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Politics & Government

Council Approves Oyster Point Project

Council signs off on a series of approvals for the 82-acre research and development center.

After a late night meeting, the South San Francisco City Council on Wednesday approved a series of documents and agreements related to the Oyster Point Redevelopment Project.

The actions set the stage for a new office, research and development campus specializing in life sciences on about 82 acres adjacent to the Oyster Point Marina. The total square footage of the buildings could reach 2.2 million.

“Its not everyday that you have a project of this magnitude that has the potential to create up to 6,000 jobs and really solidify our position as the biotech hub,” said Mayor Kevin Mullin.

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The council approved a general and redevelopment plan amendment, disposition and development agreement, specific plan and environmental impact report, among other items.

The developer is Oyster Point Ventures, LLC, which is a partnership between Shorenstein Properties and SKS Investments, LLC, according to city documents. The developer plans to integrate its project with city-owned property at Oyster Point Marina and the proposed ferry terminal.

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As part of the agreement, the city will give up nearly 18 acres of land at Oyster Point in exchange for $4.5 million and assigned dock leases.

The project will be completed in several phases and the development agreement stipulates that the developer will make a variety of public improvements, including constructing its portion of the Bay Trail and repairing the cap covering the Oyster Point Landfill.

Phase IC improvement costs will be split between the developer and Redevelopment Agency, with the developer paying $17.2 million and agency paying $18.4 million, respectively.

The council recently for public improvements associated with the Oyster Point project on March 2 to thwart Gov. Jerry Brown’s potential plan to collect redevelopment agency funds.

School Workers Say ‘No’ to Pot Club

About 30 South San Francisco Unified School District employees attended the meeting to oppose the council’s plan to allow a to operate in the city.

Jolene Malfatti, president of California School Employees Association’s South San Francisco chapter, said during public comment the city is sending a mixed message to students who are expelled for possessing pot.

“I see what [marijuana] does to the kids,” Malfatti said after the meeting. “Why send another message that pot’s OK?”

Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief

Frank McAuley, president South San Francisco’s Sister City Commission, reported on his recent trip to Kishiwada, Japan, which he said was not directly affected by the 9.0 earthquake and tsunami.

The commission has agreed to send Kishiwada $2,000 for disaster relief and is accepting donations, McAuley said.

The Elks Lodge is hosting a breakfast buffet this Saturday to benefit earthquake and tsunami victims. The event is from 8am to noon at the Elks Lodge, 920 Stonegate Drive.

After laying out the latest statistics on the quake’s damage, Ken Anderson, BLS supervisor for the fire department, made a presentation on disaster preparedness, including preparing a family disaster plan and supply kit.

Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center

The city council agreed to enter into an agreement with the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center to work with the Community Coalition for Safe Neighborhoods on a strategic planning process.

The city will put more than $35,000 in seed money to the effort while Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center tries to secure funding from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

The money comes from in response to a streak of shootings in Old Town, including a shooting where three were killed in December. 

The Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center helped coordinate a similar community violence reduction strategy around the 700 block of North Amphlett Boulevard in San Mateo.

High-Speed Rail Group

The council also agreed to join other Peninsula cities in the , an effort to form a united front to represent local interests regarding high speed rail on the Peninsula.

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