Senate Bill 79, supported by Senator Josh Becker and others, aims to permit seven-story apartment buildings close to public transit stations along the Mid-Peninsula. The bill seeks to address California's housing crisis by allowing developments near bus stops serviced every 20 minutes, circumventing local height restrictions. While proponents argue it could enhance housing availability, critics claim it favors developers, potentially leading to luxury housing and displacing residents. The bill is now in the Assembly, with local city officials expressing concerns about its impact on thoughtful urban planning.
"This is a complete handout to developers," said Sen. Aisha Wahab, D-Fremont, who voted no on Tuesday. Wahab is chair of the Senate Housing Committee.
Becker said on Tuesday that he hopes SB79 will start a conversation about what is actually working to solve the state's housing crisis, rather than more bills that anger the public and don't show results.
SB79 "imposes a rigid, one-size-fits-all framework," Mayor Ed Lauing said in a letter last week to the bill's author, state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco.
The bill would have a profound impact on the Mid-Peninsula. Senate Bill 79 would allow for tall apartment buildings within a half mile of Caltrain stations.
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