San Mateo greenlights 128-unit housing project near downtown

"The height increase was made possible through a state law that gives developers the ability to build taller and denser than local zoning typically allows, in exchange for setting aside a portion of units as affordable housing. San Mateo County remains one of the most unaffordable places to live in the country, with a low-income threshold of $109,000."

"Because the project sits within a quarter-mile of the downtown San Mateo Caltrain Station, the developer was able to bypass minimum parking requirements under state law, though the building will still include 73 off-street stalls and 140 bicycle parking spaces."

"I feel like this project while it may seem large depending on the beholder is in a somewhat confined space and is using its footprint for an impressive number of residential units. I also appreciate what is being brought to the downtown area."

San Mateo's City Council unanimously approved Gateway, a new housing project at 668 E. 3rd Ave. that will add 128 rental units to the downtown area. The eight-story building exceeds typical zoning height limits by two stories, made possible through California state law allowing increased density in exchange for affordable housing. The project includes 20 affordable units among 89 one-bedroom, 33 two-bedroom, five three-bedroom apartments, and one studio. Located within a quarter-mile of the downtown Caltrain Station, the development bypasses minimum parking requirements but provides 73 parking spaces and 140 bicycle spaces. Developed by Prometheus Real Estate Group, the project replaces a one-story commercial building and addresses San Mateo's state-mandated requirement to approve 7,000 new housing units by 2031.

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