Economic rehabilitation and development studies, Brisbane

The Daily Journal (San Mateo County), Austin Walsh, 4/6/17. "Brisbane Baylands economics up for review:  Officials to examine financial feasibility of massive residential, commercial project."

Brisbane transitioning into a sustainable City.

"Assuring a potentially transformative commercial and residential development along the Baylands is not a drain on the city’s resources will be the focus of an upcoming examination by Brisbane officials. The Brisbane City Council is slated during a Thursday, April 6, study session to address the economic impacts brought by a proposal to construct 4,000 new homes and 7 million square feet of commercial space.

....  Another potential economic asset to the city is preserving a portion of the 660-acre site for a solar  farm, according to a city report summarizing recommendations from the city’s Planning Commission. “By reducing the development footprint and incorporating a large-scale solar generation facility … the commission felt there was an opportunity to reduce both infrastructure needs and ongoing operations and maintenance costs of development while still accommodating economically viable uses,” according to the report.  ....  Brisbane Community Development Director John  Swiecki too has suggested previously he sensed community members may feel the project is too large to garner the voter support likely needed to ultimately approve the proposal. .... ... Swiecki said there is considerable community interest in the initiative."  Read more.

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Reference. City of Brisbane, CA, "Baylands Information." "The Brisbane Baylands encompasses approximately 660 acres, generally bordered on the west by Bayshore Boulevard, north by the City and County of San Francisco, east by the U.S. Hwy 101 causeway, and south by Brisbane Lagoon.  It is comprised of a former municipal landfill and former rail yard, and presents both exciting opportunities and formidable challenges for the City.  The site's history left a legacy of contamination requiring millions of dollars and years of remediation, which is still ongoing.  Yet the remediated site holds the promise of enhanced environmental quality, opportunities for use and enjoyment by Brisbane residents via trails and enhanced open spaces, and new sustainable development contributing to the City's economic health, social diversity, and environment."

Related articles. San Francisco Chronicle/C.W. Nevius, 10/3/16, "SF may investigate what it would take to swallow up Brisbane."  San Francisco Chronicle/John Wildermuth, 9/9/15, "Tiny Brisbane surveyed about effects of huge Baylands plans."

Note photographs.  Right, by Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group, 7/25/16, 2 of 9 from Mercury News Media Center.   Left, 1) train by Paul Chin, on both related San Francisco Chronicle articles; 2) aerial view from the referenced City of Brisbane, "Baylands Information".

Posted by Kathy Meeh