Burlingame balancing future growth concerns

The plan, which is set to be reviewed by community members at a meeting Wednesday, is crafted to set policy direction for addressing issues standing to shape the community’s future character.

While officials recognize the document’s utility in addressing a variety of important subjects, they agree it is likely most valuable as a tool for measuring expected residential development next to the need to preserve the community’s values.

“We have to balance our growth … in a way that retains the city’s charm,” said Councilwoman Ann Keighran.

Councilwoman Donna Colson shared a similar perspective, while suggesting that identifying areas deemed appropriate for new housing was an important initiative as well.

Residential development was a key focus of the general plan drafting process, as officials weighed their considerations of reasonable growth against a state agency’s recommendation.

The Association of Bay Area Governments, or ABAG, claimed in its Regional Housing Need Allocation study that Burlingame should construct an additional 850 units to accommodate anticipated growth.

Officials in Burlingame, as well as colleagues in many other surrounding cities, must consider that figure alongside the expectation of community members who may resist such a significant building boom.

Though they have no obligation to comply with the regional allocation, officials have acknowledged there is insufficient housing to address the demand to live in or around Burlingame.

Keighran and Colson pointed to the proposed development of nearly 400 units spread through a variety of projects offered near downtown which could help meet the allocation.

Officials’ desire to ramp up residential development is reflected in the plan as well, as the draft suggests building new units at the northern end of the city along Rollins Road near Millbrae could be in order.

While the area is considered desirable for growth as it is close to the Millbrae BART station, one region off the table for potential housing is the city’s Bayfront.

Officials had eyed opening up the area east of Highway 101 to new homes, but ultimately backed away from the idea for fear of infringing on the city’s thriving network of hotels. The lack of infrastructure designed for accommodating residents was cited as justification for pulling back the Bayfront development proposal as well.

When examining growth issues, Colson said officials also need to work with the city’s business and school communities to assure those industries are ready to take on potential growth impacts.

To that end, Keighran said merchants along Broadway are examining the plan and are expected to offer their feedback on ways it could help stimulate the independent business district.

Some store owners had suggested previously they may support loosening zoning regulations around Broadway to encourage residential development, in hopes of generating more foot traffic to patronize their businesses.

They also acknowledged though complaints around a lack of parking are commonly expressed by shoppers, and building new homes in the area may compound those issues.

Balancing a similar set of desires and concerns on a larger scale is the task before officials, who requested community perspective shared through the plan review process to help manage future issues.

“This is an exciting time for Burlingame to have the opportunity to look at the general plan,” said Keighran.

The draft general plan is available at envisionburlingame.org and it will be addressed during a community study session 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the Burlingame Recreation Center, 850 Burlingame Ave.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

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