City of San Mateo
City Council Meeting
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PUBLIC COMMENT
As of November 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM
From: Marina Afanasieff
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Hillsdale Mall Redevelopment
Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 12:54:26 PM
Dear Council Members,
You must seriously reconsider approving the Hillsdale Mall redevelopment. This will be very detrimental to all the community & surrounding communities. Loss of our beloved retail, goods & services, loss of so many jobs with people working there & the traffic will be more horrendous than it is already. PLEASE RECONSIDER & SAVE OUR BELOVED SHOPPING MALL!!!
-Marina Afanasieff (53 Year Resident)
Sent from my iPhone
From: Chantal Eaton
To: Elaine Ling; Sung H. Kwon; Zachary Dahl
Cc: Alex Khojikian; Christina Horrisberger; Alby Calles Subject: FW: Hillsdale development
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 9:25:09 AM
Good morning,
Please see comment below.
Best,
Chantal
-----Original Message-----
From: j b
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2025 11:00 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo) <[email protected]> Subject: Hillsdale development
There is a need for a grocery store in conjunction with this development. Residents able to walk to a grocery store for their needs is extremely important.
I would never support this tremendous development without this added necessity.
Too far for seniors and disabled residents to walk for daily necessities.
James Baker
Sent from my iPhone
From: Maggie Bobbin
To: City Council (San Mateo); Clerk
Subject: Agenda item 13: Hillsdale Mall redevelopment application Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 12:37:36 PM
Dear San Mateo City Council,
I am writing to you in support of the Hillsdale Mall redevelopment application. San Mateo needs additional housing units to support the population here. Additionally, the location is ideal as it is very close to the Hillsdale caltrain station and provides easy transportation for the future residents. I would ask that additional bike lane infrastructure be included on El Camino and that safer pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure be provided to connect the development to the caltrain station and the proposed bike lanes on delaware. The current proposal also includes unnecessary amounts of parking that could instead support additional units. I would like to see fewer parking spots included in these plans to support the inclusion of more units, particularly because of the close proximity to the Caltrain station.
Best,
Maggie Bobbin
From: Rick Bonilla
To: City Council (San Mateo); Clerk
Cc: Alex Khojikian; Zachary Dahl
Subject: Hillsdale Shopping Center Redevelopment proposal Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 10:17:58 AM
Dear San Mateo City Council,
The Hillsdale Reimagined proposal represents exactly the forward-looking, sustainable development San Mateo should be embracing. It would bring much-needed new housing, support high-quality union jobs, and place both where they belong—right next to major transit options.
This project would deliver up to 1,670 new homes on a site that currently provides none. Concentrating new homes and employment opportunities beside the Hillsdale Caltrain Station is smart planning: it reduces traffic, strengthens public transit use, and meaningfully lowers greenhouse-gas emissions. The development not only meets but exceeds San Mateo’s Housing Element targets for this location, advancing our adopted plan to place homes near transit. Importantly, it also includes affordable housing and new public spaces that will serve the entire community.
Some residents have cited a supposed “five-to-one” jobs-to-housing ratio, but that figure is misleading. The 2.1 million square feet of commercial space referenced reflects gross building area—including parking, lobbies, and other non-office space— and a portion of the project includes retail, not office uses. Regardless, a balanced community benefits from having both homes and workplaces located near high- quality transit.
Across the country, malls are declining as shopping patterns change. Cities that fail to adapt are left with empty properties and lost gathering places. Moving forward with this plan allows Hillsdale to evolve into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood instead of falling into disuse.
Hillsdale Reimagined is exactly the type of thoughtful, future-positive investment San Mateo needs if we are to evolve and thrive in this 21st century and beyond.
Sincerely,
Rick Bonilla
San Mateo Resident, former Council Member and Mayor
From: David Brownman
To: Elaine Ling
Cc: Clerk; City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Hillsdale Mall Redevelopment Feedback
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025 10:08:16 AM
Dear City Council,
My name is David and my wife and I have lived here in San Mateo since 2021. We're a short, 5 min walk from Hillsdale Mall and visit it often. Between shopping and restaurants, we're there at least weekly.
I'm writing to voice my tentative support for the "Hillsdale Reimagined" project that the council will be evaluating this week. I like how much housing their plan includes and I like that they're prioritizing walkable space. Third spaces are the heart of a community and I think this development, once complete, will serve that purpose well.
I also like the idea of building more densely along transit corridors, which their plan does well.
Most importantly, their plan includes a good amount of housing, which will hopefully infuse our expensive housing market with some much needed density.
That said, there are a couple of design elements that I'd like to see improved.
Firstly, there's a lot of office space in the current plan. I understand that high commercial rents help subsidize the rest of the project. But, business districts are empty on evenings and weekends. I worry that devoting too much square footage for offices will make our new development feel abandoned outside the work week. It would be nice to repurpose some of the proposed space for retail and housing.
Secondly, I'm a little concerned with the amount of interior roads on the project. While some roads are necessary to service the residences and businesses, pedestrian-only spaces are so much more pleasant to use, when possible. Rather than routing roads through the development, where mall goers will need to cross streets to access other parts of the mall, I'd love a larger focus on
roads around the development and underground tunnels/parking where possible. We have the opportunity to really lead the way in car-free and car-minimal spaces and I hope we can take charge here. Plus, minimizing pedestrian crossings would support the Vision Zero goals in the city's general plan.
Lastly, I cannot stress the importance of Trader Joe's
enough. Having a grocery store within
walking distance is a huge boon to our neighborhood and I'm worried that the developers haven't locked them in as a new tenant yet. They've got to do everything in their power to make sure TJ's sticks around, minimizing closure time where possible. Its loss would be immeasurable, especially with all the beautiful new housing they're building. Give them free rent if that's what it takes, but make it happen. Don't be forever thought of as "the project that killed our TJ's".
So, that's where I'm at: supportive of the project, excited for more density and housing. But also, concerned about office space, pedestrian safety, and Trader Joe's.
Thanks very much for reading and please don't hesitate to reach out if I can answer any questions or provide more feedback.
David Brownman
From: Chantal Eaton
To: Alby Calles
Subject: FW: Hillsdale Mall development
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 4:19:03 PM
From: A D
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2025 2:50 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo) <[email protected]> Subject: Hillsdale Mall development
Hello,
I am unable to attend the city hall session on Monday but was curious about how the development will change the surrounding neighborhood around Hillsdale.
Currently if you take Hillsdale into Foster City, it appears the light system isn't timed for the most efficient traffic control. Last Thursday at ~6p, the traffic issue mixed with most
likely a wreck on 92 resulted in it taking over 20 mins to get onto 101NB from George Hall. If we add more traffic, I cannot imagine the gridlock it would cause just to try and leave my house. Adding more traffic on Hillsdale is an utmost concern of mine and my husband's. Do you have a plan already in place to navigate this situation?
I also express concern over the Hillsdale El Camino intersection that would be absolutely wretched if it got any worse. I hope this intersection is planned for further development with appropriate timed light systems
.
Will the development also prioritize local residents and businesses as opposed to large corporations? I am hesitant to be supportive of developing buildings for large corporations, even more so if they don't involve themselves within the community. In order to build our community up, we really should be prioritizing local and small businesses.
I also express concern over developing large apartments. We moved in last year to be closer to work, and were so happy we chose San Mateo as the sense of community is
pretty comparable to smaller rural towns that many bay area cities do not have. I really worry that this increase of traffic and large buildings will ruin one of the greatest pros about San Mateo. Unfortunately, I do see myself and my husband moving to a smaller town outside of the bay area if this development does occur with negative consequences for the community.
Thanks,
Ashley Davie
From: Chantal Eaton
To: Elaine Ling; Sung H. Kwon; Zachary Dahl
Cc: Christina Horrisberger; Alex Khojikian; Alby Calles Subject: FW: Agend item 13
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 9:46:05 AM
Kindly see the comment below.
Best,
Chantal
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Delaney
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2025 9:41 AM
To: City Council (San Mateo) <[email protected]> Subject: Agend item 13
I live in San Mateo am familiar with the Hillsdale reimagined proposal. We need more housing and not more Shopping space. This proposal fits the times and the city needs. Please vote for it.
From: Chantal Eaton
To: Elaine Ling; Sung H. Kwon; Zachary Dahl
Cc: Christina Horrisberger; Alex Khojikian; Alby Calles Subject: FW: Hillsdale Reimagined - agenda item 13
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 9:46:44 AM
Kindly see comment below.
Best,
Chantal
From:
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2025 9:45 AM
To: City Council (San Mateo) <[email protected]> Subject: Hillsdale Reimagined - agenda item 13
Dear Members the City Council –
As a 22-year resident of the Beresford-Hillsdale neighborhood, I strongly support the proposed redevelopment of the Hillsdale Mall area.
We desperately need housing, especially the affordable and missing middle housing that will be provided.
Locating more affordable housing in a high opportunity area will help meet the City’s mandate to affirmatively further fair housing. We might even make a dent in our RHNA and improve the Peninsula’s jobs/housing balance.
We need walkable neighborhoods, which requires high density housing proximate to transit.
Locating housing here will reduce VMT and associated GHG and improve the quality of life for those now commuting to Peninsula jobs.
The project has been well designed through thoughtful public participation to serve and to blend into the existing neighborhood.
I am grateful for the open public process used to design the project.
Finally, the opportunity cost of not redeveloping this underutilized commercial space would be huge. Dense, transit adjacent housing with the proposed amenities is the highest and best use for this space.
Everything about this project makes sense.
John Farrow
From: Rustard Mustard
To: Rob Newsom; City Council (San Mateo)
Cc: Clerk
Subject: ReImagine Hillsdale
Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 10:07:46 AM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
I am writing to voice my strong support for the proposed Hillsdale Mall redevelopment and to share my enthusiasm for this transformative vision for our community. This project represents a major step forward for San Mateo and aligns with the city’s long-term goals for housing, economic growth, and thoughtful urban planning. Additionally, there are a number of clear advantages such as direct access to Caltrain and excellent regional connectivity via Highways 101 and 92. This makes the location ideal for transit-oriented development. Another major advantage is the contribution of more than 1600 homes that will far exceed the General Plan target and also allows these homeowners easeful public transit-use decreasing vehicle use, pollution and area traffic congestion.
ReImagine Hillsdale has done an excellent job listening to the surrounding community and adding their contributions to the home placement, preservation areas and plaza ideas for the mall as well as well as being receptive to a food store inclusion.
I believe the City’s responsibilities to multi-modal connectivity with bikes, pedestrians, driving and transit as well as providing a robust traffic demand management and mitigation plan during and after construction will ensure the tremendous success of this new development. It will be an exciting SB 330 project, that will ensure timely progress much more quickly than in the past and will benefit from streamlined approvals and legal protections.
San Mateo will be proud and grateful to the City Council as well as the City Staff supporting this project.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Suzanne Flecker
From: James Ford
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Cc: Clerk
Subject: Re: Agenda Item no. 13, Informational Hearing: Hillsdale Mall Redevelopment Application Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 3:00:34 PM
Attachments: Comments on Hillsdale Mall Redevelopment Proposal - 11.3.pdf Dear City Council and City Clerk,
Please see the attached letter with my comments regarding Item 13 on tonight's council agenda.
Thanks,
James Ford
Dear Members of the San Mateo City Council,
As someone who grew up in San Mateo, I have wonderful memories of spending time at Hillsdale Mall with friends and family. From frantic last-minute holiday shopping at Nordstrom to building my first skateboard at Zumiez and spending lazy Sundays at the old food court (Hot Dog on a Stick, anyone?), I am truly grateful that this place was around when I was a teenager. I worry about the gradual loss of third spaces in this community, that is, places where people can congregate outside of work, school and home.
The proposed scale of this development is difficult to digest, especially when it involves a long-standing community benefit like the mall. A flurry of questions arise – how will this impact the neighborhood feel? What about traffic on El Camino and West Hillsdale? Where will middle and high schoolers spend time if the mall is no longer there for them? These are all valid questions that deserve answers, and it is my hope that the Council will work with Bohannan and its partners to develop responses that work for San Mateans.
Taking a look at the mall today, consumers have voted with our wallets, choosing the convenience of online shopping over the in-person shopping experience. As a result, retail stores are struggling mightily, and many more storefronts at the mall stand vacant or see only temporary, seasonal use than in past years. At the same time, state legislators have passed new laws in the hopes of boosting housing development such as amendments to the Housing Accountability Act that create strict deadlines for cities to review and decide on projects. So, we find ourselves at a crossroads. Redevelopment of the mall will fundamentally transform a section of the city and create much-needed housing, especially multi-bedroom units for families. This transformation will not happen overnight, but over a span of around two decades, which will present its own challenges for nearby residents as amenities like Trader Joe’s and Barnes and Noble close over the span of construction. I ask the Council to work with Bohannon, which promotes itself as a “family-owned firm” that “develops projects that benefit [its] local communities,” to expand the amount of green and open community space in the project proposal and to consider reducing the sizeable office space footprint. Moreover, as city staff and the Council continue the iterative process of review and discussion with the developer over the course of this project, I urge your comprehensive consideration of pedestrian connectivity with Caltrain’s nearby Hillsdale Station and with neighboring residential neighborhoods. While I am still cautious about the immense scale of this proposal, I am generally optimistic that the planned housing and retail development will ultimately be a net positive for this city and its residents.
Thank you,
James Ford
From: Thomas Gorman
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Hillsdale Mall Q&A
Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 1:58:31 PM
Dear City Council members,
Here are my questions for tonight's meeting:
1) How does the city plan on solving the traffic nightmare this new complex will cause? Please don't suggest that everyone will take Caltrain, because that's not reality. 2) What guarantees will be made, in writing, that the new buildings won't exceed 10 stories, including any HVAC systems on top of the buildings? What can be done to lower the heights of the proposed buildings along El Camino Real?
3) What guarantees will be made, in writing, to stop/mitigate the light pollution these new tall buildings will create.
4) What guarantees will be made, in writing, to guarantee that Trader Joe's stays? 5) With the influx of so many people, what other quality/affordable markets will be added (HEB, ALDI, etc.) to serve the community within the new complex?? 6) The complex will take 10 years or more to build. What will the city do to mitigate the noise, debris, dust and mess this construction project will cause? 7) What guarantees will be made, in writing, that the new buildings won't create noise pollution with the new HVAC systems or other operating systems, like the current hospital HVAC system does?
Thank you,
Thomas Gorman
From: Clara Jaeckel
To: Clerk; City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: public comment for 11/3/2025 regular meeting agenda item #13 Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 3:00:29 PM
Dear City Council,
As a supporter of affordable housing across our county, I am concerned to see that the proposal for the Hillsdale Mall redevelopment by the Bohannon Development Company includes only a small proportion of units for low-income households, and none at all for households at the very low income level. This lack is especially troubling in light of the Bohannon family's history of pushing redlining in this area, cutting off Black families from homeownership and the chance to build equity. The negative impacts of this racist practice have compounded over the last few generations and continue to leave too many families in unstable housing situations today. To address this harm and truly serve the San Mateo community's housing needs, the Bohannon Development Company should include more very low income and low income units in the current proposal.
Regards,
Clara Jaeckel
From: Nicklas Johnson
To: City Council (San Mateo); Clerk
Subject: Agenda item 13 public comment
Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 3:30:48 PM
This comment is in reference to the November 3 city council meeting agenda, item #13, "Hillsdale Mall Redevelopment Application — Informational"
Currently office space vacancy rates remain high in the county, at nearly 25%. At the same time, the city (and indeed the entire Peninsula) struggles with meeting housing needs, especially affordable housing needs.
Why are we considering adding one single square foot of unneeded office space to the city when housing is so desperately needed (and mandated by the state)? This vicious circle is all too familiar: we complain there's not enough housing, then we greenlight more office space, and then we complain that there's not enough housing. We also complain there's not enough space to build the housing we need, thus we need to increase density and height, completely disregarding the fact that the space was there, but we chose to build empty offices instead of housing on it.
We should be looking at mixed-use development for Hillsdale, not more office space. It's so close to transit already, it would make a perfect location for more homes, coupled together with shops and restaurants for those who live there and those who would visit. Additionally it would benefit from a few "anchors" like an affordable grocery store (such as a Safeway or Lucky), as well as green space for residents and visitors alike.
This could be a vibrant new semi-residential neighborhood and an asset to the community instead of soulless, empty offices which only benefit the developer.
Nicklas Johnson
San Mateo Resident, district 2
--
From: Alexis Lewis
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Cc: Clerk
Subject: 11/03/25 City Council: STUDY SESSION - Item 1
Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 10:55:38 AM
Attachments: Bohannon - Hillsdale Mall Redevelopment.pdf Good morning,
Please include my letter in the public comments for tonight’s City Council meeting.
Regards,
Alexis K. Lewis
"So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide." John Lewis
Subject: Bohannon Companies/Bohannon Development Company - A Call for Accountability and Justice in Housing Development
Dear Bohannon Development Company,
Have you once again forgotten me? Allow me to introduce myself. I am a descendant of legal citizens who were deliberately excluded from homeownership by the very policies championed by Mr. Bohanon beginning in 1938. The direct result of those cruel and discriminatory actions has left my family in generational poverty—while his descendants now enjoy wealth built on the deprivation of others.
You stripped us of dignity based solely on the color of our skin. You now claim that this project will serve the community by addressing the housing crisis and transforming this location into the “heart of the Peninsula.” Yet when I hear the phrase “unparalleled quality,” I hear a dog whistle—a signal that this project is not truly intended for families like mine.
You say that including more affordable housing “does not pencil out”. We understand all too well what that means. Our current rent of $3,200 a month forces us to work multiple jobs and rely on assistance just to give our children a modest Christmas.
So, I am asking—no, urging—you to include a substantial number of very low-cost housing units in this project. Not as charity, but as a step toward acknowledging and repairing the historic harm your predecessors inflicted upon our community.
It is long past time for accountability. The exclusionary policies and practices that you continue to perpetuate have condemned generations of people of color to poverty—a fate that is unjust and inhumane. Justice demands reparation, not rhetoric.
Sincerely,
Alexis Lewis
From: Chantal Eaton
To: Alby Calles
Subject: FW: Hillsdale Mall "Re"- Construction
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 9:14:36 AM
PC
From: Aggie Marosvari
Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2025 10:25 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo) <[email protected]> Subject: Hillsdale Mall "Re"- Construction
Hello,
As I work near the Hillsdale Mall area, we use the roads around the Mall every day, shop in the area every week ...
I am just concerned that the renewed part of the Hillsdale Mall area will be more of a burden on the city, on the people than good. A monsterous new building, being like a maze, with extra expensive upscale apartments is NOT for the city and its people but the developer ... and its pocket.
It will NOT provide healthy, affordable housing for sure, it will polarize the population even more.
Please help.
Thank you,
Aggie M.
--
Aggie M.
Junior High Math Teacher
St. Gregory Catholic School
Multiply Love * Add Hope * End Division * Subtract Fear
From: Danielle Cwirko-Godycki
To: Clerk
Cc: Alex Khojikian
Subject: FW: Hillsdale Mall Project Comments
Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 12:26:27 PM
Can we please share this message with the entire council. Thank you!
From: Liz Magnee-Schalch
Sent: Monday, November 3, 2025 11:49 AM
To: Danielle Cwirko-Godycki <[email protected]> Subject: Hillsdale Mall Project Comments
Hi Danielle,
Thanks for your post about the Hillsdale Mall Project.
I cannot make tonight's meeting. I sent my concerns to the planning department a few months ago.
As a homeowner in the village, I know firsthand about the traffic congestion from Pacific/Deleware feeding into the neighborhood, side streets, and Hillsdale.
I know the argument is that it is on the rail corridor, but let's be honest: only 10-20% of people will use the train. Since the train station moved from across the street to 2 blocks down El Camino, there will be less incentive to walk to the train.
Other stressors on the school system to support the additional students both in K-9 and Hillsdale High School. How will those be addressed by the builder/VC to support that influx.
When I last looked at the project, only 15% set aside for low income. That does not help with the affordability
of San Mateo when condos are selling over a million dollars for a 2 bedroom now.
The size of the proposed structures is another issue. We only have a few 10 story high building
around downtown. Why do we need a 10-story-high building smack in the middle of the city? Even the office buildings on the other side of El Camino are that high.
I wouldn't be opposed to housing being close to that height, but offices do not make any sense being that high if they aren't right off the freeway.
This is a money grab by the developer/VC, aiming to pack as much as possible into this space to maximize profit. They disregard the real impacts on the surrounding areas. They claim there will be 1,991 more parking spaces, but how does this account for 2 cars per
unit, plus spaces for retail shoppers and office employees? I don't see how that is enough space to accommodate the proposed density.
Lastly, what is the impact of this development on water usage? We experiencing multi- year drought cycles, and you propose adding strain to water usage for office buildings and a massive housing development.
Thank you for reading my list of concerns.
Liz Magnee-Schalch
From: Mary Robblee
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Hillsdale Mall Revamp
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 5:21:44 PM
Why do you want to clog up our streets with more traffic and take away a mall that people need. It's not just for shopping but it is a place to socialize and for the senior population a place to safely walk.
What about the people who own houses on the backside. They did not purchase their homes to be in close proximity to a housing development of this proposed size.
Keep the mall. Make it like the Stanford Mall. A great place to shop, walk and socialize.
Every corner in downtown San Mateo has nothing but high rise buildings with more to come.
Think about the traffic. We will be so congested.
Highway 92 is already stopped eastbound between 2:30 and 3pm. Enough is enough.
Think about the people who live here NOW.
From: Keith Miller
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Hillsdale Redevelopment
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 6:23:22 AM
Really need to take close look at the project. We already have a challenging infrastructure to include traffic, utilities (PG&E) and frequent droughts. Now you are approving a major build out. No to high rises and high density build outs.
From: Chantal Eaton
To: Alby Calles
Subject: FW: Agenda Item 13
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 4:18:45 PM
Pc
From: Stephanie Reyes
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2025 4:17 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo) <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda Item 13
Dear City Council,
I live in the Bay Meadows neighborhood, right across the street from the Hillsdale Reimagined project. I'm writing to share my support for the project - especially for the up to 1,670 new homes (and most especially the up to 250 affordable homes).
I love living in Bay Meadows, where I can take Caltrain or the ECR bus to get around easily, and walk to the local Whole Foods, restaurants, and parks. It would be great for more folks to be able to enjoy such a walkable, transit-rich neighborhood - the Hillsdale Reimagined project will provide that.
My kid is only 11, so it'll be a while before he needs a place of his own to live. But when that day comes, I hope he at least has the option to choose to stay in San Mateo.
Allowing more homes to be built at Hillsdale will make that all the more likely.
I hope you'll support this project for San Mateo's future.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Reyes
From: Mike Sallander
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Hillsdale Mall Development
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 6:38:14 PM
Hi City Council
As you consider the Hillsdale Mall Development, I wanted to bring to your attention the need to address the parking for people who live in the Hillsdale Garden Apartments. Over the years, the mall has allowed residents to park in the parking lot of Wells Fargo/Citibank and Guitar Center. This has helped to reduce the number of cars parking in the surrounding residential areas since the apartments lack enough parking for their residents.
If this parking is no longer available during or after the construction it will result in more parking challenges for the neighborhood surrounding the mall and the Hillsdale Garden Apartments.
As a potential solution, perhaps the mall could re-open the parking lot along 36th Avenue behind Dunn Edward’s.
This would help to alleviate the parking issues. Another idea would be for the mall development to include a parking garage nearby the Hillsdale Garden Apartments that would be open to the public.
Thanks for considering this as you work on the development plans for the Mall.
Thanks
Mike Sallander
From: Dave Santos
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: Hillsdale Redevelopment Project
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025 4:43:35 PM
City Council members:
I am writing to share my concerns about the Hillsdale Mall redevelopment project.
Does this project serve the overall well-being of San Mateo residents not just Bohannan Properties and Norwood Investors?
I am concerned that public interests are being minimized and not protected.
Years ago, Bohannan Properties successfully lobbied the Board of Supervisors to oppose BART coming down the peninsula. There was a concern that with enhanced transportation options that shoppers would not patronize Hillsdale Shopping Center. What was good for the public did not factor in the decision.
Now the focus of Bohannon Properties is to demolish a part of Hillsdale to build housing, office space and retail. I want to make sure that the interests of San Mateo not those of private developers are foremost in planning.
Does the city have an idea of how much revenue they will be losing in the loss of retail space and the results and consequences of this action on their income?
How will this funding be replaced?
I think this question is important to consider in terms of infrastructure, traffic, noise, and the quality of life.
Where is the concern that an affordable grocery store be part of this project?
Where is the concern that ten story towers being part of this plan? I am not opposed to creation of new housing, office space, and retail if it is done with the best interests of the city and its residents and without destroying the neighborhood character of San Mateo.
The adage of “follow the money” is true here. Private equity firms’ incentive is to maximize profits.
I want to see the city develop a strong Conditions of Approval as well as a binding Development Agreement to ensure that this project is not just profit driven.
If that is not the case, the council needs to limit the scope of remodeling, reject this proposal or find a new buyer for Hillsdale Shopping Center.
Up to this point, communication about this project leaves something to be desired. Hopefully the council will take the impetus to reach out to the community and inform its residents as to what is going on.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Dave Santos
From: sfamp2000
To: Clerk
Subject: HILLSDALE MALL Redevelopment PA-2025-
Date: Monday, November 3, 2025 2:33:20 PM
Attachments: image.png
Hello San Mateo Clerk -
I spoke with Elaine earlier today and she asked that I provide you with some of the questions I had regarding this project and hopefully can be brought up at the meeting this evening. My questions / concerns are as follows;
-INVENTORY of Bufano statues - has this been complete? The plan does not show -LOCATION of the Bufano Statues in the planned redevelopment.- Plans do not show new locations.
CONCERN: if these are left in an unprotected area with street access, they may be subject to graffiti and/or other damage. Not speaking of weather, as the statue material is likely weather resistant but dirt. leaves, bird droppings and the like may be an issue over time.
OWNERSHIP - Who is the legal owner of these sculptures? I know the were dedicated (per the plaques) in 1954. I believe we need proof of ownership. I believe these were gifted to the City of San Mateo by Benamino Bufano not Bohannon Development Corp.
As you can see I am very concerned about the care and future of these incredible statues and treasures!. I and my siblings were born and raised in San Mateo - We have many photos of us as a family at the HIllsdale Mall and photos of us sitting on some of the statues! Here I am sitting on the White Rabbit!
image.png
From: Kolja Schluetter
To: City Council (San Mateo); Clerk; Alex Khojikian
Subject: Support for Hillsdale Mall Redevelopment
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 11:45:48 AM
Dear San Mateo City Council,
On Monday, you will hold the first study session regarding the proposed Hillsdale Mall redevelopment. I want to express my full support for this project and share how excited I am about the vision being presented. I believe it will be tremendously beneficial for San Mateo and our community as a whole.
This project brings a number of clear advantages:
Over 1,600 new housing units, significantly advancing our city’s housing goals and exceeding the targets set in the General Plan for this site.
A thoughtful site layout that respects existing single-family neighborhoods by placing low-rise townhomes along the perimeter and concentrating taller office buildings along El Camino Real.
Retention of the newer mall section, preserving a valuable community amenity.
Creation of a vibrant retail plaza that will serve as a welcoming gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
Addition of modern office space, bringing new jobs and economic vitality to the area.
The site leverages excellent transit access, with immediate proximity to Caltrain and convenient connections to Highways 101 and 92.
As a qualifying SB 330 project, it will benefit from streamlined approvals and legal protections that ensure timely progress.
Since there is no legal basis to deny this project due to its housing designation, I encourage the Council and community to focus on thoughtful implementation and long-term success. I also appreciate the developer’s proactive communication and community engagement to date.
As the process moves forward, I would urge the City to ensure:
The inclusion of at least one full-service grocery store to replace Trader Joe’s and ideally another specialized grocer to meet diverse neighborhood needs while reducing car-dependent shopping trips of our new residents.
A robust traffic management and mitigation plan addressing both the multi-year construction period and post-completion traffic impacts.
A comprehensive plan for multi-modal connectivity, supporting safe and efficient walking, biking, driving, and transit access.
This proposal will significantly enhance the livability and attractiveness of San Mateo for the benefit of our entire community.
Thank you for your leadership and for advancing a project that will meaningfully shape San Mateo’s future for the better.
Best, Kolja
From: Chantal Eaton
To: Alby Calles
Subject: FW: Hillsdale Mall Redevelopment Study Session Date: Friday, October 31, 2025 4:19:33 PM
From: Linda Tolosano
Sent: Friday, October 31, 2025 2:44 PM
To: City Council (San Mateo) <[email protected]> Subject: Hillsdale Mall Redevelopment Study Session
City Council of San Mateo:
There was a post recently on a website regarding the Hillsdale Mall redevelopment. I have many of the same concerns as the poster, which they articulated, and are listed below. This is a huge deal for San Mateo with lasting impact. San Mateo needs to get it right, not bow to the bottom line of a big developer. Bohannon already manipulated the City through Measure T.
Let's be smarter this time and get a development the City deserves.
Here are some key concerns to consider:
Traffic & Infrastructure: Thousands of new daily car trips will further clog El Camino Real, Highway 92, Hillsdale Boulevard, and nearby neighborhood streets. Can our schools, water, sewer, and emergency services keep up with this growth — and will they be properly funded?
Neighborhood Character: Proposed ten-story towers would dwarf nearby homes and buildings, permanently changing the scale and feel of our neighborhood.
Retail Choices and Economic Viability: Residents depend on having an affordable grocery store nearby and retail options that serve the community. If the new retail mix caters only to high- end tenants, everyday needs could be ignored. How will the loss of so much sales tax affect city revenue?
Public Benefits: With private equity firms involved, the incentive will be to maximize profits.
Without strong Conditions of Approval or a binding Development Agreement, San Mateo risks
giving away too much and getting too little in return.
San Mateo residents deserve answers: Will there be a binding development agreement to secure public benefits beyond what state law requires? How will the plan address the lack of an affordable grocery store and loss of retail revenue? What is the realistic construction timeline and how will disruption be minimized? How will the city prevent office space from outpacing housing? What infrastructure upgrades — roads, schools, parks — will be guaranteed?
Let’s make sure the Hillsdale redevelopment reflects the needs and values of our community — not just the bottom line of big developers.
Linda Tolosano
San Mateo, CA
From: Carol Wilner
To: City Council (San Mateo)
Subject: New housing in San Mateo
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025 7:03:08 PM
I urge you not to build more housing at Hillsdale Mall!!! Already we have too much traffic, not enough police, not enough retail stores but an affordable Trader Joe’s grocery store that needs to stay.
Thank you,
Carol Wilner
Sent from iPhone