Downtown San Mateo apartment proposal moves ahead

Harvest Properties originally planned to redevelop the site a few years ago with a six-story commercial office building and a seven-story residential building, though Prometheus is now spearheading the project and first submitted its new development in 2024.

The project is able to take advantage of several housing laws that have passed over the last several years, such as Assembly Bill 130, which went into effect last year and expedites review due to an exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act. Like many of the city’s development recent applications, the proposal is also eligible for the Housing Affordability Act, which limits a city’s ability to deny a housing proposal if it meets objective standards.

The building’s Spanish Mediterranean style is architecturally similar to more recent proposals, such as the 477 Ninth Ave. development currently under construction, an approach commissioners and residents have praised.

“I like the project. I think it will be a great addition to this gateway to our city,” Commissioner Margaret Williams said. “The Spanish Mediterranean style is a really nice direction and something that I think a lot of people have been wanting to see, a little bit of traditional looks on downtown buildings.”

Since the passage of Measure T just over a year ago, the city has received numerous development applications, such as the Hillsdale Shopping Center redevelopment and a 256-unit development at South Amphlett Boulevard. The total number of units in all of the city’s current development applications comprises more than half of the city’s state mandated housing goals, or Regional Housing Needs Allocation, between 2023-31.

Like many development proposals, however, most resident pushback centered on traffic concerns, with some saying they’d like to see more traffic studies and mitigation efforts, as more development continues downtown. While there are no minimum parking requirements due to state law, as it’s within a half mile of a major transit stop, the building would include 73 parking spaces.

The Planning Commission unanimously approved the project.

“I really appreciate that the maximum amount of housing possible on the site is provided, and I think the design is really lovely,” Planning Commission Chair Seema Patel said during the meeting.

The project will go before the City Council for further approval.