Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Steph Curry sent a controversial response to a building project near his $30 million mansion in the Bay Area but was still given an NBA service award.

Stephen Curry bought a mansion in the Bay Area for an estimated $30 million. ( Image: Getty Images)

Who would have thought that Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is perhaps the NBA’s most controversial J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award winner? The guard received the 2022-23 honor for being “a player, coach or athletic trainer who shows outstanding service and dedication to the community” — however, his record in the Bay Area is under scrutiny.

In January, Curry sent a controversial letter to government officials opposing low-income housing in his affluent neighborhood of Atherton, California, where he owns a mansion worth an estimated $30 million.

Critics say this should have disqualified him from J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award contention, even though he has used personal funds to promote youth literacy, fitness, and nutrition through his Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation.

A perceived lack of support from America’s wealthiest people toward low-income housing measures has for years been a hot-button issue, given persistent homelessness in the Bay Area, and Curry’s actions have been poorly received by many locals.

He seemed somewhat self-aware of how he might be seen in his letter to officials, though, acknowledging he risked fitting into the “not in our backyard rhetoric.”

“As Atherton residents — specifically Selby Lane — we have been following along with the Housing Element updates with special interest in the 23 Oakwood property,” he and his wife Ayesha wrote.

“We were pleased when the December meeting concluded with leaving multi-family housing off of private properties and the Council’s recognition that 23 Oakwood does not contribute to the very-low or low income numbers required by the State.

“We hesitate to add to the ‘not in our backyard’ (literally) rhetoric, but we wanted to send a note before today’s meeting. Safety and privacy for us and our kids continues to be our top priority and one of the biggest reasons we chose Atherton as home.

With the density being proposed for 23 Oakwood, there are major concerns in terms of both privacy and safety with three-story townhomes looming directly behind us.

“We kindly ask that the Town adopts the new Housing Element without the inclusion of 23 Oakwood. Should that not be sufficient for the State, we ask that the Town commits to investing in considerably taller fencing and landscaping to block sight lines onto our family’s property.”

The Golden State Warriors have won four NBA titles since drafting Stephen Curry. ( Image: Getty Images)
Curry’s mansion is 17,761 square feet and is on 1.7 acres of land. It boasts a movie theater, pool, sundeck, seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms. The Warriors guard carries a net worth of about $100 million, according to Forbes.

He is a four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP. His low-key demeanor, baby-faced looks and killer on-court play have made him one of the most beloved athletes in Bay Area history, residential opinions notwithstanding.

The 35-year-old guided Golden State to the Western Conference semifinals this past season, with his team losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

In addition to the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, Curry also took home the 2022-23 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award.

He was chosen ahead of four finalists: Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., San Antonio Spurs guard Tre Jones, Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul and Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams.