Belmont has little say over controversial development

During a Planning Commission meeting Aug. 19, many residents voiced opposition to the project, citing traffic concerns especially on Hiller Street, and the lack of congruence with the rest of the neighborhood.

Planning Commissioner Nathan Majeski also criticized the developer, Prometheus Real Estate Group, for its subpar design, echoing commenters’ concerns that it doesn’t fit well within the area.

“You guys are doing what you think you can do with your lawyers and the state laws in a small community, and as you can hear from everyone who came here, what you’re doing is ugly and you know it,” Majeski said. “It’s pathetic, and I hope it’s worth the money.”

Others, including Commissioner Joanne Adamkewicz said the city had envisioned more mixed-use development in the area, but it’s “headed in the wrong direction” as more businesses are closing to make room for residential development, most of which doesn’t include ground floor retail.

“We are losing six businesses at 951 Old County Road … we are losing multiple restaurants, a nail salon and a very cherished school,” she said. “If we do it over and over and over, what we are going to be left with is a bedroom community that has no commercial, residential or recreational amenities, and pretty soon it won't be a good place to live.”

But due to increasing state legislation over the last few years, cities are limited in the kinds of conditions it can impose on certain residential developments — especially when they provide a certain amount of affordable units and are close to public transit. The project qualifies as by-right under state regulations, meaning it isn’t subject to conditional use provisions or the California Environmental Quality Act.

To meet its state-mandated housing goals, or Regional Housing Needs Allocation, Belmont must approve 1,735 housing units between 2023-31. So far, it has approved 549 units from major development projects in the current RHNA cycle.