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In Atherton’s wealthy Bay Area enclave, the city council faced a whirlwind of emotion, celebrity objections, and high stakes as they debated the town’s future housing plan. Here’s the lowdown.
The Crunch-Time Decision
Atherton, renowned as the wealthiest ZIP code in the US, had a pressing January 31 deadline to agree on a housing plan, and the evening’s deliberations stretched over four hours. The outcome? A commitment to 348 additional housing units by 2031. But it’s still being determined if the state of California will deem this adequate.
Steph Curry’s Backyard Concerns
Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry emerged as a surprising voice of concern. Previously taking over the “not in my backyard” (NIMBY) torch from venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, Curry expressed concerns about developing a property near his residence at 23 Oakwood Blvd. The Curry family’s plea? The town can move forward with its housing plans without including this property. Should it be included, the Currys requested a fence to ensure their privacy.
Tensions High, Emotions Raw
The evening was marked by passionate community input – from tearful residents begging property owner David Arata not to develop his land to others expressing concerns about traffic and changes to the town’s fabric. Residents wore green shirts emblazoned with “Like a good neighbor, 23 Oakwood is there”, possibly signaling support for Curry’s stance.
Tom, a resident, eloquently captured the town’s sentiments, “…It’s not what we all paid to be here for. It’s not fair. It’s attacking everyone’s values and their lives.”
Between A Rock and A Hard Place
At the heart of the issue are California’s housing mandates, updated every eight years. With California’s ongoing housing crisis, these mandates are more stringent than ever, forcing towns like Atherton to revisit their housing strategies. The goal is to address a growing need for affordable housing, even in affluent areas.
Despite the local resistance, city council members acknowledged the genuine housing needs in Atherton. As Vice Mayor Diana Hawkins-Manuelian pointed out, “…our police and fire travel multiple hours to get to their jobs every day; this is a real thing. And we do need to address it.”
The Final Compromise
The council, in the end, conceded some ground. While some development ideas were scrapped, new housing units at Menlo College were greenlit. They also agreed on heavy reliance on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which often serve family members or become additional income sources for homeowners. However, the willingness of residents to rent out these ADUs for “affordable housing” remains dubious at best.
As Atherton faces its housing future and navigates state requirements, this recent council meeting will undoubtedly be remembered for its blend of celebrity influence, passionate pleas, and the ever-challenging quest for middle ground.
