route. Maybe the project could consider improving that connection to make access more direct.
6. Mall Play Area
The current turf area in the Hillsdale North section is great for kids, even though it lacks any play structures. Kids love to run around, and most of them end up climbing/jumping off the decorative rocks which isn't very safe. It is very nice to give your kids an area to run around after a meal while the parents finish up. It would be nice to have another outdoor play area near the new restaurants but that had more play-centered structures to entertain kids.
Thank you for passing along these comments.
Jared Willis
10/29/25, 11:42 AM Hillsdale Redevelopment -- Comments - Elaine Ling - Outlook about:blank?windowId=SecondaryReadingPane17 2/2
To: City Council (San Mateo) <[email protected]> Cc: Alex Khojikian <[email protected]>; Prasanna Rasiah <[email protected]>
Subject: Neighborhood Concerns Re: Hillsdale Mall Redevelopment & Beyond
All,
Attached are points in no particular order that were brought up at the March Beresford Hillsdale Neighborhood Association meeting in regard to concerns over the Hillsdale Mall redevelopment and other redevelopments impacting San Mateo's Highway 92 access. The Mayor and Councilmember Loraine asked for this information, which we feel is also critical to share with the rest of you.
It should be noted that since the Mayor said there are 6 projects under application who have submitted utilizing Senate Bill 330, this is concerning due to the following:
Fee and Standard Freeze -
Upon submitting a preliminary application and paying the permit processing fee, developers can "freeze" the fees and development standards that apply to their project.
Preventing New Regulations -
This "freeze" prevents local governments from applying newly enacted ordinances, policies, or standards to the project after the preliminary application was submitted.
It has been expressed by residents that the feeling is that demands placed on current staff are too great, and that they have neither the time nor level of expertise that the developers likely have with their own land use attorneys. The City is urged to invest to protect themselves and get the most out of these projects before it is too late.
Sincerely,
The BHNA Board
* PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message, together with any attachments, is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed. It may contain information that is confidential and prohibited from disclosure.
If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this message or any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the original sender immediately by telephone or by return e mail and delete this message along with any attachments from your computer. Thank you.
<Hillsdale Project BHNA Questions with Staff Responses 4.11.25.pdf> 10/29/25, 11:42 AM Re: Neighborhood Concerns Re: Hillsdale Mall Redevelopment & Beyond - Elaine Ling - Outlook about:blank?windowId=SecondaryReadingPane16 2/2
3. Community-serving retail and daily needs
Secure a grocery covenant with minimum square footage and price point appropriate to local families.
Require a retail mix that serves everyday needs, not only luxury. Protect small businesses with fair lease terms and phased relocation options.
4. Public benefits that are guaranteed, not “hoped for” Use a binding Development Agreement with measurable milestones, performance bonds, and penalties for non delivery.
Parks, trees, and publicly accessible open space with year round programming.
Childcare, youth, and senior space on site.
5. Accountability over time
Phase approvals. No next phase until the prior phase meets housing, mobility, and public benefit targets.
Create a community advisory committee that meets quarterly and can trigger corrective actions if metrics slip.
I want San Mateo to grow, to welcome new neighbors, to keep families here, and to remain a place we are proud to call home. Please make sure this project earns its height and density by delivering concrete, enforceable community benefits, not just a slide deck and promises.
Thank you for your service and for insisting on a growth plan that works for residents, small businesses, and the next generation.
Sincerely,
Sara Kinsey
Home owner
San Mateo, CA
--
_________________________________
Sara Kinsey
10/30/25, 3:52 PM Public Comments - Elaine Ling - Outlook https://outlook.office.com/mail/AAMkAGJmODlhYzM0LTBhM2MtNDQ3MS1iMGQ4LTcxY2QxOGEwYjVkNAAuAAAAAADeiT2SjQNpTaYmrpILtBhvAQA… 2/2
Outlook
HLC Comment Letter - Hillsdale Reimagined
From K
en Chan
Dat
e Thu 10/30/2025 1:50 PM
T
o City Council (San Mateo) <[email protected]> 1 attachment (126 KB)
Hillsdale Reimagined Comment Letter - Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County.pdf; Dear San Mateo City Council Members,
Please see the attached letter regarding the Hillsdale Reimagined letter, which is set for discussion at the November 3 City Council meeting.
Kind Regards,
Ken Chan
--
Ken Chan (he/him)
Senior Organizer
Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County
Schedule a meeting with me
www.hlcsmc.org