Responsible Growth

By Russ Cohen

Development can, will and should be in Burlingame's future.

In any town, small or large, rural or urban-growth is inevitable. Single use, older buildings sometimes make way for newer multi-use structures, a once light industrial zone may change to one that allows work/live spaces. Adaptive reuse of older buildings is another way towns can grow without painful side effects.

As an ardent local history buff, and as President of The Burlingame Historical Society, I have developed a passion for older structures. However, I believe that some old buildings outlive their original purposes.

Adaptive Reuse is a process that adapts buildings for new uses while retaining their historic features.

I am happy to report that lately, we are seeing some extraordinary examples of such projects in our downtown centers. The Broadway Grill restaurant inside an old Bank of America, a restaurant inside the old Broadway Train Depot on California Drive, Sam's Sandwiches inside the old Greyhound Bus Depot on Howard Avenue, Steelhead Brewery inside an old car repair garage on California Drive, a car dealer inside an old bus factory along Carolan Avenue, are just a few.

But we can and should do much more to encourage developers to pursue these types of projects whenever possible. Projects like these reduce our landfill, cut down on sprawl and add tremendously to the ambiance and unique charm of our city. We need to help facilitate these projects because they are ultimately beneficial, not only to the owners and operators of businesses, but also to the residents and visitors who like the look and feel of this town.

The downtown Burlingame Specific Area Plan will explore this practice and will also survey the inventory of historic buildings in our downtown area in determining the future of development downtown. I will do all I can do to assure that adaptive reuse becomes a growing source of pride and prosperity.

The key to growth in Burlingame is simple. It must be done with cautious deliberation. We must consider how our town evolved in the past and what it looks and feels like today. Ideally, new development should give back to the community and add to its vitality. Good planning principles should be of primary concern. Burlingame is, quite frankly, the gem of the Peninsula because of our respect for history. Our town was designed on the idea that has become a popular rallying cry for many of today's politicians. Known as "smart growth", this principle encourages development surrounding transportation hubs. Burlingame recognized the value of that notion even before it was incorporated in 1908.

Our town grew up around the historic Burlingame Train Station and has been thriving for almost a century. I'd like to keep it that way.

It is the balance of walkable streets, architecturally eclectic single family homes, light industrial, hotel, parks and commercial areas that make us all love living here.