Apartment plan scaled back into rehab project

Plans to rehabilitate a 308-unit complex in San Bruno, rather than demolish it and add additional units, will soon be coming before the San Bruno Planning Commission. Years ago, San Bruno approved plans to demolish the vacant 308-unit Treetops Apartment complex on Susan Drive and replace it with the 510-unit building. Without the funding to make that plan happen, Aimco, the development company, scaled back the proposal. Now called the Pacific Bay Vistas project, the plans will go before the Planning Commission May 18. Mayor Jim Ruane called the updated plan promising. He noted the city worked with Aimco to be sure plans are contemporary while meeting code. "We're really excited about it," said Aimco Senior Vice President Patti Shwayder. A number of years ago, the city approved plans to demolish the 308-unit development and build a 510-unit complex. At the time, there were many concerns from local resident about traffic increases. Changes were made to address those needs like keeping Susan Drive a public street, increasing parking and removing originally proposed townhouses. Those plans are no longer economically feasible, said Shwayder. However, Aimco likes the area and decided to take a different approach. Now the plans call for an rehabilitation of the existing units, a new clubhouse and a new leasing office. Once completed, the development will offer 84 small one-bedroom/one-bath, 98 large one-bedroom/one-bath, 84 two-bedroom/one-bath, and 42 two-bedroom/two-bath apartments. Complete interior and exterior renovations of the units are proposed: including replacement of wallboard, ceiling and floor coverings, new cabinets and appliances, new plumbing and electric, repaired roofs, siding replacement and new waterproofing measures. Fourteen three-story complexes along with a recreation center and clubhouse are planned. Community Development Director Aaron Aknin noted the loss in units will reduce the city's availability to meet the regional housing demand. "While the proposed project will not go quite as far as the previously approved project in meeting our regional housing goals, it is still going to be a huge positive for the neighborhood to get a nicely remodeled apartment complex," he said. If all goes as planned, Shwayder hoped to start construction late this year. A community meeting will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 5 at the Senior Center, 1555 Crystal Springs Road. The topic will go before the Planning Commission later in May. Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.