San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The San Mateo, California city council voted to oppose a proposed freeway expansion project that councilmembers say would “[take] parks away from children and homes away from senior citizens...to expand highways,” reports Roger Rudick for Streetblog San Francisco. The project would build a flyover on the 101 freeway to connect to the 92 in the city of San Mateo.

The vote came after a public meeting where 150 people attended, all in opposition to the project. The council also received 7,500 opposition letters from community members.

According to one community member, “This proposal could cost $300 million plus, worsen congestion and pollution on San Mateo streets, and require the taking via eminent domain of 30+ resident properties and/or public parks.” San Mateo PLanning Commissioner Seema Patel encouraged Caltrans and other involved agencies to redirect funds to public transit.

Rudick adds, “Mayor of San Mateo Robert Newsom and Councilmember Cwirko-Godycki will begin drafting a letter opposing the 92/101 widening project. The city will presumably endorse the letter at the next meeting.”