South San Francisco development gets review

The seven-story tower proposed near the corner of Grand Avenue at the gateway to downtown is designed to blend with a neighboring development proposed by the same builder, while also eventually serving those passing through the city’s new train station.

Community Development Director Alex Greenwood detailed ways the project, which is slated to include about 3,600 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, could improve the forthcoming train platform.

“We are looking for this development to really add day and nighttime vitality to the plaza so that people will feel comfortable taking Caltrain and using that tunnel,” he said.

Fairfield Residential is proposing to split the 94 units across the top stories of the building, with the ground floor left open for restaurants or other retailers accommodating train travelers and others. Plans suggest 26 of the units will be studios, 39 units will be one-bedrooms and the rest will be two-bedrooms.

The project is proposed across the street from another seven-story tower also proposed by Fairfield, and though the two developments are moving ahead at different rates, Greenwood said the builder considers the project a cohesive effort.

“We are certain Fairfield views this as an expansion or phase two,” said Greenwood, in relation to the 147-unit development under construction at 150 Airport Blvd.

For the 200 Airport Blvd. proposal, officials will review designs and set the stage for the development plans to head onto the Planning Commission for fuller consideration.

Of the 94 units, nine are planned to be set aside at an affordable rate for those making between 80% and 120% of the area median income. According to the 2018 San Mateo County Income Limits posted on the San Mateo County Housing Department’s website, the area median income for a family of four is $118,400. The affordable units, along with other community amenities, will allow the builder to apply for additional building density.

The retail space on the ground floor will face Airport Boulevard and eventually the new Caltrain Plaza, which is under construction to better connect the pedestrian path to downtown.

The builder will contribute $50,000 toward design enhancements for the new plaza, maintain the area nearby and also pay for public art, according to a city report detailing the list of community benefits. In all, the project is expected to contribute about $5.5 million in community benefits.

Considering the project’s proximity to the train station, which is intended to incentivize public transportation ridership, the builder is requesting to build 110 parking spaces. Parking will be provided in two levels starting from the street, which will be wrapped by the retail space and other amenities.

“The adjacent proximity of the new Caltrain plaza and station, employment uses east of 101, and retail and amenity uses in downtown provide many opportunities for project residents and customers to walk or use public transportation and reduce dependency on single-occupancy vehicles,” said the report.

Considering the proposal’s placement and its role contributing to a central capital improvement project for the city, Greenwood said officials are excited about its potential.

“We are absolutely delighted this project is coming forward now,” he said.

The South San Francisco special housing committee of the City Council and Planning Commission meets 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, in the city manager’s conference room of City Hall, 400 Grand Ave.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

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