Much Ado about Sierra Point

An email and/or flyer stating there is to be imminent development at Sierra Point is making its way around Brisbane and the surrounding communities. The email was put forth by Laurel Realty of San Francisco, wherein it asserts that Universal Paragon Corp. has “unveiled plans for a high-rise hotel and waterfront condominium resort on Brisbane’s Sierra Point.” At the time of this posting, an application has been filed with the City; however the application lacks sufficient information necessary to begin the evaluation process. If the application is indeed completed, the City will undertake an extensive public and environmental review process before the said project would be considered. Updates regarding this issue will be provided in subsequent posts.

**UPDATE on Caltrans Overhead Sign**
Caltrans responded to the City’s inquiries regarding the new overhead panel stating that the new panel only had enough room to accommodate the exit number and the Sierra Point Parkway message (thus “Brisbane” not making it on the new sign). They also stated that the current signing practice is to include the major street name for the exit, but not the city name. Caltrans has agreed to install a ground mounted sign with the message “Brisbane – Next Exit” which will be mounted in advance of the Sierra Point Parkway exit to identify Sierra Point Parkway as the appropriate exit for Brisbane.

Charting Project Alternatives at the Baylands

This Tuesday, Staff will be presenting to Council the process for which project alternatives will be developed, a key component of the environmental impact report (EIR) for the Baylands Specific Plan. This process will involve extensive public input by utilizing the following methods: public workshops, meeting with stakeholder groups, public open houses, and Planning Commission/City Council workshops. The following dates will also be proposed to Council for approval:

April 9, 2007: City Council/Planning Commission Kickoff Workshop
April 30, 2007: Community Issues and Visioning Workshop

Please plan on attending and getting involved in the process early on!


Also, the City is in contact with Caltrans regarding the new 101 Southbound sign that was installed without the City’s name indicated on it (as the previous one had...see also Proposed Exit Number 426) and hope to have this issue squared away before you can say, “What, just Sierra Point Parkway??”

Accident on Glen Parkway

Just before 9:00 am on Wednesday, Brisbane Police, Fire, and Public Works crews responded to a call where a concrete truck, heading to a private job, rolled back into the first driveway down from the intersection of Glen Parkway and Humboldt Rd. When the truck began skidding backwards, the driver of the truck jumped out and the truck landed in the first driveway on Glen Parkway. Fortunately, there were no injuries as a result of the accident, and only minor property damage was sustained. However with regard to safety being one of the most significant factors contributing to Brisbane’s prominent quality of life, the City through Public Works, Police, and other city departments, will be working towards ensuring the safety for all those who live, work, and pass through the City’s limits.

Coming Together

There is an old African proverb that says, “It takes an entire village to raise a child.” This sense of collaboration in the community has helped to maintain Brisbane’s small-town atmosphere. True community is about neighbors helping neighbors, and the City wants to ensure that this collaborative spirit is promoted…and sustained. Continuing with the update of the City’s General Plan, the “Parks, Recreation and Community Services” chapter will be discussed at this Monday’s Council meeting. Come and join in on the process!

Help Preserve San Bruno Mountain

Rare and Endangered Diablo Rock Rose, Helianthella castanea

Step out anywhere in Brisbane and you can't help but behold the picturesque landscape provided by San Bruno Mountain. That's exactly why San Bruno Mountain Watch is asking for volunteers to join them in an upcoming and ongoing event - weeding the mountain of non-native, invasive plants from the habitat on City-owned open space. The event will be taking place this Saturday, February 3rd (heavy rain will postpone the event until the following week). Meet at 12:45 pm at the San Bruno Mountain Watch office located at 44 Visitacion Ave., 2nd Floor. This will be an ongoing event, taking place monthly on the first Saturday of each month, at various locations on the Mountain. It's a great opportunity to get some exercise, see some great views, and lend a hand to preserve the native habitat on the Mountain. Sturdy shoes and gloves are recommended. For more information, contact Mtn. Watch at 467-6631 or Mary Gutekanst at 468-1548.

Events Scheduled to Sweep Through Brisbane…

The 64^th annual Monte Carlo Night will be coming to the Mission Blue Center tomorrow night, from 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Don’t miss out on the Las Vegas Strip coming exclusively to you! The Brisbane Parks & Recreation Department will be making sure the community enjoys an enchanting evening which will include a full beer and wine no-host bar, live music, and of course, plenty of scrumptious snacks throughout the evening. Hope to see you there!

Also, plan on attending this coming Monday’s meeting at the Community Center (7:30 pm) where the topic of discussion will be updating the Local Economic Development chapter of the City’s General Plan. Learn about your City’s Tax Base and General Fund Revenues, Employment Opportunities, Environment & Natural Resources, and which of these areas Staff recommends for Council to review as this second elective chapter of Brisbane’s General Plan is brought up-to-date.

Lastly, several guest speakers have committed to join the City during this time where updates to the General Plan are being made. We are excited to have them share with us their expertise regarding some highly relevant issues…of which include the 3 E’s of Sustainability – economics, environment, and social equity. You may want to mark your calendars for these dates…

2/13: Solo Presentation with John Crompton, Professor of Recreation Parks and Tourism Science, Texas A & M University

3/12: Panel discussion on alternative energy systems

Paul Fenn, Local Power
George Wagner, Vice-President, Wind Harvest

3/22: Panel discussion on the economics of development

John Murphy, Senior Resident Fellow, ULI
Michael Cohen, San Francisco Redevelopment Agency

Stay tuned for more on the Brisbane “University”
Speakers Forum.

General Plan Update to Kick Off at this Monday’s Council Meeting

For the next 3 months or so until the end of April, Staff will be meeting with the City Council on non-regular business Council Mondays. The purpose of these meetings will be to mainly receive direction from Council as chapters to the General Plan are brought up to date. Citizen involvement during this process is also strongly encouraged, with Monday’s (1/22) meeting focusing on “Community Character”, one of two elective chapters Brisbane’s General Plan is comprised of. Given the remarkable history of this City, its General Plan wouldn’t be complete without a section dedicated to the history of Brisbane, how the community sees and expresses itself, and how it wishes to be governed. With that, please plan on participating during this exciting time of Brisbane’s history as its General Plan is updated…and see how Brisbane’s independent spirit lives on.