Building height battle fizzles

"We've come to the amicable conclusion that we're not opposed to the addition of possible retail space," said Mike Germano of the Beresford/Hillsdale Neighborhood Association.

Although it doesn't oppose possible expansion that could create up to 200,000 square feet of retail space, the association still has many concerns about the parking and traffic conditions the move could create. If pursued, Germano said the expansion could require up to 900 more parking spaces.

Bob Webster, president and CEO of Bohannon Development Company, which owns the center, said there are no current plans to expand to 200,000 square feet; the change would only allow for the possibility in the future so the center can remain competitive in the area.

Democracy at work

The overall resolution about Measure H is a relief to all. In fact, Councilman John Lee said most the changes now are mere housekeeping matters.

"It's a tremendous example of democracy at work," said Councilwoman Sue Lempert. "None of these issues have been easy."

In 1991, the matter of building heights divided San Mateo when the City Council considered a project that would have created structures up to 12 stories tall. That's when residents mobilized to form San Mateans for Responsive Government - a group that helped pass an initiative that capped buildings at 55 feet. One outgrowth of the dramatic movement was the ushering in of a new era of more responsive local government.

With the measure set to expire in 2005, a veteran group of activists have been beating the drum in the last few months to keep the initiative the way it is. If necessary, the group has said it would put a competing measure on the ballot.

Although organizer Karen Herrel said Measure H will clearly sustain some changes, she said last night that the city seems to be moving in the right direction.

Councilmembers especially thanked homeowner groups and members of the business community for coming together of their own accord to resolve matters - as was the case in the Hillsdale Shopping Center's increased height limitation.

"This has been a very interesting process," said Mayor Carole Groom.

The 'devils in details'

With heights out of the way, the focus is turning now to the wording of the affordable housing section of Measure H. City officials expressed concern over adding a few simple words to the initiative - like making developers set aside "at least" 10 percent of their projects for affordable housing.

The words "at least" are not currently in Measure H.

In addition, city officials and members of the community expressed concern over wording that would allow developers of smaller projects - of 10 units or less - to instead chip "in lieu" fees into a city fund. Developers with "special circumstances" could also be privy to that clause.

The words "special circumstances" is too volatile and ambiguous, however, said Lee. City officials and many members of the community expressed concern that developers could use that wording to get around the affordable housing requirement.

The City Council will review the revised measure at its July 19 meeting. City officials will submit the initiative to the county by Aug. 10.

Yunmi Choi can be reached by e-mail at yunmi@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 109. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.