Gateway at Millbrae (BART) Project: time to move forward

The approvals for important development projects take time (and they should). The Gateway at Millbrae project is a small part of the much larger 1998 area plan and it predates the Millbrae BART station itself by five years (Curbed SF). Following years of planning and extensive deliberation the Millbrae City Council narrowly approved the policy guidelines for  future development in the 116 acre site near the station on February 9, 2016 (Daily Journal).

Gateway at Millbrae project rendering - Republic Urban

In early April, San Jose developer Republic Urban Properties updated the Millbrae Council on their latest plans for new housing, new office and retail space and a 116-room Marriott hotel (TOD 1). As described at the project website (Republic at Millbrae) the project envisions two phases, TOD #1 and TOD #2. 

The proposed TOD #1 project proposes new mixed-use development on the station properties located immediately west of the Millbrae Station. It proposes construct medium density multi-family residential units for up to 1,325 residents and office space for up to 1,148 employees. The project also includes underground parking and an enclosed galleria retail corridor. The proposed TOD #2 project proposes development for a BART-owned site that is located immediately east of the Millbrae Station.

Millbrae station - view from the above

For more information about the project you can watch the following video.

So, what's next?  The project is slated to be completed by mid-2019, given that there aren't more delays. The Millbrae Planning Commission meeting is supposed to happen in August-September time-frame. Following their recommendation - the City Council will meet to give its approval sometime in the fall of 2016. But, the project might need your help. I was approached to post the link to a petition to Millbrae Mayor Anne Oliva - We Support the Gateway at Millbrae Station. The petition will be delivered to all five Millbrae City Council members. We definitely need transparency from the Millbrae City Council in making this important decision, not only for Millbrae, but for the entire Peninsula.

I personally believe that project should go ahead, of course with public oversight of both, developer and the City of Millbrae City Council.