10 years later San Carlos Transit Village almost approved

Eco-NIMBY led group complaints helped reduce and delay this project.  Now they whine its not dense enough.  When is enough, enough from these anti-development, anti-progress groups? 

The Daily Journal (San Mateo County), Michelle Durand, 10/7/14.  "New San Carlos Transit Village plan draws praise."

New San Carlos Village design 46% smaller,
bye, bye underground parking.

"The new 6.26-acre Transit Village site bounded by El Camino Real and the Caltrain tracks will include six three-story residential buildings and two two-story office and retail buildings, a public plaza between the two commercial buildings and the historic train depot and a transit center. The complex will include 202 rental units, recreational facilities and 25,8000 square feet of commercial space.The new design is 46 percent smaller in overall square footage but the site’s orientation is largely the same, Principal Planner Lisa Porras said.

....  Not everyone was as thrilled with the shorter development. Bonnie McClure, on behalf of the Sierra Club Loma Prieta chapter, wished the project still had the greater density and asked about electric vehicle parking spaces. 

....  The City Council approved the project on a 4-1 vote last November after roughly a decade of planning, protest and public hearings. Based on concerns that included shadowing, traffic and noise, the council imposed conditions such as the height limits which Legacy said at the time would prove prohibitive. The council also capped the units at 233 and agreed to let Legacy Partners to build 10 percent of units with half each for moderate and low affordability. The new transit center design will need to come back to the Planning Commission for review at a future date.    Read more.

Reference -  City of San Carlos Planning -  Original project.  Prior Fix Pacifica reprinted articles, "search this blog":  San Carlos Transit Village.

So far, no developer is dumb enough
to come back to Pacifica, and
propose a "pristine" Quarry Village
--- those weeds, so cute!

Related article - San Jose Mercury News/Peninsula/Daily News, Bonnie Eslinger, staff.  "New version of San Carlos Transit Village comes without underground parking garage."  .... "With the reduction of stories and apartments, "the economics of the project no longer support the construction of underground parking," states a staff memo for Monday's meeting. As a result, parking will be at ground level, some of it in residential garages."....  But Ben Fuller, founder of the Greater East San Carlos Neighborhood Association that led the charge against the original Transit Village's tall buildings and density, said the group now is willing to "support the current project and move onto the next issue."
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Related Pacifica quarry -   Inside Bay Area/Julia Scott, 6/16/09, "Economy making it difficult to sell Pacifica quarry."  .... "The 86-acre Rockaway Quarry has seen more dog-walkers than potential developers touring the site since it went on sale in March. The former limestone quarry with a troubled past has only been officially marketed to commercial developers since last week, but no offers have been forthcoming."  

And here's a separate quarry development proposal, date unknown. Kirk Miller Master Planning, "Pacifica Town Center":  1,000 housing units proposed, cut by say 46%, leaves only 460 housing units. With all that new city revenue from housing. we're all happy, right eco-NIMBIES?  "460 toilets flushing, all at the same time",  (remember that similar complaint against  proposed 355 housing units, Measure L 2006?  Very creative, but the need for a city "down down", housing, services, jobs,  revenue failed with the No on L campaign against city development and progress.

Note graphic/photograph:  San Carlos Transit Village rendering courtesy of the City of San Carlos from the Mercury news article.  Pacifica quarry "for sale" sign from the Inside Bay Area article.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

San Carlos City Council approves Sam Trans Transit Village project

Sam Trans Transit Village, 8 buildings;
  233 housing units, 10% below market rate

"Monday's meeting was the council's second look at the eight-building project proposed for a 6.3-acre strip along the railroad tracks, between Northwood Drive and Hall Street on the east side of El Camino Real. As approved, the project will have six buildings three stories high and a pair of  two-story buildings. Instead of 280 housing units as initially proposed by developer Legacy Partners, the project will offer 233 based on the size reductions, city officials calculated."  "Council approves controversial San Carlos Transit Village project." San Jose Mercury News/Daily News/ Bonnie Eslinger. Staff, 11/3/13. 

"The San Carlos City Council voted 4-1 just before Wednesday morning in favor of a significantly scaled down Transit Village project that sets aside 10 percent of units for below market rate and requires any incoming restaurant to get a conditional use permit to stave off chains. "San Carlos council approves smaller Transit Village with affordable units."  The Daily Journal (San Mateo), Michelle Durand, 11/13/13.

"The meeting was the council's second look at the proposed project on the east side of El Camino Real." "San Carlos approves controversial Transit Village project." San Francisco Business Times/John Sailors, 11/13/13.  

Reference -  City of San Carlos Transit Village, Project description. "The developer, Legacy Partners Residential, Inc., has submitted an application on behalf of the property owner, Sam Trans, to redevelop the property into a "Transit Village", which is a development involving mainly residential uses and some retail uses, and a multi-modal transit center situated south of the historic depot. The project application was first submitted in May 2007. After incorporating feedback and analysis from the City, community members, and others, the applicant submitted updated plans in April 2009."  Note:  the graphic rendering is from this description. 

Related -  San Carlos Patch, 8/1/13, "Environmental Impacts  article.    Fix Pacifica reprint, The Daily Journal, 10/20/12, "Numerous Transit Village meetings."

Posted by Kathy Meeh

San Carlos Transit Village, the neighborhood, and the Sierra Club

Before and after San Carlos Transit Village development, view from El Camino Real looking south

"The Daily Journal (San Mateo), Staff, 10/20/12. "Numerous Transit Village meetings increase contract".

"The ongoing review of the Transit Village environmental review and several more anticipated meetings on the proposed San Carlos development is pushing up the cost of consultants to attend and answer questions from the Planning Commission and public.

....  The proposed development concerns a 10.53-acre strip of land within the existing Caltrain station and running parallel to the railroad corridor. Legacy’s proposal envisions eight four-story buildings with 281 housing units among a mix of 407,298 square feet of residential, 23,797 square feet of office space and 14,326 square feet of retail space. The project would also include 667 parking spaces and a new SamTrans Transit Center on 4.29 acres.

Eastside residents have spent hours at the previous Planning Commission meetings questioning the EIR’s conclusions about parking and noise impacts."  Read article. 

Related article -  San Mateo Daily Journal, 10/16/12. "Neighbors balk at San Carlos'Transit Village review."  Palo Alto Daily News, 7/30/12."San Carlos Transit Village plan draws flak from city's east-side residents."  Fix Pacifica reprint, 7/27/12, "San Carlos transit village project moving forward.".

Related Sierra Club -  Loma Prieta Sierra Club 9/18/12 letter to San Carlos Planning Commission.  Loma Prieta Sierra Club says they support the  project, but with 24 mitigating recommendations for the developer, and 4  mitigating recommendations for the City. (Previous Loma Prietan, November/December, 2008 article). 

My guess is the Loma Prieta Sierra Club and related environmental/NIMBY organizations are involved with the neighbors who oppose the Transit Village project based upon noise and parking. This is the same Loma Prieta Sierra Club that drags out regulatory review for development projects, runs up cost for the developer and the city, spins information, and sometimes kills developments altogether.  Remember, this is the same Loma Prieta Sierra Club that does not support progress in Pacifica:  Loma Prieta Sierra Club Resolution against Pacifica quarry development.  Also see Fix Pacifica reprint article, "Pacifica Climate Action Plan Study with a twist", (the Sierra Club against quarry development and highway 1 widening). Some Sierra Club members are even against retaining historic "open space" Sharp Park Golf Course, go figure!

Posted by Kathy Meeh

San Carlos transit village project moving forward

Palo Alto Daily News/Bonnie Eslintger, 7/27/12.  "San Carlos transit village plan draws flak from city's east-side residents."

Right current views, left proposed project *

"A proposed development of eight four-story buildings along El Camino Real is drawing fire from east-side San Carlos residents who say it will block their views, cast shadows on their homes and possibly create parking problems.

....  As proposed, the project would be built on the sliver of land south and north of the Caltrain Station between El Camino Real and Old County Road, from Arroyo Avenue to almost Northwood Drive. The 10.5-acre site is owned by the San Mateo County Transit District, which would lease some of the land to the developer, Foster City-based Legacy Partners Residential, LLC, according to a city memo.

The mixed-use development would include 280 "luxury" apartments, according to the developer, as well as 24,000 square feet of offices and 14,000 square feet of retail space. Parking for the apartment residents would be underground, and the 226 parking spaces in a lot near the station would be moved to the south end of the site, according to the memo.

...  The San Carlos Transit Village project aligns with the city's goals because it would encourage public transit and bring needed housing to the city, Nelson said. The project also includes an affordable housing component: either the developer would rent 15 percent of the units at below-market rates or pay the city an in-lieu fee of approximately $8.4 million, according to the memo.  After Monday's study session, the final draft of the environmental impact report is scheduled to return to the planning commission Oct. 1 for a vote." Read Article.

*  Picture description above.  Top:  El Camino real current view, left proposed rendering. Bottom:  Old County Road current view, left proposed rendering.  See related article Daily Journal (San Mateo), Michele Durand, 1/20/10, Transit village on way."
 

Reference -  City of San Carlos Transit Village. 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

San Carlos Transit Village EIR approved, meets the requirements

Sometimes a project may move forward in spite of the Sierra Club, lagging city councilmembers, and energized citizen complaints.

Transit Village project description

Palo Alto Daily News/Bonnie Eslinger, Staff, 1/29/12.  "San Carlos council votes 3-2 to advance Transit Village project to next phase." 

Nearly five years after San Carlos started studying the potential environmental impacts of a proposed mixed-use development around the Caltrain station on El Camino Real, the city council voted 3-2 Monday night to move the project along to the next phase. 

Council Member Ron Collins, who voted to certify the environmental impact report for the San Carlos Transit Village Project, acknowledged the document isn't perfect but said it "met all the requirements." Changes could be made when the project itself goes to the council, he said. Vice Mayor Bob Grassilli and Council Member Karen Clapper also voted to certify the report. 

.... Work on the environmental report began in February 2008; throughout the process, the city's eastern residents have vigorously protested the project over concerns about traffic, parking and noise. They also have complained that the density and height of buildings would cut them off from the rest of the city and block their views of the western hills."  Read article.

Related article - Daily Journal (San Mateo), 1/29/13.  Related Fix Pacifica reprints - San Carlos Transit Village articles.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

20 years later, Wheeler Plaza project moves forward, San Carlos

Post California Redevelopment,
another infill development moves forward

The Daily Journal/Bill Silverfarb, 2/7/15.  "Condo project back on track:  Wheeler Plaza project stalled as San Carlos negotiated with state over city-owned properties."

"Ground will break on the Wheeler Plaza condominium project in a few months as some of the current tenants in city-owned property on San Carlos Avenue prepare to close their businesses. The project has stalled for nearly two years as San Carlos officials negotiated with the state over a few properties once owned by the city’s redevelopment agency.

Now that the haggling with the state is over after Gov. Jerry Brown dissolved the agencies, the city is inviting the public to review the revised design plans for the project, which include 109 condominiums for sale, a new public parking structure and about 10,000 square feet of new retail space right in the heart of downtown.  It’s a long overdue project that was first conceived by the City Council 20 years ago, City Manager Jeff Maltbie said.  Wheeler Plaza, along with the Transit Village project on nearby El Camino Real, represents a $200 million investment by the private sector in the city, Maltbie said.  ....  The current plans by Silverstone Communities first came to the council back in 2009."   Read article.

Related -  San Jose Mercury News/Daily News/Bonnie Eslinger, Staff, 4/8/13. "San Carlos will sell Wheeler Plaza area for $1 to get mixed-use project." "The San Carlos City Council voted 4-1 Monday night to sell Wheeler Plaza and some surrounding downtown parcels owned by the city for $1 to a developer who wants to build homes, restaurants and a parking garage there.The developer, Redwood City-based Silverstone Communities, was selected by San Carlos officials in 2009 to develop the properties. Mark Sawicki, the city's economic development and housing manager, told the council that although Silverstone expects to make about $72 million from the sale of housing and commercial units, the total development costs will eat almost all of the profit."

References.  City of San Carlos - Projects and Development.  Full description of Wheeler Plaza Redevelopment Project, (location Walnut Street to Laurel Street, between the borders of San Carlos Avenue to Cherry street).  News Details, 2/10/09,"Wheeler Plaza Redevelopment - Silverstone Communities selected".  News Details, 1/28/15, "Wheeler Plaza Development Community Meeting, 2/12/15.  Developer - Silverstone Communities.

Related - White Oaks blog: "Wheeler Plaza,"  "Transit Village." Note:  graphic of Wheeler plaza by Van Meter Williams Pollack, Exhibit A the City of San Carlos, posted on White Oaks blog.  

Posted by Kathy Meeh

San Mateo peninsula government meetings week of 1/28/13

View from the other side of the hill,  Palo Alto Daily News/Staff, 1/25/13. "On the Docket."   

San Mateo-Hayward Bridge, world's 9th longest bridge

Monday, 1/28/13 

Palo Alto, City Council. ".. to consider appeals of a city official's approval of distributed antenna system projects. Council members are also slated to consider their agenda for an upcoming priority-setting session."
Redwood City, City Council.  ".. scheduled to receive a financial update from City Manager Bob Bell." 
San Carlos, City Council.  ".. to consider certifying the environmental impact report for the proposed San Carlos Transit Village development next to the Caltrain tracks."  
East Palo Alto, Planning Commission.  "..  scheduled to consider allowing parking lots at 655 Scofield Ave. and 1908-1918 Capitol Ave." 
Menlo Park, Planning commission.  ".. to study a proposed 8.43-acre mixed use office, residential and retail development on Stanford-owned land at 300-500 El Camino Real."

Tuesday, 1/29/13 
Mountain View, City Council. ".. scheduled to consider whether to make one last attempt to find someone interested in taking the historic Pearson House."
Redwood City, Planning Commission.  ".. scheduled to discuss the scope of an environmental impact study for a proposed private elementary school at 2323 Euclid Ave."
San Mateo County Board of Supervisors.   ".. is set to review a mid-year budget update from County Manager John Maltbie."

Posted by Kathy Meeh

What is United Nations Agenda 21

 

Agenda 21 is a United Nations joined effort to sustain the earth and the people on the planet. That's all it is.  

 

From the United Nations Agenda 21 website. 

UN 1992 reaffirming Stockholm Declaration  1972

 

"Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in every area in which human impacts on the environment.

Agenda 21, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the Statement of principles for the Sustainable Management of Forests were adopted by more than 178 Governments at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janerio, Brazil, 3 to 14 June 1992.

The Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was created in December 1992 to ensure effective follow-up of UNCED, to monitor and report on implementation of the agreements at the local, national, regional and international levels. It was agreed that a five year review of Earth Summit progress would be made in 1997 by the United Nations General Assembly meeting in special session.

The full implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the Commitments to the Rio principles, were strongly reaffirmed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 26 August to 4 September 2002."

No Communists found under this rock *  

"United Nations General Assembly "Rio Declaration on Environment and Development" (from the Agenda 21 link above). "The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Having met at Rio de Janeiro from 3 to 14 June 1992, Reaffirming the Declaration of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, adopted at Stockholm on 16 June 1972, a/ and seeking to build upon it,  With the goal of establishing a new and equitable global partnership through the creation of new levels of cooperation among States, key sectors of societies and people, Working towards international agreements which respect the interests of all and protect the integrity of the global environmental and developmental system, Recognizing the integral and interdependent nature of the Earth, our home..."  

Related - Agenda 21 for change. "Agenda 21 provides options for combating degradation of the land, air and water, conserving forests and the diversity of species of life. It deals with poverty and excessive consumption, health and education, cities and farmers. There are roles for everyone: governments, business people, trade unions, scientists, teachers, indigenous people, women, youth and children. Agenda 21 does not shun business. It says that sustainable development is the way to reverse both poverty and environmental destruction."  

*  Comment related to an Anonymous blogger who is repeatedly "looking for Communists under every rock." Anonymous said ".. support (of) the communist Agenda 21," see San Carlos Transit Village article, 10/22/12, 8:08 a.m.   Whereas, Agenda 21 is a joined partnership effort of the United Nations governments to sustain "environment and development" (not "Communism").   

Prior Fix Pacifica article - United Nations Agenda 21 "Sustainable Development program", 4/11/12, includes graph of interconnected environment, economy, society relationships..

Posted by Kathy Meeh