San Mateo Asks: What Is Your Vision For The Future Of Downtown?

SAN MATEO, CA – The San Mateo community is invited to participate in the first Downtown Specific Plan Community Workshop on March 29, which will include a discussion of the need and location for jobs, housing, public improvements, and amenities in Downtown San Mateo.

Join us at the San Mateo Main Library (Oak Room) on Wednesday, March 29th (from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm) to participate in an interactive exercise with fellow community members to identify the changes you envision in the Downtown.

Feedback provided by the San Mateo community through the City’s outreach efforts is being used to identify topics of discussion for the March 29 workshop. Several meetings have taken place, including the Downtown Plan Kick-Off Meeting and a Taste + Talk Forum. The Downtown Plan team, comprised of City staff, met with various neighborhood associations, business groups, and community organizations including the San Mateo United Homeowner’s Association (SMUHA), the North Central Neighborhood Association, and with families that are part of the St. James Community Foundation. Outreach to the downtown business community included the Downtown San Mateo Association (DSMA), North B St Merchants, and small businesses and startups. The City has also received emailed comments and responses from online surveys.

This collective feedback from the community will help guide the visioning discussions at the workshop. Those attending will participate in a hands-on activity for identifying potential areas of focus, opportunities for improvements and ideas to enhance the Downtown experience. As the community engagement process continues, additional themes will be explored, such as identifying neighborhood character, discussing the different arrangements of building mass and form, and the developing linkages between development and public benefits.

Future meetings will include additional Taste + Talk Forums and Community Workshops to refine the community’s vision for downtown. Questions or to sign-up for emails regarding this important community planning process, please send an email to downtownplan@cityofsanmateo.org.

We hope to see you at the March 29th workshop at the San Mateo Main Library (Oak Room), located at 55 W. Third Avenue. The event begins at 6:00 pm, with sign-in/registration beginning at 5:45 pm. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP for the March 29th workshop, using this link: https://downtownsanmateocommunityworkshop1.eventbrite.com

– SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION ON BEHALF OF: The City of San Mateo