Posted by Resident
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Oct 20, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Resident is a registered user.

“One structural quirk of FEMA funding is the benefit-to-cost ratio, which rates projects based on the value of FEMA investment dollars compared to the value of the infrastructure to be protected. Cities with high-value developments receive funds to protect those structures, but in places such as East Palo Alto, where development has lagged, there aren't many large, valuable structures to protect.

“The bayfront part of Menlo Park scored a 'nine' on FEMA's benefit-cost scale because of its valuable real estate, which includes Pacific Gas & Electric and Meta campuses.”


Or, restated in fewer words: “Hey Meta, everybody knows with 100% certainty that area is going to be underwater, but here's a City permit to build your giant tech campus there anyway, because when the time comes we public will bail you out!”

Posted by NTB2
a resident of College Terrace
on Oct 21, 2023 at 10:40 pm
NTB2 is a registered user.

Really good article! Bravo Sue.

And yet PACC votes to slap 2000 dwellings in Bayshore against Freeway and Industrial sites w no planning for sea level rise. I just wonder: are these primarily low income planned units? Is this what Palo Alto wishes will be the first line, a duel purpose two’fer defense to soak up the rising flood waters and proved housing?

And are these built dwellings going to allow the interior of our sacred SFH to remain dry?
Here are some quotes from the article that caught my attention :
“Meadow Circle upgrades are scheduled to be installed within the next six months. The projects will eliminate flooding that occurs along East Meadow Circle due to water levels on Barron Creek.” Is this enough infrastructure & for 2000 units for humans in the ROLM/Indus/Com CC falling all over themselves in joy over ? Will the 2000 be on stilts , built over drain dykes?

“The best way to build climate resistance in underserved communities is by packaging their needs with that of their neighbors,”

Uh yes. Infill housing through out the more climate accommodating city not primarily at the edge of the rising bay water and old toxic industry sites.

“And perhaps building would need to be prohibited in some shoreline areas.”

Is Palo Alto click baiting the rise of the bay away ??? No Climate Change will happen in my front or my back yard.

I don’t believe anything Council Member Pat Burt says from his leadership role. So says in support of the environmental, climate or bike bridges over freeways— when wholeheartedly throws his SFHowner vote for 2000 housing units and 82 supportive housing shelters at the water rise site, right next to a dump and a cadaverous wastewater plant. Pooh on the council’s hypocrisy in racial equity, economic inclusion, sustainability and climate awareness ... we’ve been sandbagged into untruths. Selling electric heat pumps from Dias like a silver bullet is the most self indulgent preening ever .Phooey & dough.