What is the Sensitivity Analysis?

• A preliminary review of potential traffic conditions and traffic-related impacts from the proposed Longfellow life science development “Project” compared to the “No Project” (current conditions and allowable uses under the Westport Specific Plan). The transportation report analyzes the Intersection Level of Service (LOS) for 20 intersections throughout Redwood Shores, and adjacent communities of Belmont and San Carlos. The report also includes an analysis of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) to evaluate the environmental impacts under the same Project & No Project scenarios.

• A first-pass assessment of the project’s potential future impact on the City’s wet utilities infrastructure (potable water, sanitary sewer, and storm drainage), as well as projected impacts from both the No Project/Existing Conditions and a Westport Specific Plan build-out. Pumps or pipelines that would likely need to be upgraded or replaced are identified.

• An overview of existing physical conditions and identification of any known environmental/CEQA issues that will need to be considered and/or addressed during the planning and environmental review process based on a review of available information, the Longfellow proposed project and initial technical studies. These studies include (1) air quality constraints assessment, (2) biological sensitivity memo, (3) archaeological sensitivity assessment of cultural & tribal resources, and (4) noise monitoring survey/site noise contours. The environmental report also includes (5) peer reviews of the applicant’s geotechnical report and (6) of the Phase 1 ESA covering hazardous materials/the landfill.

What the Sensitivity Analysis Isn’t:

• A complete set of answers to all the key questions posed so far by members of the community. The City acknowledges that we have heard your myriad concerns and comments throughout this process and knows that this report does not address all the issues raised. This report is the beginning of the conversation and not the end.

• A full CEQA analysis with impact findings and mitigation measures. This process was the initiative after City Council provided direction on the CEQA Project Alternative on April 14, 2025.

• UPDATE: the project applicant submitted a revised planning application on August 5, 2025. This revised application aligns with the CEQA Project Alternative. Therefore, the original project submitted in 2022 will not be studied as part of this process

To review these findings in more detail and answer follow-up questions from the public, the City hosted a webinar on the evening of January 30, 2025.