MidPen began its community outreach in 2013 as part of the Housing Element update process and the Belle Haven Vision and Action Plan. Since then, several community and resident meetings have been held to help inform Phase 1 of Gateway redevelopment (Sequoia Belle Haven) and Phase II (Gateway Family). Below is a list of the more recent community outreach conducted for Gateway Family, as well as feedback we’ve received to-date and how it’s help shape our current design.​
  • April/May, 2017:  Met one-on-one with community members
  • May 3, 2017:  Presented at Belle Haven Neighborhood Association Meeting (“BHNA”)
  • May 17, 2017:  Held meeting with existing Gateway residents
  • May/June, 2017:  Conducted door-to-door outreach on 1200 and 1300 blocks of Carlton
  • June 5, 2017:  Participated in City sponsored community meeting
  • June 13, 2017:  Attended house meeting hosted by Carlton Ave homeowner
  • June 15, 2017:  Hosted Grand Opening for Sequoia Belle Haven. Invited community members, including Carlton Avenue neighbors and BHNA​
  • June 19, 2017:  Hosted Property tour for community. Toured Gateway and Sequoia Belle Haven.
  • June, 2017:  Conducted door-to-door outreach on 1200 and 1300 blocks of Carlton
  • July 10, 2017: Attended house meeting hosted by Carlton Ave homeowner
  • July 12, 2017: Held meeting with existing Gateway residents
  • July 13. 2017: Met one-on-one with community members
  • June 21, 2018:  Held meeting with existing Gateway residents
  • July 9, 2018:  Held meeting with Carlton neighbors at Sequoia Belle Haven
  • November 7, 2018: Presented at Belle Haven Neighborhood Association
  • December 10, 2018:  Held meeting with existing Gateway residents  
  • December 17, 2018: Held a community meeting at the Senior Center
  • January 30, 2019: Held a community meeting at the Senior Center 

What we heard...


What we’ve heard from community meetings:
  • Universal concern expressed was height/density. Many prefer a 3-story building.
  • Concerned about “blocky” feel of entry.
  • Concerned about amount of parking.
  • While many want to see affordable housing spread throughout City, many also recognize need for more affordable housing in Belle Haven.
  • Strong support for housing serving households <60% AMI.
  • No consensus on type of retail use. Many would prefer 100% housing.
  • Majority of comments that traffic on Willow needs to be addressed.
  • Most common concern was lack of neighborhood-serving retail.
  • Overwhelming support for a Belle Haven preference (live/work).
  • Pedestrian safety concerns on Ivy Dr. 
  • Interest in Mural 
  • ​Large play spaces 
What we’ve heard from Carlton residents:
  • Concerned about the potential loss of privacy.
  • Reduce height and push buildings as close to Willow as possible.
  • Support balconies facing Carlton in select locations.
  • Support non-residential spaces on higher floors.
  • Many neighbors just had solar panels installed and are concerned that new building height may impact.
  • Neighbors like the rear wall at property line and wants to see it stay.
  • Neighbor shared desire to see flat roofs instead of pitched like Sequoia.
  • Prefer maximizing density by having no retail and lowering building height at parts of building.
  • Asked that during construction, workers do not park in the neighborhood, especially along Hamilton.
What we’ve heard from our Gateway residents:
  • Overwhelming support for the redevelopment of Gateway.
  • Eager to have the construction complete as soon as possible.
  • Recognize temporary relocation is part of the process.
  • Support a proposal with no retail.
  • Residents excited about improved amenities, outdoor gathering space and safe play area for children.
  • Shared their vision for their new community:
    • Air-conditioning in units
    • Larger units
    • More functional unit layout (separation of bathroom/bedroom)
    • Outdoor dog area
    • Storage for bikes
    • Larger laundry facilities
    • Better soundproofing
    • Outdoor BBQ area

Evolution of Proposed Design

Early Studies:
  • 4 story building
  • 158 Apartments
  • 200 parking spaces
Current Proposed Design, January 2019:
  • 2, 3, & 4 story building
  • 140 Apartments
  • 177 parking spaces