Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Burlingame public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in development with medium priority
Affordable Housing Development
Three design-review applications would add new two-story houses on Paloma Avenue, California Drive, and Cabrillo Avenue — routine for the Commission but consequential for the immediate neighbors who live with the new construction.
Residential additions and new-home design reviews
A homeowner wants to add a second floor and expand a 1917 house to bring grandparents into the home. Commissioners said the design looks like two separate houses and urged major revisions — better material transitions, fewer doors and windows, and a unified look. No decision yet; the applicant will return with revised plans.
City property negotiations, including Parking Lot H and FAA parcel
The city renewed a lease letting the FAA keep wind-shear detection equipment near Highway 101 that helps planes land safely at SFO. Thayer got confirmation the FAA can't add unrelated equipment without coming back to the city.
Historic Status of Existing City Hall
The new City Hall at 1440 Chapin opens in September — and now consultants say the old one at 501 Primrose qualifies as a historic resource under CEQA, thanks to master architect William Whifler. That means any future demolition or redevelopment triggers environmental review. The council kicked around ideas like an RFP for adaptive reuse and worried about $35 million in deferred maintenance.
Divco Peninsula Crossing Development Agreement Compliance
The annual check-in confirmed Divco is in good-faith compliance on the three 11-story bayfront office buildings. Only BCDC and Caltrans approvals remain, plus a Coast Guard letter for the Easton Creek bridge; the mayor offered to help lobby Caltrans.