Page 3 - Housing Needs Allocation News Today

Council member Bob Polito called on the council to come up with alternate housing element plans, arguing the towns strategy is inadequate and doesnt address the states demands.

Atherton is joining Woodside in receiving extensive feedback from the state on its proposed housing element, a blueprint for future housing growth that must be revised and approved by Jan. 31.

Five candidates — with two incumbents — are running for one of three seats up for reelection on the Santa Paula City Council in November.

During an at times heated candidate forum on Thursday, Sept. 29, the five seeking seats on the Portola Valley Town Council this November fielded questions on housing, concerns about town staffs response times, wildfire risk and more.

To spur growth and keep track of the number of in-law units in town, Portola Valley is seeking two to four volunteers to promote accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — which make up about a third of the towns draft housing element.

Atherton anticipates feedback on its draft housing element in October and is opting not to create alternative plans if it is rejected.

Atherton is sending its housing element to the state, leaning on accessory dwelling units and SB 9 applications to meet its housing goals through 2031 while shying away from zoning for multifamily housing.

Woodside Mayor Dick Brown and Councilman Brian Dombkowski are seeking reelection this fall, along with former Council member Paul Goeld, who pulled papers to run for the seat left open by John Carvells resignation.

Fears about the loss of horse stables and scenic corridors, along with increased wildfire risk were all part of an hours-long discussion in Portola Valley before the Town Council approved its draft plan for adding housing.

After two hours of public comments, many in opposition to new multifamily housing units in town, Woodsides draft housing element is on its way to the state for review.