Block 20 faces pushback from San Mateo neighborhood

But during a June 25 Planning Commission meeting, residents were apprehensive about the project’s current state, noting the effects it could have on nearby historic-designated structures, not just the Japanese American Community Center, but also the Yoshiko Yamanouchi house located about a quarter-mile away. 

“We are concerned with the cumulative Block 20 construction trucks, combined with the truck traffic from South Amphlett,” resident Laurie Watanuki, who lives in the Yamanouchi house, said. “It’s important to preserve our historic resources from dust, air pollution, truck vibrations and diesel particulates.”

Others echoed similar sentiments, with resident Michele Fernandes stating that building such a development in a “cute and historical district” would bring “significant shadow impacts” in certain areas and would not fit in with the rest of the neighborhood. 

Safari Kid owner Sudhir Mathur said he was supportive of the project, but was mostly wary of the construction impacts on his business, as many parents may withdraw their children over the noise and potential privacy concerns.

Commissioners had similar feedback as residents over architecture and design — such as the lackluster Spanish revival elements — but some felt the decision not to demolish the 19th-century JACC building would come at future residents’ expense.  

“Are we sacrificing homes to keep a building that may not actually be in this position in the next 10 years? Is that being somewhat short-sighted?” Commissioner John Ebneter said. “I absolutely respect historical buildings, yet, I think sometimes we may be losing opportunities for the future for a sentiment of the past that might not be worth it at this time.”

Chair Seema Patel added it was a shame that the community’s calls for more parking largely explains the inclusion of more commercial space, rather than residential, as the latter doesn’t sufficiently offset the additional parking-related costs. 

“It feels a shame that the desire for parking is feeling like what is leading the decision to provide office and not a fully residential building, especially when kitty-corner to this block is the garage with 526 public spaces,” Patel said. “Usually there’s four to six cars in there. The most I have ever counted is 11.”

The project will need additional Planning Commission review before final City Council approval.