Judge rules against city in lawsuit

Redwood City officials failed to fully investigate how a downtown development plan could affect historic structures or lead to shadows cast by tall buildings, according to a judge's tentative ruling made public ...

[Rich in Redwood City]

It's understandable that the owner of this building is concerned about the impact of new structures on his building. However, why did this owner wait so long to bring this problem to the attention of the city? There was more than ample time during the Plan review period, with many open meetings. Is this Attorney just looking for some compensation or is he just anti-growth?

[dan]

Carcione has been fighting the city over this issue for years, it is not new.

[ryand]

Rich in Redwood City wrote:

It's understandable that the owner of this building is concerned about the impact of new structures on his building. However, why did this owner wait so long to bring this problem to the attention of the city? There was more than ample time during the Plan review period, with many open meetings. Is this Attorney just looking for some compensation or is he just anti-growth?

Carcione's concerns have been out there for a long time. Issues like shadows were brought up at some of these meetings you referred to, but the City chose to downplay them. Actually, the more significant aspect of this ruling may be the judge's criticisms regarding the city's handling of historical buildings. If her views are upheld, it may torpedo the entire Precise Plan. Historically, it has always been incredibly difficult and expensive to do any major redevelopment in RWC. Sequoia Station took 10 to 15 years to accomplish and the downtown Cineplex has been hideously expensive. So it looks like this is going to be another legal football for years to come. Carcione is not going to give up on this. As an attorney, he has a pit bull mentality. I don't think he's doing this for the money and he isn't antigrowth.