South San Francisco seeks to revitalize southern El Camino Real

From Mercury News/Neil Gonzales, 7/23/11. "New homes, new businesses and a new civic center could pump new life into South San Francisco's geographic heart along El Camino Real."We're trying to create a new gateway into the city," Vice Mayor Richard Garbarino said. "This presents a perfect opportunity."  On Wednesday, the City Council is expected to consider approving the El Camino Real/Chestnut plan, which calls for high-density, mixed-use development in the area over the next generation.  However, residents are wary about the height of new buildings and the potential for increased traffic.

City leaders say the plan would transform the city's southern stretch of El Camino Real from Chestnut to Noor avenues into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly district linked to major transportation routes and hubs such as BART. It would feature restaurants, various commercial development, townhouses, parks, bike paths, a new city library and other projects, leaders said.

"I do like the proposed open spaces," Garbarino said. "Maybe there'll be a new government center."  He added that remaking the area would tie into the Grand Boulevard Initiative, an effort by about 20 cities and other entities to revitalize El Camino Real from Daly City to San Jose.....

Summary - El Camino real/chestnut area plan: 1,200 housing units, 4,600 residents, 700 jobs, Building heights of up to 120 feet, or about 10 stories.  Source: Mike Lappen, South San Francisco economic-development coordinator."   Read More..

Posted by Kathy Meeh