Who We Are:
We are a Citywide organization of residents concerned for our City’s future. We are actively involved in issues that are in agreement with our Principles and Goals as we strive to keep Palo Alto a unique place for raising families and fostering business innovation.
Our Mission:
Palo Altans for Sensible Zoning (PASZ) is a grass roots, political action committee dedicated to a high quality of life for Palo Alto residents and the innovative spirit that has made Palo Alto unique. We are for sensible land use planning and development and will continue to be advocates for mitigating the negative impacts of excessive development.
Our Vision:
We envision a dynamic Palo Alto that remains a family-oriented community with excellent schools, infrastructure and community services. Technology and business innovation are part of Palo Alto’s heritage and should be fostered. We envision a City that is not overwhelmed by excessive development. We value diversity, our historic resources, our neighborhoods, parks and open spaces, and support projects that enhance our quality of life
Our Goals:
- Ensure that the pace of development does not outstrip our infrastructure, schools and City services, or compromise the beauty and character of our City.
- Encourage Housing that Allows for a Diverse Economic Population
- Maintain our Community as a Great Place to Live
PASZ NEWS
EDITOR’S NOTE: The opinions expressed in the news items cited here do not necessarily represent the opinion of Palo Altans for Sensible Zoning. We try to present a balanced picture of the news on the subjects of housing and legislation.
The Failed Economics of Jobs-Housing Linkage
Developers would pay for only 20 percent of the demand their projects create – so why are we still building so much office space?
Stop the Loss of Local Control!
It’s not over… SB-50 may be shelved temporarily, but we are still under attack by Sacramento! There are a slew of other state/assembly bills that are moving forward which, if passed, will eliminate local governance over land use and zoning. Most of these proposed...
SB 50, SB 330 and Beyond
If you don’t know about what is going on in Sacramento proposed legislation this year yet, FIND OUT ABOUT IT FAST because it is coming for your home, your block, your neighborhood, and your community NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE IN CALIFORNIA.
Critical Joint Meeting of City Councils
Save Local Zoning Control
This coming Monday, May 6th, 5:00 p.m. the Palo Alto City Council is holding a special joint session with the Menlo Park and East Palo Alto City Councils — focused on SB 50 and other proposed state-mandated legislation that would destroy local zoning control and radically change our family residential neighborhoods forever!
Planning for Rising Waters
Save Palo Alto's Groundwater and the City of Palo Altoare pleased to present Planning for Rising Waters:Sea Level, Ground Water and the Bay Edge Dr. Kristina HillAssoc. Professor, Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning and Urban Design, U.C. Berkeley April...
Keep the Downtown Cap
This coming Monday, the City Council will consider the repeal and elimination of the Downtown Commercial Cap (officially known as the Non-Residential Square Footage Cap), which sets specific limits on the level of office & hotel growth in the downtown area and helps lower traffic congestion throughout the City.
Proposed City Law Threatens Housing and Renters
All Palo Altans should urge the Planning and Transportation Commission to reject a controversial proposal that would make it easier for City staff to cast aside or “adjust” existing laws.
Read more…
Eliminating President Hotel Housing
Although providing more housing is a Council priority, Palo Alto’s City Council plans to vote this Monday instead on possibly eliminating 75 small Downtown apartment units by changing a law to help the new owners of the President Hotel Apartments convert it into a hotel.