San Leandro residents demand transparency on waterfront development and air quality issues

Residents of San Leandro voiced their concerns during the City Council meeting on December 16, 2024, highlighting issues of transparency, public engagement, and environmental health. Long-time resident and business owner expressed frustration over the reduction of public comment time from three minutes to two, criticizing the council for a lack of responsiveness and clarity regarding financial matters, particularly the decision to sell city property for just $1.

The speaker emphasized the struggles of small businesses in the city, questioning the fairness of giving away valuable assets to large corporations while local enterprises face significant challenges. “It’s ridiculous,” they stated, calling for more accountability and transparency in city dealings.

Another resident raised concerns about the city’s parking system, detailing a frustrating experience with the ParkMobile app, which has been criticized for its inefficiency. They questioned the costs associated with the current system and the planned transition to a new parking payment method, suggesting that many residents have faced fines due to the app's shortcomings.

Environmental issues also took center stage, with students from San Leandro High School presenting findings from their research on air pollution in the city. They highlighted that neighborhoods on the West Side are among the most polluted in California, correlating high pollution levels with increased health risks, particularly for children. “Clean air is a basic right, not a privilege,” one student asserted, advocating for stronger environmental protections and public health initiatives.

The meeting underscored a growing demand for greater transparency and action from city officials, as residents seek to address pressing issues affecting their community. As discussions continue, the council faces mounting pressure to respond to these concerns and improve the quality of life in San Leandro.