One has to take government studies, and especially their forecasts, with a grain or two of salt. None more so than what is put out regularly by ABAG and its associated groups. The Daily Post and the Daily Journal are highlighting a recent report that notes 22,000 jobs have disappeared from San Mateo County since 2007. I love how the Post lays out its front pages. Right next to the lost jobs headline is one that reads "Demand for 12,000 new homes criticized". You might skim the page and think the 12,000 new homes are for the County, but that is the 25 year forecast just for Palo Alto.
These forecasts are regular occurrences. Unfortunately we can't ignore them because as the Post notes
...the city (meaning Palo Alto) will have to start building or suffer the consequences. The consequences could include losing the ability to get state funds to improve transit, water and sewer lines, and, ironically, build affordable housing.
All this gets one thinking "What is Burlingame's state-mandated number?" You can view the report from One Bay Area here. It predicts we will gain 4,823 jobs and suggests/mandates that we add housing for 6,184 households! One local expert notes
keep in mind the projections are unconstrained; that is, they do not take into account any restrictions at the local level that would prevent the projected growth (e.g. infrastructure capacity, available land, other factors).
So, as the Post article concludes--there are carrots and sticks that the State has at its disposal to force cities to grow like this. Neither can overcome the biggest stick of all--the local economy.
Anything the Post Newspaper prints or predicts is regurgitated propaganda.
The Post newspaper represents a strictly Republican-Tea Party point of view.
I do not care one way or another.
However, publications like these should be forthcoming with their political agenda.
The Post, as well as other "Community Tabloids" are attempting to get a political foothold in the SF Bay Area.
Please use "critical thinking" when reading this newspaper or any.
The Post presents itself as a Muckraker.
That being the case; The Post should have no issue with the disclosure of information I have seen asked for on this site.
Send an email or letter everyone.
Posted by: Larry David | April 26, 2011 at 05:31 PM
The Bay Area could use a big cup of Tea. It has been drinking Kook Aid for 30 years and look where it has gotten us.
You sound a little like Holyroller but with an accent.
Posted by: Anne | April 26, 2011 at 07:47 PM
If we just do what they want and build 250 new houses a year--sorry, 247 new houses a year--everything will be OK. Sacramento = Stupido
Posted by: Kevin Costner | April 26, 2011 at 10:19 PM