Concar Drive redevelopment updated zoning could yield 847 residential units in San Mateo

The site is primarily a vacant parking lot, and Vice Chair Adam Klafter said he was satisfied that a project finally seems to be moving along at the location.

“I don't think anyone is going to mourn the loss of the existing conditions other than maybe the seagulls and the pigeons that call that parking lot home most of the time,” Klafter said.

A previous project proposal was approved for redevelopment in 2020 and granted an extension in 2023, until it expired in September 2025. A new proposal was made through a planning application by developers Brookfield Residential Land to take advantage of the 14.5 acres.

The Planning Commission had to consider a vesting tentative map to subdivide the property in 26 lots. This will include 21 lots for condominium purposes, three for the apartment buildings and two lots for commercial buildings.

The project is unique in that it's considered a “by-right” development, since the non-vacant site was included in two or more consecutive housing elements without development. This means the city has little discretion for review and amendments, should a proposal include a minimum density of 30 units per acre and at least 20% of units affordable to low-income households.

The project is considered consistent with the city’s zoning and specific plans for the transit-oriented area, regarding its proximity to the Hayward Park Caltrain station.

Developers remain committed to investing in improvements that go beyond what is required as well, Senior Project Manager Lisa Borba said.

This will include bicycle and pedestrian improvements made around the site that aren’t required “but will improve the safety, the connectivity and the access within this transit oriented area,” she said.

Commissioner Margaret Williams shared Klafter’s sentiment and said she’s pleased to see the project move forward.

“It’s just sitting there waiting for somebody to do something with it,” Williams said.

The 139 townhomes will be developed in three-story buildings, and the three apartment buildings will include affordable units for rent. Of the 186 affordable units, 149 are proposed to be for low-income households and 37 for very-low-income households. The townhomes are comprised of six- and seven-unit three-story buildings.

The proposed overall unit mix includes three- and four-bedroom townhouses, and studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

The new proposal follows other large-scale developments nearby, Klafter noted.

At 1650 S. Amphlett Blvd., just north of the Concar development, a plan was recently approved to demolish seven three-story office buildings to make room for 256 units. An application was also submitted to redevelop 1770 S. Amphlett Blvd., the site of the old Marriott hotel, into around 300 residential units as well.

“This site has been waiting ... to transform along with the rest of that there,” Klafter said. “I think it will be great when this project is finally completed and we have this entirely different atmosphere there.”

Developers intend for construction to occur in 2027, should the construction documents to be submitted this fall are approved.