Car wash may turn into homes

“From the city’s standpoint, the project is proposed at what should be one of the most prominent and memorable intersections in the city,” he said, noting its proximity to the city’s Bay Area Rapid Transit station.

On the 1.67-acre site spread across four parcels at the intersection of El Camino Real and Chestnut Avenue, SummerHill Homes is proposing a six-story building that would include 172 units spanning in size between studios and two-bedroom units, according to city documents.

The ground floor of the building would include more than 10,900 square feet of commercial space, plus a variety of surrounding amenities such as a lounge and fitness studio as well as an outdoor recreational area along adjacent to Centennial Way, according to the documents.

Parking is proposed to be built underground, offering 212 spaces, plus bike storage and electric vehicle charging stations. To reduce reliance on cars, the developer is offering $100 in introductory Clipper cards to residents, plus a $35 subsidy over three months to use carpool or bike sharing services.

The builder also expressed a willingness to pay $1.83 million in park acquisition and construction fees to the city, plus a combined nearly $1 million in child care and school fees, plus more. An outdoor fitness park will be constructed near the BART station, available to the public, comprised of seven fitness stations which would be accessible from Centennial Way trail.

Greenwood lauded the project design, as well as the developer’s willingness to offer amenities and community benefits standing to build a strong sense of place at the highly-visible corner.

“It’s a fantastic approach to the site which links it to the Centennial Way trail. It has a strong architectural presence which anchors the corner, with pedestrian-oriented retail and a very generous patio which will activate the corner in a big way,” he said.

He said ideally the project will catalyze building in and around the area, ripe for development near the transit station.

Greenwood also recognized the popularity of the car wash standing to be displaced by the development, and while officials cannot commit to ameliorating those concerns, he did acknowledge the facility’s standing with residents.

“We know people need a place to wash their car, and there may be a solution in another part of the city,” he said.

SummerHill Homes expressed a willingness to allow the car wash to stay in operation until construction begins. Greenwood said he is uncertain when building may start, as the project’s progress hinges on ultimate approval from the City Council. He said he expects the proposal to reach a final vote at the end of February.

Elaine Breeze, vice president of development at SummerHill Homes, said she anticipates the opportunity to discuss with city officials the merits of her company’s proposal.

“We look forward to working with city staff and the community to develop this gateway project that benefits the city of South San Francisco and its residents,” said Breeze, in a prepared statement.

In other business at the meeting, planning commissioners are slated to discuss allowing greater development density in the area closest to the city’s downtown Caltrain station. The proposal would push density limits in projects offering substantial community benefits from 120 units per square foot to 180 units per square foot.

The South San Francisco Planning Commission meets 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1 in the Municipal Services Building, 33 Arroyo Drive.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

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