Flawed planning process in San Mateo

Our own city government is part of the problem. I attended the March 10 San Mateo Planning Commission meeting regarding the proposed building on the vacant lot at Third Avenue and El Camino Real. This proposal includes 28 condominium units, retail space, and 16 parking spaces on a quarter acre, with dangerous egress from an underground garage. The development includes requested exemptions to setback requirements, open space requirements and consideration of architectural style in the area.

The meeting was Trumpian Democracy. A total of two people presented public comments. Despite this low number, we were each granted a total of two minutes to provide input, with my audio connection cut in midsentence. 

The next hour was spent with rambling comments and softball questions from the Planning Commission to the developer beginning with, “I was just wondering” or “I was curious” and statements about window treatments, the view from the building and how excited they were to see a new building, instead of a park or community garden. None of my concerns were acknowledged. District 1 representative Lisa Nash was not present. The proposal and all exemptions were unanimously approved.

The entire process was a sham. The commissioners asked no meaningful questions, neither did they challenge any of the exemption requests. This is the commission responsible for the ugliness of current downtown San Mateo, which is embarrassing when compared to other cities on the Peninsula. I suggest you attend the next Planning Commission meeting and observe this flawed process.

Michael Grubb

San Mateo