As many of you know, San Mateo County has proposed to purchase the Coastside Inn, located at 230 Cabrillo Highway S, in Half Moon Bay, to provide shelter and support to homeless individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The County would use Cares Act Funding from the Federal Government to finance the purchase, and their ability to use these funds expires on December 30, 2020.

This has led to a very compressed timeline, and many members of the community have expressed concerns about the proposed use, the process, and lack of community involvement in the decision-making process. The Half Moon Bay City Council held two public meetings on the proposed acquisition since being notified of the project in mid-November, including a special meeting on November 19 as well as their regular meeting held on December 1. County leadership participated in both meetings. Hundreds of community members attended those meetings (virtually), with many sharing their views on the proposed acquisition, both for and against. City Council members expressed support for the project, but shared concerns and expectations of collaboration between the City, the County, local non-profits and businesses, and the community at large.

Due to emergency powers available to the County through the Cares Act and state legislation, the City has no regulatory authority over the acquisition and proposed use, but is working closely with the County to ensure local residents have a voice in the process. If the County moves forward with the acquisition, the City Council and staff will continue to advocate for the community and work with the County to ensure the project is successful – getting our homeless residents into stable and affordable housing where they can overcome challenges in their lives and achieve self-sufficiency, while maintaining the safety and health of all residents and visitors in Half Moon Bay and the Coastside.

The Board of Supervisors will consider approval of the acquisition at their regular meeting on December 8, 2020. The agenda for that meeting, as well as information on how you can participate and share your views on the proposal will be posted soon on their website.