Three vie for Millbrae City Council

Xue said the oncoming construction at the 116-acre site offers Millbrae a shot to capitalize on economic growth opportunities previously deferred, while Oliva and Holober defended their work solidifying the city’s financial footing.

“Our community I think could be doing a lot better so I’d like to bring some stronger leadership to City Hall,” said Xue, who owns the restaurant wonderful downtown.

Among his criticisms, Xue said councilmembers have neglected the city’s central commercial corridor, inviting parking problems, dirty streets and general stagnation.

He pointed to City Council’s decision this week to start work on establishment of a business improvement district as an indication of the sorts of initiatives long overdue for a community seeking to compete with its neighbors.

Oliva disagreed though, suggesting she believes Broadway and the surrounding streets have become a vibrant shopping destination which will be fortified by the forthcoming transit-oriented development.

“With the development and upgrading of the downtown with the [business improvement district], I think you will see an additional amount of vitality downtown at night and during the day,” said Oliva, who was first elected in 2013.

The coming development includes the Gateway at Millbrae Station project which offers 150,000 square feet of offices, nearly 30,000 square feet of retail space, 400 new housing units and a hotel abutting the city’s train station. Of the housing units, 80 are proposed in a standalone project to be reserved for military veterans on land owned by BART.

Also approved is the Serra Station development proposed by Vincent Muzzi which includes 444 housing units, more than 290,000 square feet of offices and approximately 13,200 square feet of retail space in one nine-story and two 10-story towers at the city’s rail stop.

Officials have too discussed redeveloping a portion of the city’s property near the train station into a mixed-use project and hotel which could help further build Millbrae’s tax base.

With plans in motion, Oliva said she is hopeful to remain on the City Council to see the designs brought to a reality.

“The vision for me is to have them built and have them full with tenants and have them thrive,” said Oliva, who was among the majority of the councilmembers who voted in favor of building the train station projects.

Holober also cast his votes in favor of both projects, and said he too would like to continue overseeing the design review and mitigate any issues presented in upcoming deliberations.

“I would like to see these projects through to completion,” said Holober, also noting the sizable amount of work that needs to be done to rebuild the city’s Recreation Center, which was destroyed by an arson.

On the same fall ballot, Millbrae voters will weigh Measure II, a $12 million bond proposed to finance a portion of the center’s construction. The project, expected to cost as much as $30 million, will require additional financing beyond the insurance payment to be constructed. To fill the funding gap, officials have also considered selling city property as a means of generating additional revenue.

Holober suggested he would favor seeking out more funding sources, such as potentially hiking the city’s hotel tax or asking the county for a loan to help finance the project.

Oliva, meanwhile, said she favored moving ahead with the plan in place, while Xue said he would have preferred officials seek a larger bond in an effort to raise more of the money needed to pay down the overall construction cost.

Ultimately, Xue said he believes he can offer the fresh point of view sought by those dissatisfied with existing leadership.

“I’ve heard the community loud and clear, and I think they want change,” he said.

While maintaining a less cynical perspective, Holober acknowledged room for improvement exists and suggested he is the candidate best suited to facilitate the collaboration needed to implement the changes.

“Has every goal been met? No. But I think we’ve made a great deal of progress,” he said.

Oliva too acknowledged there is more to be done, and sought support to complete her mission.

“I want to be able to finish my job,” she said.

Note to readers: this article has been amended to include Chang's candidacy in the race. 

austin@smdailyjournal.com

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