sierraclub.org/loma-prieta ~ 3921 East Bayshore Road, Suite 204, Palo Alto, CA 94303
SAN MATEO, SANTA CLARA & SAN BENITO COUNTIES
June 2, 2023
City of San Mateo City Council
330 West 20th Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403
Via email to: [email protected]
Subject: Affordable Housing at Talbot's Site
Dear Mayor Lee and Members of the City Council,
The Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter’s Sustainable Land Use Committee (SLU) advocates on land use issues in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. In that role, we advocate for higher density affordable housing in city downtowns and along transit corridors.
We support the Council in asking for more affordable housing on the Talbots site downtown. There are few opportunities in downtown with such a perfect location for this type of mixed use development.
However, affordable housing is presently the greatest need and the location on the transit corridor makes it even more important for worker housing.
Respectfully yours,
Gita Dev, FAIA, Co-Chair
Sustainable Land Use Committee
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
Cc: James Eggers, Executive Director
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
Gladwyn d’Souza, Conservation Chair
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
1 Holeva Finau
From: Alexis Lewis
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 10:39 AM
To: Planning Commission
Subject: Support for the Bespoke Project (445 South B Street) Planning Commissioner Margaret Williams,
Dear Members of the San Mateo Planning Commission,
I am writing to express my strong support for the Bespoke project at 4th and B Street. This development is a model for the transit-oriented, sustainable growth San Mateo needs to meet its housing and climate goals.
I specifically support this project because:
It delivers on affordability: By providing 71 units of 100% affordable housing in partnership with Alta Housing, San Mateo is taking a real step toward addressing our local housing crisis.
It prioritizes sustainability: Utilizing Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and an all-electric design sets a high bar for environmentally responsible development in our city.
It strengthens downtown: With new space for the Center for Self-Help for the Elderly and significant pedestrian improvements along B Street, this project is a clear win for the community.
We cannot afford a two-year setback for these homes and community benefits. I respectfully urge the Commission to approve the updated deal terms and allow the Bespoke project to move forward immediately.
Sincerely,
Alexis Lewis
Alexis Lewis
San Mateo, California 94402
April 27, 2026
San Mateo City Planning Commission
330 W 20th Ave
San Mateo, CA 94403
Dear Members of the San Mateo Planning Commission,
The Housing Action Coalition (HAC) is pleased to endorse Harvest Properties, Inc. & Prometheus Real Estate Group, Inc.’s Bespoke project. Our committee commends the project for its innovative land use.
The project will replace an outdated single-story retail building with a dynamic mixed-use development, including 71 units of 100% affordable housing, office and retail space. The proposed housing will be a valuable addition to Downtown San Mateo, located in the Central Business District, bringing new life and vitality to this area. The committee is particularly impressed with the collaborative efforts between the project team, the City, and the community to foster a more vibrant, communal, and transit-oriented neighborhood.
Through extensive community feedback and outreach, the project design has evolved to offer a more engaging environment, using cross-laminated timber (CLT) building materials and thoughtful design elements. The project will also enhance the pedestrian experience by widening B Street sidewalks by more than five feet, in line with pedestrian-friendly guidelines that promote walkability and accessibility.
To further support a healthy and thriving downtown, the project includes 162,000 square feet of commercial space for offices and retail. The design encourages open spaces and accessibility, incorporating urban plazas and outdoor areas with massing breaks and retail spill-out zones for restaurant dining. Additionally, we are excited that 3,500 square feet of ground-floor space will be allocated for Self-Help for the Elderly, which will serve as a significant community resource.
We commend the project team for surpassing the density threshold of 50 units through the State Density Bonus Law, achieving 71 units at 61.2 dwelling units per acre. The project's proximity to the San Mateo Caltrain station further promotes public transit utilization. Furthermore, the inclusion of 16 short-term and 56 long-term bike stalls for residents, along with 8 short-term and 84 long-term bike stalls for public use, and preferential carpool parking, demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable transportation options.
Moreover, we recognize the Harvest Development team’s impressive commitment to the success of this project. The revised deal terms include a total equity contribution of $9.4 million, with an additional $6.5 million guarantee in the event of delays or challenges in securing financing for the affordable housing component. This level of financial commitment exceeds typical expectations for commercial developers and underscores the importance of the project to our community.
The project also includes the construction of a subterranean garage shared between residential and commercial spaces, and the payment of a commercial linkage fee to support future affordable housing projects in San Mateo. These actions demonstrate a comprehensive approach to community-building and housing production.
We strongly urge the City Council to approve the updated terms, allowing the project to move forward through the entitlement and development process without further delay. The proposed completion timeline
1 Holeva Finau
From: Carey Wilson
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 6:11 PM
To: Planning Commission
Subject: Support for the Bespoke Project (445 South B Street) Planning Commissioner Caiti Busch,
Dear Members of the San Mateo Planning Commission,
I am writing to express my strong support for the Bespoke project at 4th and B Street. This development is a model for the transit-oriented, sustainable growth San Mateo needs to meet its housing and climate goals.
I specifically support this project because:
It delivers on affordability: By providing 71 units of 100% affordable housing in partnership with Alta Housing, San Mateo is taking a real step toward solving our local housing crisis.
It prioritizes sustainability: Utilizing Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and an all-electric design sets a high bar for environmentally conscious development in our city.
It strengthens downtown: Between the new space for the Center for Self-Help for the Elderly and the significant pedestrian improvements along B Street, this project is a clear win for the community.
We cannot afford a two-year setback for these homes and community benefits. I respectfully urge the Council to approve the updated deal terms and allow the Bespoke project to move forward immediately.
Sincerely,
Carey Wilson
San Mateo, California 94403
1 Holeva Finau
From: Francie Souza
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 10:49 AM
To: Planning Commission
Cc: City Council (San Mateo); Clerk
Subject: Comments on Bespoke, 445 S. B Street
Dear Planning Commissioners,
We are residents of Central San Mateo, and have read the Administrative Report for 445 B Street (Talbot's), and have several concerns about the plans:
1) The plan to make East 5th Avenue, from S. Delaware to S. Amphlett, a Class II bike lane will remove approximately 60 parking spaces from one side of the street. This street currently is a Class III bike lane and has an RPPP which is fully utilized by the neighborhood and we ask you to consider maintaining that designation for this neighborhood. Traffic should be routed to E. 4th Ave and away from the neighborhood streets. In addition, there are aleady six Class II Bike Routes in our neighborhood (9th, Humboldt, Grant, Fremont, El Dorado, and Delaware), and cyclists can use any of these on our wider streets.
Another fact to consider is that there are multiple projects being built surrounding Central Neighborhood, none of which offer parking adequate for their residents: 9th & Claremont, Block 20 & Block 21, as well as Gateway. Central Neighborhood needs to be protected from the parking overflow which already happens along S. Delaware Street from local businesses, contract workers and employees from downtown.
Please reconsider this plan and maintain the Class III bike lane along E 5th. We don't need another expensive mistake based on poor planning, such as happened in North Central.
2) No on-site loading area for the new buildings along S. B Street (both Bespoke and Draeger's replacement) is very short-sighted, creating traffic back-ups, unsafe passing which impacts both bicycle and pedestrian safety. Please ask that this be addressed in the plans.
3) Removal of 23 protected trees. Why does our city always approve removing the trees on the lots that are being used to build? When I drive to other cities that value their trees, for example Menlo Park or Palo Alto, I wonder why San Mateo cannot have the canopy that these valuable trees offer - why are they not protected? Please consider how you might protect at least some of the existing "protected" trees.
Thank you for reading our comments, and we hope you will consider alternatives.
SIncerely,
Tom & Francie Souza
S. Delaware St., Central San Mateo
1 Holeva Finau
From: Helena Cardona
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 3:51 PM
To: Planning Commission
Subject: Support for the Bespoke Project (445 South B Street) Planning Commissioner Maxwell Schaumkel,
Dear Members of the San Mateo Planning Commission,
I am writing to express my strong support for the Bespoke project at 4th and B Street. This development is a model for the transit-oriented, sustainable growth San Mateo needs to meet its housing and climate goals.
I specifically support this project because:
It delivers on affordability: By providing 71 units of 100% affordable housing in partnership with Alta Housing, San Mateo is taking a real step toward solving our local housing crisis.
It prioritizes sustainability: Utilizing Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and an all-electric design sets a high bar for environmentally conscious development in our city.
It strengthens downtown: Between the new space for the Center for Self-Help for the Elderly and the significant pedestrian improvements along B Street, this project is a clear win for the community.
We cannot afford a two-year setback for these homes and community benefits. I respectfully urge the Council to approve the updated deal terms and allow the Bespoke project to move forward immediately.
Sincerely,
Helena Cardona
Burlingame, California 94010
1 Holeva Finau
From: Jim Lawrence
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 2:54 PM
To: Planning Commission
Subject: Support for the Bespoke Project (445 South B Street) Planning Commissioner Maxwell Schaumkel,
Dear Members of the Planning Commission,
I am writing to express my strong support for the Bespoke project at 4th Avenue and B Street.
This proposal represents a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform an underutilized block into something that truly reflects San Mateo’s values—sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term economic vitality.
At a time when our community continues to face a severe housing shortage, the inclusion of 71 deeply affordable homes—developed in partnership with Alta Housing—is especially meaningful. These homes will serve families and essential workers who are the backbone of our city but are increasingly priced out of it.
Beyond housing, Bespoke sets an important environmental standard. As one of the region’s first major cross-laminated timber developments, designed to be all-electric and targeting LEED Gold certification, it signals that San Mateo is serious about climate leadership and sustainable growth.
The project also strengthens the social fabric of our community. Providing a permanent home for the Center for Self-Help for the Elderly ensures that a vital community-serving organization can continue its work for years to come. Enhancements such as wider sidewalks along B Street will create a safer, more accessible, and more welcoming downtown for residents and visitors alike.
Finally, the addition of office and retail space will bring needed daytime activity to support local small businesses, contributing to a more vibrant and economically resilient downtown.
This is a complex public-private partnership on city-owned land, and I understand the importance of careful consideration. However, delaying approval of the updated terms risks
2 setting the project back by years and jeopardizing the delivery of much-needed affordable housing and community benefits.
For these reasons, I respectfully urge you to approve the updated terms for the Bespoke project and help move San Mateo forward in a way that is equitable, sustainable, and forward- looking.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Jim Lawrence
Board Chair
Fixin San Mateo
Jim Lawrence
San Mateo, California 94404-3803
1 Holeva Finau
From: Laurie Hietter
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 3:50 PM
To: Planning Commission
Cc: Martin McTaggart
Subject: Prometheus and Harvest Properties Project at 445 B Street (B St, 4th & 5th Ave, Railroad Ave).
Dear Planning Commissioners:
The proposed project has inadequate parking. The downtown area and Central Neighborhood already has strained parking; this project (and the many other proposed projects) will make it worse. Please require the developers to include at least one parking space per unit.
The Casa Verde apartments in North Park, San Diego tried "parking free" and it does not work. The project struggled significantly to attract and retain tenants/renters, who largely wanted parking. As a result, the developer had to backtrack and arrange additional parking (e.g., spots at a nearby city garage for ~$45/month) to fill units. Reports from 2023 noted that prospective tenants gravitated toward rentals with sufficient parking, making it a "failed" test case for car-free housing in San Diego
In addition, please don't repeat the Humboldt parking removal disaster. 5th Ave. should remain a Class III bike route. The route is unsafe due to the extensive number of trucks that will use the route for construction and deliveries for the downtown projects.
Please find a way to mitigate these significant effects on Central Neighborhood.
Thank you,
Laurie Hietter
San Mateo Resident
1 Holeva Finau
From: Mary Burns
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 2:20 PM
To: Planning Commission
Subject: Support for the Bespoke Project (445 South B Street) Planning Commissioner Caiti Busch,
Dear Members of the San Mateo Planning Commission,
I am writing to express my strong support for the Bespoke project at 4th and B Street. This development is a model for the transit-oriented, sustainable growth San Mateo needs to meet its housing and climate goals.
I specifically support this project because:
It delivers on affordability: By providing 71 units of 100% affordable housing in partnership with Alta Housing, San Mateo is taking a real step toward solving our local housing crisis.
It prioritizes sustainability: Utilizing Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and an all-electric design sets a high bar for environmentally conscious development in our city.
It strengthens downtown: Between the new space for the Center for Self-Help for the Elderly and the significant pedestrian improvements along B Street, this project is a clear win for the community.
We cannot afford a two-year setback for these homes and community benefits. I respectfully urge the Council to approve the updated deal terms and allow the Bespoke project to move forward immediately.
Sincerely,
Mary Burns
San Mateo, California 94403
1 Holeva Finau
From: Nancy Schneider
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 3:41 PM
To: Planning Commission
Subject: Support for the Bespoke Project (445 South B Street) Planning Commissioner Adam Klafter,
Dear Members of the San Mateo Planning Commission,
I am writing to express my strong support for the Bespoke project at 4th and B Street. This development is a model for the transit-oriented, sustainable growth San Mateo needs to meet its housing and climate goals. It is time to do something good with that site.
I specifically support this project because:
It delivers on affordability: By providing 71 units of 100% affordable housing in partnership with Alta Housing, San Mateo is taking a real step toward solving our local housing crisis.
It prioritizes sustainability: Utilizing Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and an all-electric design sets a high bar for environmentally conscious development in our city. It also provides more housing in a walkable place, reducing the need for parking for residents and reducing emissions.
It strengthens downtown: Between the new space for the Center for Self-Help for the Elderly and the significant pedestrian improvements along B Street, this project is a clear win for the community.
We cannot afford a two-year setback for these homes and community benefits. I respectfully urge the Council to approve the updated deal terms and allow the Bespoke project to move forward immediately.
Thank you for your consideration of this important project.
Sincerely,
1 Holeva Finau
From: Rick Bonilla
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 6:38 PM
To: Planning Commission
Subject: Support for the Bespoke Project (445 South B Street) Planning Commissioner Caiti Busch,
Dear Members of the San Mateo Planning Commission,
In 2020, I was a member of the San Mateo City Council when we first sought to put some of our city parking lots to better use. We’re looking for an opportunity to build affordable housing.
In furtherance of that goal, the city sought developers through an RFQ for development on this site and this team of Prometheus/harvest/Alta rose to the top. I believe they’re offering a superior product which will improve and reinvigorate that part of our downtown, providing for the needs all San Mateo residents going well into the future.
I am writing to express my strong support for the Bespoke project at 4th and B Street. This development is a model for the transit-oriented, sustainable growth San Mateo needs to meet its housing and climate goals.
I specifically support this project because:
It delivers on affordability: By providing 71 units of 100% affordable housing in partnership with Alta Housing, San Mateo is taking a real step toward solving our local housing crisis.
It prioritizes sustainability: Utilizing Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and an all-electric design sets a record high bar for environmentally conscious development in our city.
It strengthens downtown: Between the new space for Self-Help for the Elderly and the significant pedestrian improvements along B Street, this project is a clear win for the community.
We cannot afford a two-year setback for these homes and community benefits. I respectfully urge the Council to approve the updated deal terms and allow the Bespoke project to move forward immediately.
2 Sincerely,
Rick Bonilla
Housing Action Coalition Board Member
San Mateo Homeowner since ‘91
Rick Bonilla
San Mateo, California 94401
1 Holeva Finau
From: Robert Whitehair
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 9:16 PM
To: Planning Commission
Subject: I support the Bespoke Project
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Dear Chair Seema Pate, Commissioners, and staff
As a property owner in San Mateo for over 43 years, as someone deeply committed to a San Mateo that is available to everyone, someone who raised his family here, I support this project because A vital non profit receives a new home
The project improves the economic vitality of San Mateo. It provides deeply affordable homes in a transit oriented development, one with support services
With its timber construction, it is a model for other projects Project funding includes an excellent use of City of San Mateo resources I would greatly appreciate approval of this project
Thank you
Robert (he, him)
Acknowledgement: I reside on the unceded lands of our indigenous ancestors the Ramaytush Ohlone, while benefiting from racial privilege. We begin making reparations by accepting only a kinship view of our place on the planet: All life is interconnected, interdependent, and interrelated.
To TEXT Me
1 Holeva Finau
From: Suzanne Flecker
Sent: Monday, April 27, 2026 6:35 PM
To: Planning Commission
Subject: Support for the Bespoke Project (445 South B Street) Planning Commissioner Seema Patel,
Dear Members of the San Mateo Planning Commission,
I am writing to express my strong support for the Bespoke project at 4th and B Street. This development is a model for the transit-oriented, sustainable growth San Mateo needs to meet its housing and climate goals.
I specifically support this project because:
It delivers on affordability: By providing 71 units of 100% affordable housing in partnership with Alta Housing, San Mateo is taking a real step toward solving our local housing crisis.
It prioritizes sustainability: Utilizing Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and an all-electric design sets a record high bar for environmentally conscious development in our city.
It strengthens downtown: Between the new space for Self-Help for the Elderly and the significant pedestrian improvements along B Street, this project is a clear win for the community.
We cannot afford a two-year setback for these homes and community benefits. I respectfully urge the Council to approve the updated deal terms and allow the Bespoke project to move forward immediately.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Flecker
City of San Mateo Homeowner
Suzanne Flecker
2 San Mateo, California 94401