This letter was first published at the Daily Journal here.
Editor,
If people don’t believe there is a need in our community for housing that people can afford, I encourage them to get involved with organizations like Samaritan House. Seeing the struggles that so many families face can really open your eyes to the challenges right here in San Mateo. People asking for help have jobs like you and me but costs have risen so rapidly — much of it in rent. It is gobbling up food and basic necessities budgets. The need is real, and it’s growing.
What I hear from a lot of people is a concern about protecting single-family neighborhoods. Measure T isn’t about disrupting those neighborhoods. Instead, it focuses on building affordable housing along transit corridors, in areas where it makes the most sense. These are spaces already designed for growth, and putting homes near public transit is a smart, efficient way to help more people live and work here without adding to traffic.
For me, the environmental impact of Measure T is just as important. By building near transit, we reduce long commutes, car dependence and emissions. It’s a win-win for both the people who need housing and the planet.
Measure T offers a thoughtful solution to a pressing issue. It’s not just about housing — it’s about keeping our community connected, supporting our local workforce, and protecting the environment for future generations. I’m voting yes on Measure T because it’s the right step forward for San Mateo.
Mary Burns
San Mateo
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