The property owners submitted an application in October 2007 to redevelop 190,000 square feet of one- and two-story commercial/industrial buildings with up to 800,000 square feet of office use in three multi-story buildings up to 10 stories in height above four levels of parking.

City staff recommends the council to approve the EIR, approve changing the land use designation for the 11.89-acre parcel from light industrial to office research and adopt findings regarding the significant environmental impacts associated with the project, including increased traffic congestion.

The parcel is bound by Chess Drive, State Route 92, Foster City Boulevard and the Foster City Lagoon. The parcel is owned by Northwestern Mutual Life and Sea Cliff Properties.

The council endorsed the redevelopment of the property with increased density and intensity for commercial, office and industrial uses in February 2006.

Planning Commissioner Bob Werden indicated at the commission’s Oct. 1 meeting that the proposed density for the project is too great and that the proposed height of the project should be lowered.

Commissioner Noemi Avram indicated at the same meeting that the proposed design is not acceptable and the density is too great.

The council on Monday, however, will only be considering the environmental clearance and the General Plan amendments. If the council approves staff recommendations, the land owner will then negotiate a Development Agreement with the city over the next several months that then must be approved by the Planning Commission and City Council.

Traffic impacts are designated as significant and unavoidable and the city is hoping Caltrans will approve widening of the westbound State Route 92 onramp to lessen the impact.

Staff expects the development agreement to include provisions for payment of the development’s fair share of traffic improvements.

The council is being asked to consider a statement noting that the project’s benefits and economic, legal, social, environmental and other considerations of the project outweigh and make acceptable the unavoidable impacts.

The project is intended to attract desirable employers, create employment opportunities and create tax revenue for the city.

Another big project in Foster City, the Gilead Sciences Corporate Campus Master Plan, is set for a public hearing by the Planning Commission Thursday, Nov. 19.

The proposed project would amend the Vintage Park General Development Plan to increase the allowed square footage of the 17 building Gilead campus from 629,154 square feet to a total of 1,200,480 square feet in 17 buildings.

The project site is bound by East Third Avenue, Vintage Park Drive, Bridgepointe Shopping Center and Mariners Island. The property is approximately 40 acres.

The council meets 7:30 p.m., Nov. 2, Council Chambers, 620 Foster City Blvd. The Planning Commission meets Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 19, Council Chambers, 620 Foster City Blvd.

Bill Silverfarb can be reached by e-mail: silverfarb@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 106.