City Council approves housing element changes after addressing state concerns

The Atherton Town Council's Planning Commission meeting on February 26, 2025, highlighted significant progress in the town's housing element, with recent updates approved by the city council. The commission confirmed that the updated housing element will be posted online for public review for seven days before submission to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

During the meeting, it was noted that minor adjustments were made to the housing element to address concerns raised by HCD. These included enhanced analysis of the Sacred Heart and Menlo College sites to confirm their accessibility and infrastructure adequacy. Additionally, the commission responded to feedback from a housing advocacy group regarding design standards that could hinder development, ensuring that the standards still support viable housing projects.

The meeting concluded with a commendation for the collaborative efforts that guided the housing element updates, emphasizing the importance of navigating the complexities of housing development without encountering significant obstacles. The commission expressed optimism about submitting the revised document soon and looks forward to receiving feedback from HCD.