Keeping the Hillsdale Mall Development in check

Update 8/26

The City has determined that the proposed redevelopment should undergo a full, project-level Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The developer has formally challenged that decision, asking the City to instead use a more streamlined environmental review process that relies substantially on the environmental analysis already completed for San Mateo's 2040 General Plan. The public has until October 2, 2026 to submit comments for the City to consider before making its final determination.

Update 4/26

City of San Mateo Deems Most Recent Application Incomplete

The City of San Mateo has reviewed the most recent development plans submitted by the Hillsdale Mall developer (third cycle), and has determined that the application is still incomplete. The developer cannot move forward yet because they have not provided key required information--even after multiple rounds of review.

KEY DEFICIENCIES:

Basic Building Details (existing floor plans and detailed demolition plans)
Incomplete Project Clarity (infrastructure plans, use and densities)
Environmental and Infrastructure Concerns (incomplete technical studies)
Phasing Uncertainty (no phasing plan submitted)

NEXT STEPS/TIMELINE:

The developer has 120 days to fix issues or their application can be closed. The developer may also appeal within 14 days. However, even after acceptance, the City can still request more information.

KEY TAKEAWAY:

The project is not ready to move forward. The City is still asking for basic, required information, and there are ongoing concerns with completeness, clarity and impacts.

CheckPoint Hillsdale Concerns:

The Hillsdale Mall redevelopment project raises several important concerns about the future of this site and its impact on our community.

The project would demolish approximately 850,000 square feet of existing retail, and replace it with a dramatically reduced retail footprint--only about 143,000 square feet--while adding nearly 1.5 million square feet of office space.

While the proposal includes 1,385 housing units, the overall balance of uses continues to raise questions about whether this plan reflects the needs of the community.

Equally concerning are unresolved infrastructure issues:

Water and sewer demand will increase more than sevenfold
Uncertainty as to whether existing systems can support the project
Fire safety may depend on complex, yet-to-be determined on-site solutions

The developer is also requesting numerous waivers and concessions--primarily to increase building height and density--which would allow the project to move forward with fewer standard design and zoning requirements.

At this stage, it is critical that residents pay close attention and stay engaged. Decisions made now will shape not only the Hillsdale site, but the character, infrastructure and livability of surrounding neighborhoods for years to come.