A builder seeking to begin work on the second phase of a transformative downtown South San Francisco residential development is facing pushback from a nearby iconic restaurant claiming construction is harming business.
Sares Regis is requesting approval Thursday, Sept. 6, from the South San Francisco Planning Commission to allow construction of 195 units in a new tower at the corner of Cypress and Miller avenues.
But an attorney hired by the owner of nearby Bertolucci’s Ristorante claims the approval for the proposal to start work on the next chapter of the Cadence development should be withheld.
A letter authored by attorney Bradley Kass suggests the development is not only a burden on the restaurant across the street, but believes it is also incompatible with the city’s downtown character.
“The proposal as stated does not appear to take into consideration any of the neighboring businesses [or] the impact on the quality of life of the residents of the city of South San Francisco,” according to the letter. “There are many generations of families that have relied on the city of South San Francisco keeping up with the general heritage of the city along with reasonable growth. A proposal of an additional 195 units is not in line with these standards.”
Ken Busch, the senior vice president of residential development for Sares Regis, countered such claims by noting the project’s consistency with the city’s downtown specific plan, which seeks to rejuvenate the core commercial corridor.
“There’s a lot of really exciting things we are bringing to the community that are really going to benefit the city of South San Francisco,” said Busch, noting the vision to add nearly 200 units near the city’s soon-to-be-relocated Caltrain station.
Building the homes downtown, close to the transit station, will reduce traffic congestion from those working in the life sciences industry, while also injecting vibrancy into properties previously vacant or underutilized.
Busch suggested the development would benefit the entire neighborhood, by making the area safer and expanding the boundaries of downtown. He also noted the hefty community benefits package paid by the developer to the city.
The proposal heading before commissioners is the most recent phase of construction for a project first approved in 2016, allowing for construction of 272 units along Cypress Avenue. Building is currently underway and expected to be completed next year.
Recommended for you
At the upcoming meeting, officials will weigh a proposal to construct another seven- or eight- story building which is designed to house as many as 195 additional units. Should commissioners grant approval, the project would ultimately move before the South San Francisco City Council for a final greenlight.
Kass, who represents restaurant owner Peter Sodini, suggests such consent should not be granted and will consider filing a lawsuit to block the project’s progress. A central issue raised in the opposition is an allegation of disregard for nearby local merchants and residents through the current phase of construction.
“It is apparent that the primary concern of Sares Regis is their pursuit of as much profits as possible without any regard for the residents of South San Francisco and neighboring businesses i.e. Bertolucci’s restaurant,” according to the letter. “Because of this disregard type of attitude, it has put Bertolucci’s Restaurant in a position of giving strong consideration to potential litigation including injunctive requests to halt construction.”
The current construction blocked access to the restaurant and impeded visibility for its sign, which has harmed business, according to the letter also claiming additional building with generate more wind, shadows and parking congestion in the area.
“It appears that no or minimal consideration has been given to the nature of the neighborhood and also this landmark restaurant,” according to the letter.
Busch, meanwhile, said he has tried to meet with the business owner to discuss the issues addressed in the letter, only to have his offer rebuked. Ultimately, Busch recognized the fears expressed regarding the downtown transformation, but characterized such developments as improvements for the city and nearby merchants, including the restaurant.
“Everyone is concerned about change but this change is really going to help them because it will bring a lot more people downtown and into their restaurant,” he said.
The South San Francisco Planning Commission meets 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, in the Municipal Services Building, 33 Arroyo Drive.
(650) 344-5200 ext. 105
(1) comment
The developer said a mouthful i.e. "Building the homes downtown, close to the transit station, will reduce traffic congestion from those working in the life sciences industry" - exactly, build it at Oyster Point!
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.