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The latest plans from Merlone Geier will redevelop only 11 acres at the corner of San Antonio Road and El Camino Real, leaving the vast majority of the 56 acre shopping center to be redeveloped in the future.
At 7:30 this evening the City Council will discuss in a study session the latest plans for the project, which include 325 units of housing at the north end of the site and 139,300 square feet of new retail space. The Safeway grocery store on California Street is expected to move into one of the new buildings, as would the existing Rite Aid on the site. An underground parking garage previously planned has been removed to allow better pedestrian and bicycle access through the area.
A deal has to be made with an existing tenant before an additional five acres can be developed north of the five story housing. Once complete, the entire 16 acre project will create a net increase of 100,000 square feet of retail space on the site. But under the current 11 acre proposal the project will actually have less retail space than exists now — 50,000 square feet less.
Some may be disappointed to see that much of the redeveloped area will continue to be used for grade level parking. A major complaint from the public during general plan hearings about the existing shopping center was that it was an ocean of parking lots and cars that is difficult for pedestrians to navigate.
In another agenda item, the council will discuss measures for dealing with the geese and coots that are a nuisance at Shoreline Park, as well as how to create new habitat for the endangered burrowing owl.
The council meets on the second floor of City Hall at 500 Castro St.
What about a 3-4 story garage like downtown Mountain View and Stanford Shopping Center with elevators? That seems like a more efficient use of ground space.
A garage seems like a good solution. Public transit is not a great option with Caltrain’s and VTA’s problems and some cannot walk or cycle. The first floor might be retail space with art work on the walls. Properly sited, the ground space saved could be used for pedetrian and bike traffic, landscaping and other amenities.
Below ground parking would really work well the housing, parking garking decks would work well with the retail, bikes wools seperate places to park away from car access. Ialso one thing will create more ground space for people and events at the center.
Dealing with the geese and coots at Shoreline??!! Those are my favorite part of Shoreline. I love them, despite the gifts left by the geese. Please let them stay… that’s part of the whole point of going out there! They’re no more nuisance than the bicyclists (sorry, just making a point).