Sign Hill open space to grow

Officials stand to approve paying almost $90,000 for acquisition of one smaller parcel, which would build on the $690,000 previously allocated by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to buy the land to be kept as open space.

City Manager Mike Futrell expressed his appreciation for the partnership which came together under the vision of keeping the site safe from the threat of potential development.

“We are particularly grateful for this donation of the 20 acres and we are mindful that it could have been developed into housing,” he said. “And while housing is absolutely a need, there is not much open space left in South San Francisco, the Industrial City. So that open space, particularly on Sign Hill, we are very anxious to preserve for our residents’ enjoyment.”

The city currently owns 44 acres of Sign Hill, much of which is occupied by the sign. The backside of the hill was zoned for residential development, and some builders had expressed an interest in the site, said Futrell.

To assure the site remains as is, Futrell said city and county officials combined their efforts. Last February, supervisors approved a transfer to the city for the purchase of additional public open space on Sign Hill.

The transfer was for the purpose of adding permanent open space for habitat preservation, as well as for walking trails maintained by the South San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department. These funds were combined with city funds of $82,500, for a total cost of $772,500.

“The county truly has a vision for preserving open space and this will certainly fit in with that,” Futrell said.

The newly acquired 21 acres will be named “Friends of Liberty Park,” in recognition of the donation of land by the Liberty family. A small sign will be posted at the site to memorialize the deal.

In the immediate term, Futrell said it is reasonable to expect the site will remain in its pristine condition. Over time, he said testing will be done surveying the rare or threatened species occupying the site, with an intent to eventually expanding the four miles of trails on Sign Hill into the new parcels.

“This was step one, to protect and preserve. Step two will be to understand and step three will be, in a sensitive way, open up the space for people to enjoy,” he said.

He acknowledged though there is a desire by officials to eventually expand the community’s access to the site.

“Open space is not to be fenced off. It is best to be used responsibly so people can understand nature and enjoy nature and develop an understanding of the value it brings,” he said.

The decision before the Planning Commission will be to approve a recommendation that keeping the land as open space is in alignment with the city’s general plan. With the commission’s consent, the issue will go onto the City Council later this month for final approval.

Recognizing the surge of local building interests spreading across South San Francisco, Futrell said the community greatly appreciates the peace of mind provided by knowing the city’s landmark won’t be developed.

“Residents are thrilled because many were worried it was zoned residential and there is this push to build, build, build. So we are just extremely happy because we can close this deal and permanently preserve this land,” he said.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

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