BALLOT ARGUMENT
in OPPOSITION TO CITY MEASURE T
Vote No on Measure T – Costly. Misleading. Unnecessary.
This developer-driven measure completely removes voter-approved Measure Y protections. These protections keep building heights, densities and affordable housing compatible with our city’s ability to sustain itself.
The City proposes a population increase of tens of thousands, without identifying how additional services and resources will be “enhanced.” Exponential growth means straining existing infrastructure and services. Residents will foot the bill with more taxes, fees, bonds. Everyone will be impacted.
Measure T fails residents and local businesses. It allows for taller buildings, with their significantly higher construction costs. These costs get passed along to residents and businesses, increasing rents and displacement. Measure T also removes requirements for affordable housing from developers. Further, T grants urban scale development when combined with state bonuses. Is that what we want?
Critically, the City’s own reports show San Mateo can meet state housing requirements with Y in place. Measure Y supports a vibrant downtown and more housing by already concentrating its highest development opportunities close to transit and jobs in and around El Camino, Downtown, Caltrain. Major new development has occurred in these areas under Measure Y’s protections.
Vote NO on Measure T:
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Don’t cut resident services or incur taxes/fees/bonds to pay for irresponsible development.
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Don’t worsen traffic or allow bigger buildings with no required parking or housing.
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Don’t displace local businesses and residents with the increased costs of building taller.
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Don't let developers buy their way out of building affordable housing.
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Don’t permit any 3 Councilmembers to modify major development policies to please developers.
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Don't accept T as the only way to meet required housing numbers. The City knows different.
Costly. Misleading. Unnecessary. Demand better.
Vote No on Measure T.
San Mateans for Responsive Government, No on T.
Visit SmarterGrowthSM.com
/s/ Claire Mack August 9, 2024
Former San Mateo Mayor
/s/ Lisa Taner August 8, 2024
Frmr Pres. Beresford-Hillsdale Neigh.Assn.
/s/ Thomas Morgan August 9, 2024
Frmr Chair Measure S Oversight Committee
/s/ Tom Lease August 8, 2024
Member San Mateo Senior Citizens Commission
/s/ Marlene Tam August 8, 2024
AAPI Community and Public Safety Advocate
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of Measure T
NO ON MEASURE T
The City spent hundreds of thousands of your taxes on this unnecessary measure. The state already officially certified our housing plan.
The City promises Measure T will provide more affordable housing and enable them to offset
massive impacts with additional annual income, all without raising taxes. Ridiculous. In our
“Argument Against” Measure T, we show their promises don’t hold up.
Also misleading are the “projections” about what the City says could happen if residents VOTE NO. If they must identify additional housing units, know that identifying and actual building differ completely, considering state population projections are flat through 2060, with development projects paused for years. Analysis shows compliance can happen without touching neighborhoods – starting with approving fewer mixed-use projects.
The City threat to increase density in neighborhoods already happened two years ago. The state altered single-family neighborhoods via Senate Bill 9, allowing up to 8 housing units on a single-family lot.
Buried is the fact that Measure T completely repeals voter-approved Measure Y. Perhaps
because Measure Y already puts more growth near transit/jobs/services and requires affordable housing, closing developer loopholes. The thriving city and vibrant downtown you love exist under Measure Y.
With unrelenting developer pressure and state overreach, it’s the worst time to remove Measure Y. Its resident-created protections are time-tested, providing power to the voters to balance Big Money’s influence.
Measure T is a bad solution to our housing and development future.
Vote based on facts, not fear.
VOTE NO ON MEASURE T
San Mateans for Responsive Government, No on T
www.SmarterGrowthSM.com
/s/ Michael Weinhauer August 18, 2024
President, Central Neighborhood Association
/s/ Karen Herrel August 17, 2024
Former Planning Commissioner
/s/ Joanne Bennett August 18, 2024
Board Member, Home Assoc of N Central San Mateo
/s/ Richard Neve August 18, 2024
Civics Director, Fiesta Gardens Home Association
/s/ Juanita Celaya August 17, 2024
Community Advocate
Join us today!
San Mateo is a wonderful city. Its charming neighborhoods, vibrant downtown and diverse population create an unmistakable sense of place. But we believe San Mateo can grow to be even better. For 30 years we've believed in protecting our neighborhood character and irreplaceable historic resources. We believe that balanced growth is a smarter path to more affordable housing and a better life for all -- without compromising the qualities that make San Mateo special.
Balanced Growth is Smarter Growth
Building heights of 55-75 feet (5-7 stories) allows significant, but balanced growth...
Housing Affordability
SMRG's long commitment to affordable housing...
The Abundance of Measure Y
Gallery of Bay Area development that fits within these standards...