Bay Meadows redevelop decision? Don't bet on it

The Bay Meadows Land Company wants to demolish its 83.5-acre race track and build 1,250 residential units, 1.25 million square feet of office space and 150,000 square feet of retail space. The plan also calls for 15 acres of open space, including a 12-acre park and two medium-sized parks.

Last night's meeting began at 5:30 p.m. and at 10 p.m., commissioners were only discussing items at the beginning of a long list of unresolved issues. About 25 people submitted requests to speak during the public hearing. At 10 p.m., the public comment period hadn't begun and commission Chair Robert Gooyer said at the beginning of the evening the meeting would not go past 11 p.m.

Without a decision, the public hearing is continued to Aug. 9, the commission's next regularly scheduled meeting.

In the meantime, the city might look into bettering its communication with neighborhood associations. At least three residents, speaking on behalf of their neighborhood associations, criticized the city for not giving people enough time to review revised documents. They are also concerned the city is attempting to rush through the process, without taking the time to answer every question.

"The accelerated feeling we get leaves a lot of questions for us," said Mike Germano, president of the Beresford/Hillsdale Homeowners Association.

Germano said receiving the revised documents in the mail on Saturday made it impossible for every association board member to review and discuss it before the Tuesday night meeting.

For those who didn't get a hard copy mailed to them, the city's Web site provided a faulty link to the meeting's agenda and staff reports.

Commissioner Bertha Sanchez received applause from the audience when she made an early call to delay last night's decision.

"In terms of public relations, we are trying to get the community to participate in decisions, not just Bay Meadows," Sanchez said. "If we cut them off we are actively discouraging them from participating in any city activity."

Other commissioners seems partial to postponing the meeting, but also brought up new ideas for discussion.

Commissioner Torin Knorr presented a proposal to combine small parks into a larger park, much like the existing Central Park in downtown San Mateo. His plan also proposes the elimination of a street to make room for the park.

The plan was presented, but not discussed.

The commission will meet again Aug. 9. The project will progress to the City Council after the commission votes.

Dana Yates can be reached by e-mail: dana@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com