Photos of things people "wish to see" in San Mateo
This is a diagram of all the natural housing types that are quite appropriate for San Mateo’s residential neighborhoods but are largely not allowed in our supply-restricted market. These housing types are a perfect way for San Mateo to add homes for our next generation of families without disrupting the character of our neighborhoods. My generation wants to be able to live in places like these. (Location: This is a rendering. It should be San Mateo)
Dense housing near transit! And the housing has a small parking component. I like that the city is not afraid to build tall buildings near the train station. I dislike that the buildings max out at ~20 stories – they could be taller – and that the trains do not run very frequently (though this is being fixed). (Location: Denver, CO)
More such truly inclusive affordable housing developments open to extremely low income people with special needs, including residents with developmental disabilities. This local development was a concerted and create effort to meet the needs of some often marginalized people, and do so in a stable, inclusive, and supportive way. Need to include set asides for folks w developmental disabilities in upcoming affordable housing developments too. (Location: 1990 S Delaware)
A four-track Caltrain viaduct taken from Clem Tiller’s website, caltrain-hsr.blogspot.com. Notice how it has FOUR (as in: 4) tracks. A four track Caltrain corridor would greatly improve the quality of life in San Mateo, San Mateo County, and the entire peninsula in general. (Location: 3rd Avenue Caltrain crossing.)
We’re probably the only city around that doesn’t have a downtown farmer’s market. Why not close off part of B St. between 5th and 9th and at least have a small one similar to the Burlingame one?
Mixed-use Spanish Revival building in Palo Alto. The scale is perfect for the neighborhood and allows a lot of homes in this walkable place. (Location: Corner of Ramona and University in Palo Alto)
The public space is fully dedicated to pedestrians, rather than cars. This is made possible by compact, mixed-use neighborhoods and a higher density of homes nearby. This place is far more productive with far fewer city resources required to support it than most American cities. (Location: Kyoto, Japan)
Traditional high-density homes in Europe. Homes that are close together have been loved and lived-in for millennia. This is the original green living. (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
This is a typical “Three-Decker” building common throughout New England, a great historic design to incorporate. This building is charming, fits well in the mixed neighborhood it was built in, and provides nice homes for more than a single family. (Location: Worcester, Massachusetts )
The architectural scale and classic proportions fit well with the surrounding area. This scale would provide amble homes for people downtown. (Location: Corner of Ramona and Hamilton in Palo Alto)
More outdoor eating at restaurants. We need more restaurants with outdoor eating opportunities. We need to take advantage of the climate. (Location: Downtown)
Art adds so much value to our experience of the City. I would love to see even more public art, music and performances downtown. I hope we can continue to innovate and bring creativity into our streets. (Location: Downtown)
Townhomes with interesting details. Homes can be closer together and still be loved. The variety is balanced with consistent character. There is a sense of place. (Location: Brooklyn, NY)
Wide sidewalk with cafe seating and shade trees. This place is super comfortable to be in. Feels like quintessential Main Street USA. (Location: Old City neighborhood in Philadelphia)
Quiet, tree-lined street with more density. The scale of the buildings, street width, and trees make this place super inviting for a stroll. Living here, I could recharge walking out my door just as well as in a park or forest. (Location: East Village, New York )
Nicely designed housing building that does not look or feel as tall as it actually is. It is a 12 story building that looks like a 7 story building. 6-7 story buildings can be designed in a way that feel and look smaller. (Location: kitty-corner from Davis Symphony Hall in San Francisco)
Get to Know San Mateo Architecture. San Mateo has an abundance of wonderful architecture, both commercial and residential, of many styles dating from the 1860s to the present. A ‘Get to Know San Mateo Architecture’ guidebook with local photos and short descriptions of the various architectural styles will help inform the community of its rich architectural heritage. (Location: Newton, MA)
This is a pretty building and provides more homes for people than a McMansion. Fits well in most neighborhoods. (Location: Could be any pre-war US neighborhood)
I would love to see this put to better use, like a community garden or bocce court. See what ideas the neighborhood can come up with! (Location: Birch and Hawthorne)
This is a very comfortable, walkable place in a small European city, Bonn, Germany. There are 4-stories of homes above each business, and people love being there. The scale of the buildings is perfect for pedestrian places. There is variation in the architecture, but also harmony. (Location: Downtown Bonn, Germany)
This new building has lots of housing and fits well with existing architecture around town. (Location: Pasadena, CA)
I want to see safe, comfortable crossings for people walking and biking at all new grade separations in San Mateo. (Location: 25th at the tracks)
Design guidelines for commercial, mixed-use and multi-family buildings will help ensure high quality design appropriate to the site and neighborhood. Good design guidelines can also reduce opposition to inappropriate or poorly designed projects. (Location: City of Rohnert Park, CA)
Wide sidewalks and large street trees in the middle of Tokyo. I like the generous sidewalks with big planters that can buffer traffic and grow large, healthy trees. (Location: Omotesando Street, Tokyo, Japan )
San Mateo could lead the way by incentivizing developers to build patios, green roofs and play-structures on the roofs tops. Roofs are under-utilized spaces that could be so much more! (Location: Urban Area)
Downtown Historic District Design Guidelines. Comprehensive and sensitive design guidelines for modifications, additions, and infill development are necessary for the protection, preservation and perpetuation of San Mateo’s downtown historic district. (Location: N/A)
Tiny houses/Mirco units can serve the growing senior population and millennial workforce. Going smaller and denser will save space and resources! (Location: Seattle)
Active listening. City staff, the city manager and the city council members need to do a better job of actively listening. Now they collect information but only “hear” what seems to validate their preconceived ideas. It is how things could and should be – ask actual housing providers who work in the rental business every day how to preserve existing housing and what would encourage housing providers to enter or stay in the rental business. Right now, the city only listens to radicals who want to ruin housing or lawyers who want to write and take advantage of anti-housing ordinances. (Location: Could be city hall or any number of places.)
Higher density traditional buildings by a park. Higher density homes that are nice looking. Great for downtown. (Location: Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia )
Examples of elevated Caltrain Grade Separations that do not divide the city. Bridge type Caltrain over crossings can be attractive as well as providing car, pedestrian and bike safety. They can also add parks or additional parking underneath. (Location: Throughout downtown San Mateo at Caltrain tracks.)
This is a rendition of a nature bridge. This would allow San Mateo’s to wildlife safely cross the interstate. It would also add more “green.” This idea would probably help lesson the amount of dead animals on the interstate. (Location: Perhaps around 280)
This is a bridge over 101 designed for Palo Alto – it is inviting for people to use. Please look into more ped/bike crossings of the freeways. One good spot could be along the culvert under 101 near Lodi Ave. There are a few freeway crossings for people walking and biking in San Mateo located at freeway ramps. The approaches are very uncomfortable to use. Moving these crossings away from freeway access is crucial in improving comfort. (Location: Palo Alto)
This is a proposal of what a comfortable, buffered bike lane could look like on Alameda de las Pulgas, where there are numerous schools and parks. Traffic speeds would be reduced, it would be easier for residents to back out of their driveway, the number of lanes for pedestrians to cross would be reduced and it would actually feel comfortable to ride a bike on this street. (Location: Alameda de las Pulgas)
These new buildings are very fitting with the existing streetscape and provide a lot of homes and customers for the local businesses. (Location: Downtown Portsmouth, NH)
A bicycle lane in downtown Amsterdam. Lots of people ride bicycles in Amsterdam because there are lots of bike lanes that are physically separated from motorized traffic. (Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Small lot ownership housing is a good ‘starter’ solution for couples and families who prefer a home to an apartment. Small lots, traditional design, low scale. (Location: Anaheim, CA)
Urban Street in London. The neighborhood has an iconic, consistent style. It has a sense of place. It’s very comfortable for people to walk there. (Location: London, UK)
This street provides a comfortable scale of urbanism that would be appropriate for San Mateo. Pre-War Main Street USA.
