Bay Meadows demolition moves ahead

After reviewing additional information compiled by city staff and making a few minor changes, the commission reversed its sentiment from last month and decided to give the plan its stamp of approval. On Feb. 23, the commission voted 3-2 against recommending the study to the City Council because of what it felt was an inadequate review of traffic, water and historical significance issues.

Commission Chair Brandt Grotte reversed his previous vote because he said there was enough additional information to work with. Commissioners Robert Gooyer and Fred Hansson also voted to recommend the study. Commissioner Torin Knorr voted against the recommendation and Commissioner Bertha Sanchez was absent.

"In my heart I want to see Bay Meadows stay," Knorr said to the 50 people gathered at the meeting. "As a planner I am hearing you say it's part of our lives. We really need to listen to our hearts."

The study, which is reviewed by the commission before going to the City Council, is a prelude to any development on the transit corridor in the area where Highway 101, State Route 92, the Caltrain line and El Camino Real intersect. But it is still the thumbnail plans to tear down the 83-acre race track which prompted an emotional six-hour public hearing last month and equally emotional testimony last night.

"I think there is a bit of [nimbyism] going on," said Commissioner Gooyer. "I would love to keep my neighborhood the way it is but change is going to happen ... and it should be planned changed."

Tuesday night's discussion and vote involved two separate but related plans — the Rail Corridor Plan and the Bay Meadows Specific Plan.

Bay Meadows Land Company wants to create a transit-oriented development with 1,250 residential units, 1.25 million square feet of office space and 150,000 square feet of retail space. The land, the owners say, is too valuable to remain a race track.

The other is a plan to redevelop the rail corridor around Bay Meadows into transit-based offices and housing.

Both will move to the City Council for approval.

Dana Yates can be reached by e-mail: dana@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 106. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.