Plans to redevelop a former car dealership on North San Mateo Drive into a neighborhood serving retail center with a grocery store was soundly rejected by the San Mateo Planning Commission last night.
The three-acre site is located on the corner of San Mateo Drive and Peninsula Avenue, where the Shen Chevrolet Auto Dealership was formerly located. In the past several years, numerous proposals for office buildings on the site have gone before the city, but so far none have come to fruition.
The latest incarnation called for a remodel of the two existing structures and the construction of a new three-story building and a 312-space parking garage in between. A 20,000-square-foot grocery store like a Trader Joe's would be the project's centerpiece. However, planning commissioners said the plan was completely unacceptable and refused to look at it again unless it was dramatically different.
"I'm not convinced this is the right fit for the site. It needs a lot of work," said Planning Commissioner Bertha Sanchez, adding she would like to see it revert to a car dealership.
A dealership is estimated to bring in approximately $661,000 in revenue. The proposed project would bring in $206,000 in revenue and approximately 336 jobs, according to a city report.
Commission Chair Brandt Grotte said if were not reverted to a dealership, the project would have to be top-notch to receive his pproval.
Commissioners cited problems with storage, traffic, circulation and appearance. Commissioner Fred Hansson said the architecture reminded him of the Boomtown Casino in Reno. A small coalition of local grocers also expressed concern over increased competition.
The unanimous denial can be appealed to the City Council but property owner Chao Wu said he has to reassess his plans before making any decisions on the property's future.
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