Mills-Peninsula expansion considered

An extra story could be coming to the office building proposed as part of the new Mills Peninsula Hospital in Burlingame.

Plans to update the hospital include tearing down the existing Peninsula Medical Center at Trousdale Drive and El Camino Real and construct a seismically safe, six-story facility. The Planning Commission will consider allowing a sixth story onto the professional office building aspect of the plans.

The new hospital is being paid for by Mills-Peninsula and its affiliate, Sutter Health, but required ultimate approval by voters because it is on district-owned property. It will have about 243 beds, a new medical office building and a multi-level parking garage. Planned to be constructed just east of the 1954 building, the new medical center must be built by 2013 to comply with earthquake safety standards.

The hospital could not be built without the approval of Measure V, which was approved by voters in August 2006. Mills Peninsula and the district reached a deal in August 2005 after years of negotiations. The rebuild is mandated by a state law passed after the 1994 Northridge earthquake.

The agreement transfers 21 acres to Mills-Peninsula with a 50-year lease. Mills-Peninsula will pay the district $1.5 million annually for rent. There is an option to extend the lease an additional 25 years. The district can also opt to regain control of the hospital.

The Peninsula Healthcare District serves residents in San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo and parts of Foster City and South San Francisco.

The commission meets 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 at City Hall, 521 Primrose Road.