Planners approve Bayshore towers

Paulson believes the project will cause, she said, "unavoidable damage to Bair Island and the Bay water." The other commissioners approved the plan but also acknowledged that many tweaks and changes are likely during the 20-year construction timeline.

The plan now moves to the City Council. If approved, the project would create 1,930 residential units in a series of 17 multi-story towers, one of which will be the tallest buildings in the city. The towers would be of various heights to add architectural interest with the tallest standing 21 stories - four more than the Oracle towers.

By contrast, the original plans unveiled more than four years ago by developer Glenborough Pauls boasted 30 towers of equal height. The changes have resulted in an "exquisite waterfront village," said Paul Powers of Glenborough Pauls.

The 43-acre village also includes 25,000 square feet of retail space, 150,000 square feet of office space, several marinas, a hotel and public spaces.

Not every person crowding last night's meeting agreed with those who compared the plan to waterside communities in Tuscany or Lake Como, Italy.

"I'm not saying it is not a nice development. But it doesn't belong in that location," said resident Pat Dixon.

Dixon worried about noise, heights and increased traffic at intersections. The expected addition of 3,000 cars in the area is "an invitation to road rage," she said.

Other speakers liked the project but said the towers could be downsized.

Commissioner Ralph Garcia said that high-rise buildings are the only development option in the area.

"We can't go out. There is no out to go. We must go up," Garcia said.

To make the plan a reality, the Planning Commission agreed to rezone the Peninsula Marina site and the adjacent Bair Island Road.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 104. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.