City council: split the lot

This decision came after about a year of deliberation over the parcel split among city staff and the San Mateo Planning Commission members. The Planning Commission voted to deny the split unanimously, but property owners Alex and Olga Beilin made an appeal to the council. City staff also recommended that the council uphold the commission's decision and deny the split.

The debate over the demolition of the home and split of the parcel is based on staff reports as well as community sentiment that the home and surrounding gardens are a historical site worthy of preservation.

Owen Byrd, attorney for the Beilins, stated that the existing California ranch-style home, built in the '40s, is barely a historic site. He also argued that the additional home on the site will help alleviate the housing crisis in the area.

Community members did not feel this was a valid argument.

"One extra house, which will probably sell for $4 million, will not take care of the housing needs for the low- and middle-income people who need it," said one San Mateo Park resident.

About ten community members from San Mateo Park spoke in defense of the historic qualities of the home and the need to preserve the unique characteristics of the neighborhood. Jane Chartz, a former resident of 57 West Poplar, spoke of her childhood memories of the home. "To destroy this would result in the loss of a historic property," she said. "We must preserve it."

Councilmember John Lee made the move to approve the demolition of the home and the lot split. "This is a fairness issue," he said. "When you buy something you get to do what you want with it. We have rights as individuals."

While Lee was firm in his decision, Gumbinger said that his decision took very careful consideration and time.

"This is a troublesome item and I've agonized over this thing," he said. "But I believe that this home is not a prestigious gem."

Councilmember Claire Mack silently approved the split while both Lempert and Epstein were vocal in their opposition to the demolition of the home and lot split. "There is no question as to whether or not this is historic," Lempert said. "The preservation of historic buildings is important."

But the emotional sentiments expressed by Lempert and Epstein, as well as numerous community members, failed to prove effective in swaying the council in its final decision.

"We're pleased the commission took the common-sense approach to evaluating this application," Byrd said. Alex and Olga Beilen refused to comment.

"This is an unfortunate decision," Chartz said. "This is a big step backward from preservation."