Senator Becker Statement on 80 Willow Road Development Proposal

Senator Josh Becker (D–Menlo Park) issued the following statement regarding the proposed development at 80 Willow Road in Menlo Park:

“The mammoth project proposed for development at 80 Willow Road in Menlo Park was, and continues to be, the prime example of why the builders remedy process needs major reforms.

 “That’s why I introduced legislation to reform the housing element approval process and protect our cities from those seeking to exploit the system. The bill would have prevented builders remedy projects if a city submitted a compliant housing element, even if the state didn’t give its official stamp of approval until after the submission deadline had passed.

 “While that bill didn’t advance in the Legislature, I continue to believe that reforms are needed statewide, and that this project, specifically, is totally out of line with California’s housing goals, the needs of the community, and smart planning principles.”