Neighbors urge transparency as Housing Authority revises Buena Vista plans; council seeks more information

Several speakers during public comment urged the Palo Alto City Council to demand more transparency about changes to the County Housing Authority’s plans for the Buena Vista mobile home park and an amended regulatory agreement between the authority and the city.

Winter Dellenbach and other speakers said they had provided updated information to council members about a revised Buena Vista plan that reduces the number of new apartments on Parcel A after prior commitments and that they remain unclear about trees, deed restrictions and possible reuse of funds. "Given how much the city has invested in Buena Vista in the last 13 years, including $14.5 million of developer fees toward its purchase, transparency is simply the responsibility and the responsible thing to do," Dellenbach said.

Council members expressed concern and asked for a fuller staff briefing. Council Member Burt asked when a public council discussion could be scheduled; City Manager Ed Shikada said staff and the city attorney are in consultation and would brief the mayor and council on next steps. Council members requested a public meeting for council to get an update and expressed strong interest in formal presentation to address outstanding questions about the amended regulatory agreement, tree removal and the status of the 75‑year deed restriction.

Ending: Council directed staff to consult with the city attorney and return with a recommendation on next steps; several council members urged that a formal public update and discussion be scheduled when staff are ready to present more detail.