Dear City Council Members,
I am writing in support of the Downtown Parking Lot Affordable Housing
Plan. While I am disappointed at the delay, I support the suggestion to put
the ballot measure on the November 2026 ballot which has the potential to
draw more people to express their opinion on the use of these three parking
lots #1,2,3.
As an aging parent supporting my disabled son at home, I was thrilled at
the inclusion of a significant number of affordable units for people with
disabilities. I am also the president of Solutions for Supportive Homes
which represents a large number of families in San Mateo County that are
supporting their children with mental health disabilities. We worry about
the future of our adult children as this is a population that is at high
risk of homelessness as parents are unlikely to outlive their adult
children.
The Downtown Parking Lot Plan recognizes the need for on-site support
services to meet the needs of a variety of disabilities. With on-site
services, the residents can live successfully with the hope that they
remain housed. Of course, the area is ideal being close to shopping and
transit.
Again, I am disappointed in the delay of a development with so much
potential to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Hopefully with
more time, the Plan will gain more community support to be approved next
November.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Shepard
President
Solutions for Supportive Homes
