In a tense meeting this evening, the council finally got to consider and vote on the Safeway project. Terry Nagel led the discussion off with a spirited speech and a resounding No, claiming she 'never, ever' wants to see this plan again.
Nagel was supported by Cathy Baylock who pointed out that this project has lingered around Burlingame for over seven years, and that the council owes the applicant a definitive answer.
Councilman Galligan invoked ' patriotism', 'support of the elderly', 'non-voting renters' and claimed that the only the people who were opposed to this project were the wealthy (he can inspect my tax return anytime he wants!) and pointed out how much Safeway has given to the community!
Mike Coffey, true to form, reneged completely on his campaign promises, and supported the applicant, saying that the project had changed since the planning commission vote. What changes?
It was up to Mayor O'Mahony to cast the deciding vote. She was tempted to soften the blow to Safeway, and Galligan relentlessly tried to get city planner Monroe to define what a 'significant ' revision would be. He nearly trapped O'Mahony into defining what would be acceptable but in the end Ms. O'Mahony voted with Nagel and Baylock.
Now Safeway must return with a significantly revised project, one that will be subject to design review.
– Written by admin
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