Several options for Burlingame Safeway parking to be studied Monday. Burlingame has choice of six Safeway lots (by Christine Morente, San Mateo County Times)
BURLINGAME City officials are going to be presented with multiple parking options for the Safeway project at Monday's study session.
Wilbur Smith Associates came up with six proposals with cost estimates that include underground parking, a two-story parking garage, and a three-level structure.
"Option A" is a 204-car underground parking garage at a cost of $19.8 million, according to the city's staff report. The consultant determined it has the highest cost per space at $98,000. In addition, there would be high maintenance and operation costs because of ventilation, dewatering, lighting and security needs. An underground structure also would conflict with a planned storm drain interceptor. Currently, an existing storm drain box culvert causes flooding in the downtown area during storms.
In a letter to residents dated Sept. 1, Mayor Rosalie O'Mahony asked that residents come forward Monday and reject the underground option. She called it "unsafe," and would rather have street-level parking. O'Mahony could not be reached Friday. "If you do not care to use underground parking, I would really appreciate if you would e-mail our city council and tell them what you want: A nice new, life-style Safeway with plenty of visible parking…," she said.
"Option B" involves Lot J between Primrose and Park roads. Safeway would have to buy the Blockbuster property for a 7,000-square-foot retail space fronting Park Road, according to the staff report.
So far, that option has three variations.
The first is to have 265 new spaces in a three-level, above-grade parking structure for $11.2 million; the second is to have 265 new spaces in a three-level structure and a below-grade parking structure for $17 million; and the third is to have 180 new spaces in a two-story structure and a below-grade parking structure for $14.5 million.
"Option C" includes 123 new spaces in an above-grade structure on Lot A-3 on Donnelly Road, and adding a level on the parking structure for $7.2 million.
"Option D" has 244 spaces in an above-ground structure on Lots A and C, plus adding a level on Lot A, for $13.8 million.
Deborah Karbo, Safeway Inc.'s real estate manager, confirmed in a letter to City Manager Jim Nantell that the company is committed to build a store reflective of the Safeway Working Group's recommendations.
Those include a store with a 45,000-square-foot footprint, its entrance angled toward Howard Avenue; a grocery loading dock at the northwest corner of the site with truck access off El Camino Real; and widening of Fox Plaza Lane.
However, before it puts in an application, Safeway needs to know what the city's plan is for public parking, and if city land will be available to incorporate into the project.
She warned that if the city chose underground parking, there would be a longer construction period, and the store would be closed for an additional eight to 10 months, for a total of 20 to 24 months.
Another drawback is that if the city is still looking for funding, the project would be delayed. Rising costs or corporate changes may affect the "viability of the project," Karbo said.
Safeway will consider purchasing city property, if it's feasible.
The study session is at 6 p.m. Monday at Conference Room A in City Hall, 501 Primrose Road. The regular City Council meeting is at 7 p.m. in council chambers.

– Written by Fiona