City weighs open space versus development

The annexation approval would let the five land lots move from county control into the city of San Carlos, the main requirement for any parcel development. Canyon residents are expected to crowd council chambers to argue that approving the land for development may disrupt trails and wildlife.

Four lots are exactly 20,000 square feet and the fifth is just shy of that with 19,900-square-feet. The owners want the county to hand over about 100 square feet of right of way near the last parcel because the annexation policy varies depending on size.

If the city OKs the proposal, the county must still agree to release the land. Then permits must be approved before any development can be started.

Although Monday night's meeting is only a beginning step, Councilman Tom Davids said it is "a very telling one."

"It puts the city behind the application and on notice as anticipating the developer to move forward," Davids said.

The proposal first arose last December but was pulled before the City Council could render a decision because more environmental assessment was required. The city hired a botanist to study if development would harm the plants and animals on the land. The botanist concluded there was no danger.

The report didn't sway some residents though and a lawsuit was threatened.

An attorney sent the city a letter arguing that the project needs to be put under an environmental review per the California Environmental Quality Act. The writer said earlier reviews did not incorporate driveways, housing and sewer lines.

City staff will discuss with the council Monday whether a full environmental review is needed before moving forward.

"I don't think there's enough to support a full EIR. But if it is needed, there will be a considerable delay and add cost," Davids said.

As part of their application, the applicants also promised in January to donate $25,000 - or $5,000 per parcel - to the city if the plan was approved. The money will go toward trail improvement, possibly linking paths from Belmont to Edgewood Park.

"That's a pretty good offer. It won't satisfy the folks living nearby but it's not a bad gift," Davids said.

A group of preservationists asked the city to consider buying the land to preserve the open space but councilmembers say it is financially impossible.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 104.