San Carlos · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Carlos public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Affordable housing at Cherry Street Commons and new proposals
Cherry Street Commons is nearly done and expects its first residents in December, with more housing proposed at 626 Walnut Street, 1562 El Camino Real, and the F Street apartments. The city is partnering with nonprofits and developers to serve seniors, lower-income families, and residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
MHA Supportive Housing at F Street and El Camino Real
The Mental Health Association of San Mateo County wants to build a four-story, 20-unit permanent supportive housing building for single adults experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness. The council is enthusiastic and the formal application is expected at the end of August under SB 35 streamlining.
RHNA Cycle 7 Housing Mandates
Council Member Dugan reported that the state's next housing allocation cycle (2031-2039) is expected to be substantially larger than the current one, with homelessness and climate factors now counted — likely meaning more upzoning pressure on San Carlos.
626 Walnut Street Affordable Housing Development
Council Member Dugan raised concerns that the MidPen Housing project on Walnut Street would eliminate ground-floor retail and that streamlined, council-exempt developments get too little public visibility. The council set a May 26 presentation and wants a new early-notification policy.
808 Alameda hillside development concerns
A resident warned the council that the 808 Alameda developer may lack experience building on slopes with groundwater and creeks, and asked the city to withhold final tree-removal permits until expertise is confirmed.
San Carlos Elms Expansion and Senior Housing Needs
The Elms — a 103-unit assisted living facility with 21 below-market-rate units — got unanimous council support to add three units and modern amenities. Councilmembers pushed for even more senior housing on the site in the future, noting long waitlists (77 people) and a growing senior population.
Downtown Revitalization Construction Support
Harrington Park construction starts April 6, with the bigger Centennial Plaza project in 2027. The new Downtown Prosperity Team laid out a communications blitz and a project list to keep businesses alive — coffee chats, parking permits, alley improvements, a possible shuttle and entertainment zone. Councilmembers offered to walk the beat themselves and asked for more parking enforcement money.
11 El Camino Real subdivision parcel map
The council finalized the parcel map for the 11 El Camino Real development, including agreements with Caltrans for work in the state right-of-way.