Editor,
Regarding the Jan. 20 story “SFPUC Eyes Millbrae OSH Property,” 21 century California, and its counties and cities, are focused on housing growth and environmental goals (less auto use). That’s why transit-oriented housing is being built along El Camino Real, near SamTrans, BART and Caltrain. Residential parking in this new housing is limited and will even be eliminated in some buildings.
If California’s goals are to be achieved, cities need accessible retail so residents can shop close to home. Outdoor Supply Hardware (or any retailer that operates there) provides this access to Millbrae. It allows for minimal auto use, whether residents walk a block or drive a mile down the hill.
Government entities need to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s plan to close the retail location at Outdoor Supply Hardware and use it for equipment storage and employee parking is a poor land use in 2026. Back in 1898, when the water department acquired the land, the area was only countryside. But no more. Today, Millbrae is a fast-growing city.
Both California’s High-Speed Rail Authority, and San Mateo County have acknowledged Millbrae’s housing and commercial needs, and they’ve modified or quit projects planned within our city. SFPUC needs to do the same and work with Millbrae representatives to find a more 21st century solution to water department functions.
Beyond land use, there are other reasons why SFPUC should reconsider this water department expansion: elimination of 50 jobs, loss of commercial revenue to Millbrae and increased water rates for ratepayers throughout the service area.
Laura and Ken Smith
Millbrae
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