San Bruno B.A.R.T.

  MILLBRAE--Residents here won't have to travel to neighboring cities to get a Krispy Kreme doughnut if the city approves plans for a retail center with the popular pastry outlet.

  On Monday, the planning commission will take its first look at plans for the center that includes a Krispy Kreme, an In-N-Out Burger, a Chevron gas station and restaurants, on Millbrae Avenue at Rollins Road.

  Public hearings over the project have yet to be scheduled, but residents are invited to view the plans at the Monday night meeting at 7 p.m. in the City Council chamber, 621 Magnolia Ave.

  The 21,000-square-foot center would feature four connected buildings that would house the restaurants and retail shops, said David Petrovich, the city planner.

  Some city officials say it's time to develop that vacant site, especially with BART opening up in June. If the project is approved, it will be the first time Millbrae has had a doughnut shop in about five years, city planners said.

  "It's been vacant, so it will be so nice to have something attractive there," said Mayor Linda Larson. "It will be something for all ages, that can accommodate families, and I think it will bring a lot of people to the area."

  The site, where Thrifty Airport Parking once operated, is on the southeast corner of Millbrae Avenue, right across the street from the BART station.

  With BART expected to generate thousands of car trips each day, city officials say they are worried that a drive-through type restaurant will create even more traffic at an already-congested intersection.

  But traffic engineers have said the auto congestion in that area can be mitigated if the city adds two more lanes on Millbrae Avenue. One of the lanes would turn right into the project site, which would alleviate stop-and-go traffic.

  "Obviously, they want people to go and buy doughnuts and coffee before getting on BART, and pick up a burger on the way home, but that changes the traffic flow," said Ralph Petty, community development director for Millbrae.

  Aside from filling hungry stomachs, the burgers and sweet pastries will help fatten the city's coffers, as it struggles to offset the ongoing budget deficit.

  The proposed retail center is expected to generate as much as $400,000, Petty said, adding that the value of the property also will contribute to the city's tax base.

  "I think this project is as good as anything proposed," Petty said.