Predictions for 2018

Next, what will continue: New construction will remain, however, I had predicted 2017 would see a slowdown. There just seems to be money to be made still and an appetite for new buildings — at least by developers. I foresee a further move toward housing instead of offices because there is a growing realization that the primary factor in the jobs/housing imbalance is that there are too many jobs being created and not enough housing. But there seems to be growing consternation about the amount of any new development and its cumulative impact.

Case in point is the Passage at San Mateo development proposal at the corner of South Delaware Street and Concar Drive just north of State Route 92. The 935-unit housing development with retail fits into the city’s rail corridor plan passed years ago, but is definitely pressing all the buttons for neighborhood opposition considering the amount of construction the area has recently seen.

My prediction is that this proposal will have a difficult public planning process that will have to be managed well by both the city and the developer. The Bay Meadows specific plan and the citizens advisory committee that formed to facilitate both it and the rail corridor plan was a yearslong process and although one could argue the heavy lifting on changing the area’s zoning was already done, it’s been a while and new outreach and community input may be required. It seems to be a microcosm of the existential crisis this area is feeling as it contends with growth, changing character and the rising need for housing for new residents and the conflicts that arise amid it all.

The rising cost of living and doing business in this area will also be a factor as middle-class residents feel the pinch and consider leaving. Look for more mom-and-pop businesses to also call it quits as the cost of doing business rises in this area. Whether that is good or bad is up to you, but don’t be surprised when seemingly successful businesses that provide essential services decide it just doesn’t pencil out anymore because of the rising costs of doing business and new government mandates.

Transportation will be another hot topic, as it was this year, but look for local transit officials to really lay it on thick about the need for a new sales tax to fund improvements though those specific improvements have yet to be identified.

Belmont Councilman Charles Stone was just named chair of SamTrans so look for him to talk about “disrupting traffic congestion” several thousand times this year as this is a phrase he delights in employing. It has been floated that Stone is laying the groundwork for a future run for the Board of Supervisors so this new position provides him some prominence. Let’s hope SamTrans figures out some specifics before asking for money, however. I predict they will.

I also predict that as more elected officials take to social media, which is perfect for their ego and need to expound and exhibit, the feedback loop will move them more to the progressive left since the voices on social media tend to skew that way — at least around here.

So those are my general predictions. If you have any of your own, please let me know. I’m always interested.

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And since we are on the subject of the new year, I thought I’d share my resolution. I’m aiming to get home 15 minutes earlier than I typically do (h/t Jason Zweig). It will be a challenge but well worth it since it will give me about 60 extra hours this year with my family. I also like the idea of letter writer Sonja Davenport (see her letter on this page) of keeping gift cards on hand to give out to those in need. What’s yours?

Jon Mays is the editor in chief of the Daily Journal. He can be reached at jon@smdailyjournal.com. Follow Jon on Twitter @jonmays.