San Mateo studies transit corridor

The San Mateo Planning Commission will review a final report Tuesday examining the environmental impact of an ambitious plan to change zoning along the Caltrain line between Hillsdale and Hayward Park train stations.

By changing zoning along the corridor, the city hopes to redevelop the jumble of light industrial, retail, multi-family and single-family residential areas into housing, retail and offices. The largest chunk of land affected by the change is Bay Meadows Race Track.

More than two years ago, race track owners announced plans to close Bay Meadows and build a 83.5-acre transit-oriented development, including 1,250 residential units, 1.25 million square feet of office space and 150,000 square feet of retail space.

Tuesday's study session will allow the commission to clear up any remaining questions it has about the changes before a public hearing later this month. By June, the City Council is expected to take action on the plans for Bay Meadows.

Problems identified in the final environmental report include the potential to disrupt eight structures in the corridor that could qualify for the California Register of Historic Places.

The development would also added significant traffic congestion at the intersections of El Camino Real and 17th Avenue, 20th Avenue and Belmont's Ralston Avenue.