What is Measure Q in Half Moon Bay?

Measure Q addresses the proposed 99-year ground lease for the property located at 555 Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay, California.

NO ON Q

Illustration of a multistory residential building

Illustration of a tree-lined property with a one-story house

Half Moon Bay Can’t Afford Measure Q

Measure Q authorizes a long-term ground lease and related housing development agreements that are poorly structured and could weaken the City’s financial position. These agreements could cost the City hundreds of thousands of dollars and leave Half Moon Bay residents vulnerable to future tax increases. Stronger lease terms and development agreements are needed to reduce the City’s financial risk.

Measure Q allows the housing development to proceed under the existing deficient agreements instead of requiring the City to negotiate stronger terms that support stable, dignified housing and reduce financial risk.Voters should reject Measure Q.

NO ON Q

Demanding Better Plans: Vote NO and demand that our City Council return to the drawing board to build appropriate, well-planned housing. It isn't a rejection of our farm workers.

Demanding Financial Responsibility: Vote NO to a 99-Year, $1 Giveaway: Our city leaders want to sign over public land—paid for by your tax dollars— for 99 years at just $1 a year.

Send a Message for Local Control: Vote NO to reject Sacramento politicians, San Mateo Board of Supervisors, outside special interest groups and big developers dictating how our town grows. A NO vote forces the City Council to come back to the table and find a better solution that actually fits our downtown neighborhood.

Dignity Doesn’t Require High-Rises: Vote NO to reject a five-story tower. You can support high-quality, affordable, inclusive and supportive housing without a massive five-story complex that alters our historic downtown. We can build respectful, safe, and beautifully integrated homes that fit our coastal community's character rather than relying on out-of-scale high-density mandates.

Our Voice Counts: Vote NO to protect the public’s voice. It is our responsibility to preserve our community’s say in the decisions that will shape its future. Our local leaders blocked our voices from the official voter guide, but they cannot stop us at the ballot box. Let’s protect our small-town character and demand a better plan for Half Moon Bay.

Get the Facts:

Myth Vs. Fact FAQ's

Myth Vs. Fact

Half Moon Bay Can’t Afford Measure Q

Myth: The project was approved through a high level of scrutiny.

Fact: A full Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was not prepared.

Myth: The State Law Suit is about the project at 555 Kelly.

Fact: The State's Law Suit is not about 555 Kelly. The July 2026 enforcement action concerns Half Moon Bay's broader Housing Element compliance, not 555 Kelly specifically.

Myth: There are no traffic problems on Kelly Avenue.

Fact: The City relied on the technical memorandum prepared by DKS Associates in an April 12, 2024. That memorandum explains that DKS conducted Transportation Impact Analysis which counted cars in early November 2023, at three intersections for only two weekdays and for limited hours and on one Sunday for a few hours. DKS did not count traffic during the spring, summer, or in October when traffic on Kelly Ave is congested.

Myth: The intersection at the project driveway and Kelly is safe.

Fact: A ghost bike was placed on Kelly Avenue near the Ted Adcock Community Center following the fatal collision of 75-year-old local bicyclist Wang Jiuxiang, who was struck and killed by a motorist in the 500 block of Kelly Avenue on February 9, 2023. This was not the only memorial posts that appeared near that intersection, in 2018 and 2019 memorials were placed marking that hazardous intersection.

Myth: The parking garage meets projected parking demand.

Fact: DKS Associates estimated the parking demand for 27–34 spaces, but the project is providing for only 18 parking spaces. DKS Associates determined that because the 5-Story building would not provide enough parking spaces for future residents, the use of existing public parking at the Ted Adcock center, surrounding neighborhoods and downtown parking spaces will be needed.

Myth: The City has a Major Transit Stop and therefore a 5-Story building should be built.

Fact: In December 2024, the City Council determined that Half Moon Bay does NOT have a “major transit stop” however because 555 Kelly planning permit was approved prior to the December 2024 Council determination, the planning permit remained.