For the past few days, some in the community have been speculating what Bob Bisno has planned for Ponte Vista at this point. Here is the latest statement from Bob’s office informing you of his thoughts regarding the Planning Department’s staff recommendation:

We have looked at the Planning Department’s staff recommendation on Ponte Vista and found some positive information for us and the Harbor Area. The report recommends a multi-family development and does not support single-family homes, which we have always stated made no sense for the Ponte Vista site. The report endorses a mixed-income community, which we strongly believe is desperately needed for our working families, first-time buyers and young families. However, 310 homes for low income families, as suggested in the report, is a heavy burden for a community of approximately 1,200 homes to support. That is more than one out of every four homes. The report leaves out homes for working families; it leaves out the teachers, fire-fighters, police officers and union families that Ponte Vista provided for in its proposed specific plan. The recommendation basically creates two communities, one of expensive and high-end townhomes and one that is low-income to very low-income housing.  This is not smart planning.

The city planners missed the boat when they eliminated senior housing – one of the fastest, largest growing segments of our population.  The report states that Ponte Vista is not within walking distance of services, but we have committed to shuttle service and on-site retail to support senior needs.  We are in conversations with the MTA on increasing bus service to the site, and they have committed to working with us.