I am writing in regard to the
proposed development at Hillsdale Mall, PA15-024.
While in general I find the plan
attractive and well-conceived, my concern is it does not fully utilize the
space available. Making this project into something genuinely mixed use would
be a greater benefit for the area.
Ideally, this development would
have a housing component. Housing, particularly affordable housing, is desperately
needed in San Mateo. The urgency of the matter has been recently acknowledged
by the City Council. Also, locating high density housing near Hillsdale station
is a great means of allowing households to commute without adding vehicle miles
traveled (VMT). VMT correlate with negative air quality and reduced quality of
life for the community.
Since the northern edge of the
property in question borders existing multi-family structures adding units
adjacent would not create a significant difference to the neighborhood. In
fact, blending new housing into a redevelopment could reduce the industrial
feel the existing parking lot.
Comprehensive land use demands
more than a shopping destination. Retail is important, but it is not at the
heart of a community. Please request housing consideration from the applicant.
