Scheduled for the landfill today. 2125 Ralston, Hillsborough. So much for being "green."

For more than a year now, Peninsula residents have been criticized by the California High Speed Rail Authority for jumping to the conclusion that the cheapest and ugliest alignment would be foisted on our communities.  How could we engage in such "fear-mongering?"

Well, it is now confirmed!

In the Federal Funding Application submitted on Friday, August 6th, the Authority requested the following:

"New infrastructure providing four tracks between Brisbane and Redwood junctions is proposed based on the more economical Aerial Structure cross-section as opposed to the Trench solution in some areas such as Burlingame, San Mateo which would be more expensive (see figure 2)."

My only hope is that this new reality wakes up those in our community who believe it will never happen "because the state can't afford it" or "legislators would never let this happen."  And our neighboring communities who have taken the tactic of wining and dining with the Rail folks as their strategy to get the best result for their community.  Guess that didn't work – huh?

See below for ARRA application with quoted section above, page 4 of 19:

http://cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/images/chsr/20100806183201_Redefined%20San%20Francisco%20-%20San%20Jose%20Design-Build%20Section%20ARRA%20Track%202%20Scope.pdf

There was a standing room only meeting of the High Speed Rail Authority in San Francisco today. Needless to say, there were many speakers who raised grave concerns about the projects potential negative impacts on Burlingame and surrounding cities.

Many, including the members of our council, have long advocated a tunnel or below ground option. They have, along with many other citizens, made it clear that an elevated structure through the heart of Burlingame is simply not acceptable.

Today's engineering plans revealed what some of us have criticized the authority of doing from day one. Not listening. They have not listened to our concerns and their assertion that our opinion counts has been disingenuous.

The options for Burlingame unveiled today suggest an arial structure through much of our city. The other option keeps on the table an open trench.

Disappointed but not surprised. t maybe time for the city of Burlingame, other Peninsula cities, The and The Peninsula Cities Consortium to  "lawyer up."

 
This Monday, the planning commission will discuss the fate
of a home located at 1540 Newlands Avenue. It was purchased several months ago
for over 2 million (there are two houses on a double lot.)

Some in the community, including myself, believe that this
home has some significance and shouldn’t be demolished.

To abide by state law, the home had to undergo a historic
survey to determine whether it had historical significance.

I have read the staff report that all commissioners will see
before Monday night’s hearing and the official report has determined that there
is no architectural nor cultural significance for listing on a National
registry or state list. Perhaps it could be listed locally, but Burlingame has
no such list, unlike many surrounding communities.

In the report, it states that this home was typical of the
homes built in the area during the 1920’s and 30’s.

That couldn’t be further from the truth. According to
documentation provided by the family that commissioned the building of the
home, the home’s cost was double that of a typical home in the neighborhood.

Drive by today and you will see that this house clearly
stands out from the surrounding homes in the area, which typically are
one-story bungalows. This home is not a craftsman bungalow, it would be
considered neo classical. There are no other homes near this one that compare.

The report also suggests that the architect that built the
house was influential and the man who lived in the house after it was built was
of local prominence. (Perhaps I will write more about that later).

To me, beyond the architectural and cultural significance,
this seems like a really nice house, (two of them actually). Why would anyone
want to tear them down? It seems a shame to me. 

Anyone agree? Disagree?

Planning Commission meeting begins at 7pm, City Hall Council Chambers, Monday, August 9th.

Below is a sketch of one of the houses proposed for this lot.