an ecological reserve, loomed as unanswered and critically important questions. Concerns were expressed about the lack of information on the City’s Sensitivity Analysis, an initial environmental review process. Yet, even after two hours of workshop, attendees left with more questions than answers, frustrated by the City's lack of transparency.
Sierra Club's Sustainable Land Use Committee has supported residents' concerns. Meanwhile, Longfellow developers are moving on the project, expressing confidence, despite mounting vacancies and legal troubles elsewhere in the Bay Area.